Are you a veteran trying to get an independent medical opinion? In this article, you will learn what an independent medical opinion is and how you can look for one to support your case.
If you are a veteran seeking medical compensation, chances are that you must have heard about the Compensation and Pension Examination (C&P). As a veteran, you are entitled to benefits for your service. If you suffer from any kind of disability during your service years, then you are entitled to compensation. However, getting compensation is not an easy task .
Service-Related Compensation
Normally, Veteran Administration looks over all the tasks regarding your compensation. Veteran Administration, also called VA performs a special examination known as C&P Examination to determine if you are a good fit for any compensation rating intake. Usually, what it does is analyze your medical history as well as look over your healthcare documents and see if the injuries or disability rose from the service years. If it occurred due to service, then you are eligible for compensation. It can be either full compensation, or it can be partial support from the administration. Still, where does independent medical opinion come into play?
Role of Independent Medical Opinion in Compensation
Sometimes, VA can provide the healthcare evaluation that you seek. Quite likely, your medical records might have some unanswered questions. For example, if you have a spine injury that might have originated from the service years, there are degrees of compensation that you are entitled to. However, if your records are missing, then VA cannot provide you with the required compensation.
In such a scenario, you are given the option to seek an independent medical opinion. Remember that IMO (Independent Medical Opinion) is not an obligation. It always acts as evidence. You are simply required to go to a healthcare professional and get an independent medical opinion, so to speak, on your condition. In your case, if you have an injury in the spine, then you will go to a spine specialist and ask for IMO. This IMO will greatly help your compensation case.
It is important that you collaborate with your specialist and inform them of everything regarding your compensation. You should also get a proper medical document. It will support you as a piece of evidence.
Can You Disagree with IMO?
Yes! You can absolutely disagree with IMO. You are given 60 days to respond to the evidence. You will then have to work with your representative and help redo the evaluation or simply find another specialist. Often, the disagreements are because the specialist might not have paid attention to your case or might not be aware of your medical history.
