IMO; Dr. Ellis IME

[broncovet]

Vets often ask, "Where can I get an IMO to get a nexus?"   

Recall that a Nexus is a key element in the Required Caluza elements of current diagnosis, in service event, and nexus. 

While I have not personally used Dr. Ellis, at least one Veteran has.  However, $500 for an IMO is great.  But, an IME (Independent Medical Exam) would be even better.  

I have heard of at least one doctor who charges up to $10,000 for an IMO.  I think Dr. Bash quoted me $5000.  At that time, Dr. Bash would do the exam without cash up front, then you paid him out of retro.  Im not sure he does that any more.  

Dr. Ellis apparently requires payment up front, but at least its not $5000 up front!

If I had need of a nexus, I would likely hire Dr. Ellis.  I listened to his video and IM convinced he is for the Veteran and knows what he is doing.  

Quote

You should throw in Dr. Ellis at the Ellis clinic (OKC).  Very affordable.  Worth a trip.  Got me to 100% P&T.

https://ellisclinic.com/va.html

According to his website, you can use Mastercard/Visa/American Express.

For me, being able to put it on a credit card was a great idea.  Why?  Well I was certain an IMO would get me many times that back in retro.  

I actually did the same thing..put my IMO on a credit card, then paid it back when I got the retro.  My IMO was for a voc rehab specialist, and I also paid 500, and it was well worth it.  

If you do not have a nexus, you need an IMO or IME, like Dr. Ellis to win it.  

Source:  Etrain's post on hadit.  Thanks, Etrain.  

NOTE:  Hiring Dr. Ellis would mean you would need to travel to Oklahoma City, as its an Independent EXAM, as opposed to an Independent OPINION.  My opinion is that an EXAM is better.  An IMO is only as good as the current medical records, but an EXAM, the doc can also add his opinions based on him personally examining you.  

Example:  You applied for benefits, but were denied, and you figured out you dont have a nexus.  Well, you didnt get treated for your arthritis, until 2021, but you have been suffering from it, since 2007.  You can Tell Dr. Ellis your symptoms and how it affects your work, since 2007.  Dr. Ellis "could" indicate, in his opinion, your symptoms began in 2007, for example, if he looked at an xray or other medical tests which showed degenerative arthritis.  This could result in retro.  back to 2007.  If you got an IMO, from a doc who has never examined you, then that may not work as well.  

 

Edited December 21, 2021 by broncovet

[Rivet62]

On 1/11/2022 at 1:02 AM, Mr cue said:

If you need a voc rehab opinion why not just sign up for ch31 it a free opinion.

The va use all this to granted 8 years tdiu retro in my case.

I looked up the Voc Rehab opinion under Ch31 and I found this:

"Basic period of eligibility There is a 12-year basic period of eligibility for VR&E services. The period begins on the latter of the following dates: • Date of separation from active duty • Date you were first notified of a service-connected disability rating"

This is a PDF found here: https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/Ch31FactSheet.pdf

However, further down the page it says "entitlement" for service connected disabled veterans at 20% or more.

I'll call the VR&E office to see what they suggest, since I am looking for an opinion only and not wanting to pursue re-training.

[Rivet62]

On 12/21/2021 at 6:42 AM, broncovet said:

Example:  You applied for benefits, but were denied, and you figured out you dont have a nexus.  Well, you didnt get treated for your arthritis, until 2021, but you have been suffering from it, since 2007.  You can Tell Dr. Ellis your symptoms and how it affects your work, since 2007.  Dr. Ellis "could" indicate, in his opinion, your symptoms began in 2007, for example, if he looked at an xray or other medical tests which showed degenerative arthritis.  This could result in retro.  back to 2007.  If you got an IMO, from a doc who has never examined you, then that may not work as well.  

This may be just what I need for service connect on my degenerative arthritis, which was denied in both my initial claim and SOC. It's an option.

[63Charlie]

The VARO, and then the BVA refused to weigh favorable medical evidence of Dr. Ellis' nexus opinions for service connection that I submitted.

They didn't even mention those favorable nexus opinions in their denial of service connection decisions.

CAVC found this to be an error and remanded my appeals back to the BVA for correction.

 

Not sure how long I'll have to wait for the correction of errors.

If I'd to do it over, I would use Dr. Ellis again.

 

I really wish that the good doctor didn't feel the need to preach to me while conducting his IME.

I don't like being preached to about faith related matters when I see a doctor.

 

I feel the BVA didn't weigh favorable Dr. Ellis' opinions due to bias.

They know who he is and consider his IMO/IME as "pay to play" , unfortunately.

 

Of course, this is in violation of the CFRs, but the VA does this most of the time, in my opinion.

 

Edited March 2, 2022 by 63Charlie

[Berta]

Was someone here considering an IMO/IME from a " prestige" IMO firm recently-or one with Professional in their name?

I cant find that post- we have to be very careful who we hire for IMO/IMEs.

[Riplip]

Berta, that was me. Since nobody on here has used them I am not going to as well. Exactly why I asked. 

[Berta]

OH- didnt know who- I just found them:

https://www.prestigeworldwidemctx.com/meet-the-team

Lots of vets on the team but I saw no doctors listed....I guess they farm out for IMO/IMEs.

They certainly might be legit- but their web site has so little info, that I dont think they have had much experience.

Yes, good- there are many of us here who have obtained excellent IMO/IMEs.

I FTCAed VA without one for my wrongful death claim, and I didnt have a lawyer-

but I sure spent thousands on my AO DMII death claim. It was well worth the investment! And it gave my dead husband true Peace with Honor. Direct SC death.

There was no Peace with Honor knowing the VA killed him.

 

Edited March 3, 2022 by Berta