(cell phone 301-651-6392)

To: All veterans

Date: Dec 2014

From:

Topic: How to speed up VA claims

Independent Veteran Medical Opinion (IMO)
Veteran Medical Nexus Opinion (VMNO)
based on Veterans medical records

Craig N. Bash, M.D.

Neuro-Radiologist
www.veteransmedadvisor.com

drbash@doctor.com

Pages: 1

NPI or UPIN-1225123318- lic #--D43471

4938 Hampden lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 767-9525 Fax: (301) 365-2589
E-Mail: drbash@doctor.com

Update on How to speed up claims processing

An an age-old problem for the VA is how to process claims more quickly especially in light of the large influx
of claims post War and when new presumptive medical problems are added to the list. Post war claims are
always high due to the traumas of combat and when new issues are made presumptive the entire VA claim
population may re-apply. The following is an example of a way to improve the claims process as is
documented in his VA decision.
Claim has been pending for years
15 July 2014 Dr. Bash evaluation - Independent Veteran Medical Opinion (IMO)
20 July 2014 patient attaches Dr. Bash opinion to congressman.
25 July 2014 congressman writes a letter to the VA asking for a response on the pending issues.
1 Aug 2014 VA does the following DBQs:
Spine.
PTSD
Stoke
Hypertension
Bowel
Then in Oct they redo the following DBQ issues
PSTD
Stroke
Then the claim was rated Nov 2014.

Recommendation: If you have good medical opinions (Independent Veteran Medical Opinion = IMO) and
have been waiting an excessive amount of time send your congressman a concise medical opinion and ask
them to ask the VA to decide the claim in two weeks as the record is fully developed.
Craig Bash M.D. Associate Professor

drbash@doctor.com cell 240-506-1556

Independent Veteran Medical Opinion (IMO)- Veteran Medical Nexus Opinion (VMNO) based on
Veterans medical records