Is a NP ok for IMO?

[ronnieusmc0311]

I am very confused. I have a NP as a PCP. I also see a NP most of the time when I can't see my Spine DR. I am having my Spine NP write an IMO because the DR refuses. I was told by a DAV rep that I should not have a NP write the letter even though she is experienced with nerve and spinal conditions. He said the VA will give it as much weight as if I wrote it... Any ideas?

[brokensoldier244th]

An NP can be overruled by another doctor, but an NP is way above a Nurse or a PA, and is only not a doctor due to number of clinical hours on rotation. If you can get them to write a nexus and they note that they are familiar with your medical file and military history, yes, they can. My GP wrote one for me about 15 yrs ago due to her familiarity with my VA records, because I shared them with her, along with my transitioning record when I left service with my LOD and Meb/Peb. They aren't as strong as a specialist but if thats all you have go for it. 

[Buck52]

Well my opinion would be if you can get a specialist to give his/her medical opinion would be more likely they use a specialist  than  N.P.

if the N.P. is certified in a specialty  make sure they use their correct medical credentials.

Sometimes this NP is all we got to use  but until your denied for this reason   then next time go with a MD or specialist 

[GBArmy]

I would go along with Broken and Buck. If she has been your treating physician she is familiar with your medical history. If she give good medical justification, lists her credentials and work history, etc., sure go for it ex. she has worked in this specialty clinic "x" years and based on my experience and background... Give her some guidance, if necessary, as to what to include, "more likely than not" wording, etc. If it doesn't work, you can always get a specialist IMO and appeal. What would really be a strong case though, would be if you got a specialist to write an IMO and you have both as evidence. That would be very effective IMHO. Of course the specialist is going to cost you some money. You may even get a recommendation from her as to who is a veteran-friendly doc to hit up.

[El Train]

I've had a VA NP over rule my MD's IME for a few claims.  So go for it.

[stumpy579]

If the VA sends you to a C&P exam a NP may very well perform it. VA will treat said NP's opinion as though it was written by The Surgeon General himself. If you present the VA with an opinion from a NP that favors your claim they will write it off as being almost as unqualified as your own opinion. VA routinely uses such a double standard. Get an IMO from a spine specialist if you can afford it and spare yourself the grief. The RO's will often take the unqualified VA NP or PA over the specialist but the judges at BVA won't.

 

[kanewnut]

On 5/29/2020 at 12:39 PM, brokensoldier244th said:

is only not a doctor due to number of clinical hours on rotation.

I was curious about this and so I read up on it it. I must say from what I read I have to disagree with you. It appears if you wish to go from NP to doctor you still have to go through medical school.