Hello Folks,

Would the so called "Progressive Notes" from the doctors have the same weight and relevance as an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO), assuming that an IMO is simply a document whereon a doctor states that in his/her opinion is such and such.

On another subject, I am trying to file an informal claim for another condition via IRIS (VA web inquire system). I heard that it could even be done via email, since IRIS has more security feature and is an audited and controlled service I figured out that it would be safer and more effective to inform the VA about the informal claim via IRIS. I asked them to confirm the receiving and processing of my informal claim. I am assuming that once I file the real and proper claim if there is any award the awarding date will count from the date the informal claim was received; is that rational correct?

Thanks in advance,
tk3000

Not sure about the progressive notes, but they should carry weight if they use the appropriate medical buzz words that the VA looks for and uses. As far as IRIS and a claim goes, I always read IRIS claims to be for initial filings. I believe once you are in the system, which you are showing 40% in your profile, you have to file paperwork through your VARO. I would submit it as soon as possible to get the effective date started.

Not an expert, but I believe I am correct on this.

s/Mags

Hello tk3000,

Your physician will present their IMO in a "progress report." Every time you go to a doctor's appointment, when you see a doctor writing,,, they are writing "progress notes."

So, whatever the physicians opinion (IMO) will be written in a "progress note."


Hope this helps,

Tayo

My family doctor's treatment notes/progress reports (whichever you want to call them) were quoted extensively in my last two Decisions.

In my case, I got a formal Psychological Evaluation for my IMO which was also quoted in my Decision. The doc did that on his letterhead and not in a progress note/treatment report format but I agree with Tayo that your doc's IMO could be written within your medical record treatment report/progress notes and still be quoted in your Decision.

Just beware - in my experience, the VA has a bad habit of quoting positive treatment notes while ignoring negative ones that would be more helpful to your claim. They report when you were feeling better but ignore the day you went to the doc in bad shape because the "good" day supports their lowball rating.

TS Snave

Bro,

Your best bet is to always have your own private IMO's from a specialist in the field.
Using VA language, stating the facts, that they reviewed your medical and military records/documents, along with all your civilian treatment records and that their opinion is based on this or that reasoning.

It's also a good idea, to have the doctor list his/her area of expertise and how many years they've been practicing in that field(s).

This way, their credibility is established and can be deemed as factual and knowledgeable due to education, and or clinic, as well as years in field of question experiences.

An IMO is an investment. Hoping that the rater will see and or pay attention to progess notes, is a long shot gamble.

Are you willing to risk having your claim denied, cause you didn't do everything in your powers to help provide the documentation and evidence, to prove your claim??

That answer is probably a definite no, correct? So, experience and knowing how the VA system is, I'll tell you, get yourself a doctor and request the IMO.

Just my humble opinion.

Hope it helps.

Whoop

Mags1023, the progressive notes as you stated have to carry some weight depending as they are written and on what they say (otherwise it could even be counterproductive). But as WhoopAssSmitty pointed out the IMO should be more effective and more compelling especially if we consider the fact that the raters as whole have no education or knowledge in medicine.

Whoop, thanks a lot for your insights. I will always try to obtain IMOs whenever I can

Tayo, yeah you are right it is "progress report" or "progress notes", not progressive notes. From now on I always request the "progress report" and other documents from Medical Records and I highlight the main points so that the rater can hopefully see them.

TS Snave, thanks for the information; I will attach all the medical reports to my claim as well. I also have a pending Psychological claim that I should open soon (secondary to my chronic leg pain condition which also creates difficulties of mobility, etc).

tk3000