I am filing a secondary claim (I already have a diagnosis)

My Honest Recommendation?

Start with the free VA option. You'll need to file your disability claim with the VA either way.

If you receive a denial or an inaccurate rating through the free route, that's when my services become most valuable. We can complete an IME and/or Nexus Letter at that point - when you know you need it.

However, some veterans choose to include a Nexus Letter with their original claim for these reasons:

• The VA might approve your claim without requiring an additional C&P exam
• If they still require a C&P exam, your documentation helps ensure all your symptoms are properly identified
• Your documentation can help streamline the exam process

If you've already been officially diagnosed, you don't need to do an IME to get Service Connected, but it may be helpful in determining the rating percentage.

What makes my evaluations different is my ability to identify symptoms you might not recognize or that other examiners often miss. I understand both military culture and how mental health symptoms can be misinterpreted or downplayed.

My Process:

1. Medical Literature Review - I would begin with a Medical Literature Review to confirm that there is a reasonable medical connection between your mental disorder and your SC disability.
2. Records Review - I would complete a Records Review to gather evidence for your claim.
3. Nexus Letter - If there is sufficient evidence of a nexus to your SC disability, I would write a nexus letter to support your claim.
4. Independent Medical Examination (IME) - (Optional) If you've already been officially diagnosed, you don't need an IME to get Service Connected, but it may be helpful in determining the rating percentage.