I am filing my first (primary) claim

My Honest Recommendation?

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

You can file your claim without having been officially diagnosed - the VA will provide a free medical examination to assess your symptoms. 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.

That said, there are strategic reasons why some veterans choose to include an IME and/or Nexus Letter with their original claim:

• 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

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. Independent Medical Examination (IME) - (Optional) I can provide an IME to include with your original claim, though you can file without being officially diagnosed first.
2. Nexus Letter - (Optional) I can provide a Nexus Letter to include with your original claim to help establish service connection.