IMOs, IMEs, NEXUS, Caluza, DBQs which one, all or none?

[MostDaysIhavenoidea]

So I have always just assumed that you find an Independent medical examiner to perform an Independent Medical Exam that renders his Independent Medical Opinion to provider a NEXUS letter; the Nexus letter being the 1.) inciting event on active duty, 2.) official diagnosis of condition and 3.) the Medical Rational/pathology linking 1 to 2 "more likely than not" . 

The Caluza elements is a brand new term completely but upon my very basic understanding of these elements....are they not the same 3 elements of a nexus letter?

Also while reading through some of the post it kinda seems like maybe IMEs, IMOs, and Nexus reports are not all the same and so now am pretty sure I'm confused. What are the differences and what holds more value in obtaining for a successful claim?

Also, is there any value in having both a Nexus letter and a DBQ performed by independent medical examiners? If a nexus letter cost $500 and a DBQ cost $500 and you only have $500..... which one would you buy or would you borrow anther $500 from a friend to get both?

[GBArmy]

MostdaysIhavenpidea We need the Caliza elements for a successful claim. IMO is an "opinion"; IME is an actual physical exam which also includes the opinion. A nexus simply means a connection or link between the event in service and the current diagnosis for disability. You do not usually need a nexus or IMO if you already have a current diagnosis, or if you are going for a rating increase of an already granted disability.  But they are used to evaluate and document the affect of your symptoms as they relate to the severity of your disability. In theory, if you provide a fully compliant dbq, you should not need a C&P exam done by the VA. That's the theory. But usually you have to go to a C&P because what you provide with your claim is not adequate to develop the claim.

[broncovet]

You are close.  Caluza vs Brown was a  CAVC (Court of Veterans Claims) (which also went to federal circuit) case which established it takes all 3 of these to establish Service connection. 

1.  Current diagnosis. 

2.  In service event or aggravation.

3.  Nexus, or doctor statement that your condition is at least as likely as not due to an in service event, or that your current condition was aggravated by an in service event.  

Caluza vs Brown is often cited by other Veterans law cases establishing facts, above.  

     Currently if you get the Caluza elements, you get SC.  DBQ's may be helpfull in establishing SC, or in documenting symptoms.  

 VA has an order of things:

1.  First, establish (or deny) SC.  If not SC, its not neccessary to contunue further steps. 

2.  Determine disability percentage based on symptoms.  

3.  Establish effective date.  

      IMO's, or IME's are needed only when there is no current diagnosis or the nexus is insufficient or lacking.  

Edited July 15, 2021 by broncovet