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LHI

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ShrekTheTank

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ShrekTheTank Explorer

ShrekTheTank

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So I got a letter from LHI today about my HLR sleep apnea.  They are giving me an IMO of a doctor to review all of my military records and VA records and give their opinion about my sleep apnea.  I have never seen this before.  I thought they only did C&P exams to cover their ass about doing an exam to some degree.

Anyway has anyone had one of these?  Can they be favorable?  

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paulstrgn
paulstrgn

In my case the VA have a NP with the VA do my IMO for OSA. Is this your first IMO from the VA (whether by contrator or VA) for OSA? They only did one on me before they denied me. It took an IMO plus a

GBArmy
GBArmy

Shrek I'd go along with Bronc; get the written opinion and go from there. But, LHI is a VA contractor. I would be really surprised if you did get a favorable opinion. So,you need to get an IMO from a

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broncovet Grand Master

broncovet

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What is "LHI"?  

My advice is to, of course, read the IMO when you get it.  Then, if the IMO is favorable, you dont have to do anything.  If the IMO is unfavorable, you will need to refute it with a favorable IMO.  

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paulstrgn Mentor

paulstrgn

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In my case the VA have a NP with the VA do my IMO for OSA. Is this your first IMO from the VA (whether by contrator or VA) for OSA? They only did one on me before they denied me. It took an IMO plus a DBQ (DBQ was free by my sleep doctor) and then it was not approved until it went to the BVA.

Hopefully LHI gives you a favorable IMO.

Good luck Shrek!

I am not an attorney or an a credited VA rep. These are my personal opinions and experiences, always remember what worked for me may not work for you.

You as the veteran are your own best advocate and no one knows your disabilities better than you. It is highly recommended that you as the veteran research and verify that any opinion given meets your specific situation.

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broncovet Grand Master

broncovet

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Not to get "picky" but "a contractor who works for Va" can  NOT render an "independent medical opinion".  Instead, they represent VA's interests.   If you want an "independent" medical opinion, you need to pick out the provider (not VA) and pay for that opinion.  Only then can you get an "independent" opinion that is free from representing VA's interests.  

Of course, this said, sometimes you can get a favorable opinion from a VA contractor or even a VA employee.  In my case, my best evidence is from a VA doc who I have a great rapport with.  Not all the docs are that "Veteran friendly" tho, as they are more interested in "protecting their own paycheck/job".  

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GBArmy Grand Master

GBArmy

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Shrek I'd go along with Bronc; get the written opinion and go from there. But, LHI is a VA contractor. I would be really surprised if you did get a favorable opinion. So,you need to get an IMO from a doc and I don't remember if you had the sleep study done yet. If you get approval, it is a50% rating which will help you either scheduler or maybe later for SMC's if you ever were to need it. Defenately something to go after.You are also going to get the run around on getting a copy before 30 days. I'd do some quoting on getting both, if you need both, so you can pull the trigger if you need to get your own IMO in before your claim is denied.

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