INDEPENDENT MEDICAL OPINION NEXUS LETTER (Requires records review)

This option presents both new and additional evidence that the VA did not consider prior to their negative determination.

All of the provided information will be relevant and offer a medical foundation for establishing a connection between military service and your condition.

Within 7 days our Board Certified Doctor of Audiology will complete a written statement that will provide evidence of your diagnosed disability, and provide the nexus documenting that your condition is related to your military service.

Why you may benefit from an Independent Medical Opinion 

The Veterans Disabil­ity Benefits Commission had the Institute of Medicine review their procedures and recommend improvements in the medical evaluation and rating of veterans for compensating for illnesses and injuries related to military service.

The findings noted inadequacies in the qualifications of the raters employed by the VA.  Their report documented, “Few raters have medical backgrounds. They are required to review and assess medical evidence provided by treating physicians and VHA examin­ing physicians and determine percentage of disability, but VBA does not have medical consultants or advisers to support the raters. Medical advisers would also improve the process of deciding what medical examinations and tests are needed to sufficiently prepare a case for rating.”

In other words, the person rating you may not have understood the evidence from the examiner's report.  The rater has no one to turn to for medical advice. I feel very strongly that the Decision Letter you received from the VA, which denied your claim, should not be taken as the final word.  As a doctor of audiology, I can review your exam and records, thus ensuring the rater made a fair and accurate decision.