Veterans Medical Advisor, Inc

Review: In June 2013, the [redacted], Minnesota Veterans Affairs denied my service-connected right shoulder disability claim for a torn rotator cuff.

I began researching for a medical professional to assist me; this professional could help me by providing an independent medical evaluation and render a professional medical opinion relative to active duty service-connected right shoulder disability claim.

After completing my research I selected Dr. [redacted], a neuroradiologist apparently residing in Maryland. I collected all my documentation ~ made a perfect copy of 160 documents which did include my active duty and reserve military health records, civilian medical advanced MRI imagery diagnostics, my surgeon’s evaluation notes, and the Veterans Affairs documentation as well.

The information I submitted was extremely well organized and within a medical binder. I attached a fine “letter of introduction” which outlined my patient information and a complete “table of content” by section.

I also enclosed $350.00 dollars in the form of checks, as a good faith payment. The money enclosed was an effort to demonstrate my need and urgency to get this done. I knew that Dr. [redacted]’s professional service was not free. I also knew that after his review he’d make contact and inform me of the exact cost / balance due before he’d complete the writing of his medical opinion. I also knew I would not get the documentation returned to me.

On July 15, 2013 I sent via “certified mail” the medical binder and funds to Dr. [redacted]’s Maryland address. On August 2, 2013 the certified mail was returned to me undeliverable. That same day I called ###-###-#### and left a message for Dr. [redacted] referencing the returned mail. Result, on August 3, 2013 at 10:00 am Dr. [redacted] returned my call and provided a [redacted], Californian address. On August 6, 2013 I sent via UPS Store in [redacted], Minnesota my medical binder and funds.

The [redacted], CA UPS package was shipped “overnight” delivery costing $84.00 dollars; confirmed front door delivery August 7, 2013. On August 9, 2013 the enclosed checks #[redacted] and #[redacted] were submitted for deposit into a “[redacted]” account. Result, since August 3, 2013 Dr. [redacted] has not made personal contact with me, but the checks were deposited.

On October 24 and 26, 2013 I called Dr. [redacted] at ###-###-#### and again introduced myself and inquired what I must do or what I could do to help facilitate getting my medical opinion completed because I knew the Veterans Affairs Medical Board would be sending me a letter requesting additional information soon. Result, Dr. [redacted] did not return my phone calls.

On November 8, 2013 I called Dr. [redacted] again inquiring about the status of the medical opinion and informed Dr. [redacted] that I did get the VA letter requesting additional information in the next 30 days, and I did stressed the urgency again. Result, Dr. [redacted] did not return my phone call.

I sent a second package to Dr. [redacted] on November 12, 2013 via USP Store and delivery to front door confirmed November 14, 2013 at 3:18pm. Result, I have not heard back from Dr. [redacted], regardless of the primary enclosure was outlined in Bold Red indicating urgency.

I wrote six (6) e-mails to Dr. [redacted]’s; result, I did receive mirrored “automatic” e-mail reply messages, but there has been NO follow-up telephone call or opinion letter about my case with an outline of fees due, nor has there been any e-mail traffic aside from “auto e-mail” replies.

The e-mail traffic lineage is outlined below:

July 30, 2013 with Subject “New Patient Consult Request” with attachments

August 7, 2013 with Subject “New Patient Consult Request” with attachments

September 3, 2013 with Subject “New patient Consult Request” with attachments

October 8, 2013 with Subject “[redacted] with attachments

October 18, 2013 with Subject “Urgent” [redacted].” with attachments

November 10, 2013 with Subject “I Need Your Help” with attachmentsDesired Settlement: I request Dr. [redacted]’s independent medical review i.e. professional medical opinions resulting in "more likely than not" medical conclusions focusing on several claimed active duty service-connected injuries which have been denied by the Veterans Affairs Medical Board. I have submitted to Dr. [redacted] all the medical documentation / evidence including radiographic and MRI imagery report. Not submitted to Dr. [redacted] are the actual physical Radiographic and MRI images.

I request Dr. [redacted]’s independent medical review i.e. professional medical opinions resulting in "more likely than not" medical conclusions focusing on several claimed active duty service-connected injuries which have been denied by the Veterans Affairs Medical Board ~ and if "not more likely than not," I do need his medical opinion for each of the claims regardless. The claims are outlined below:

1]. Primary claim right shoulder =” torn right shoulder rotator cuff”

2]. Primary claim right shoulder = “right shoulder traumatic and premature acromioclavicular and glenohumeral degenerative osteoarthritis”

3]. Informal claim left shoulder collateral injury = “left shoulder superior labrum tear ~ rotator cuff impingement and tendinosis”

4]. Informal claim left shoulder collateral injury = “left shoulder traumatic premature acromioclavicular degenerative osteoarthritis”

5]. Informal claim Left Stifle collateral traumatic injury = “complex multiplanar medial meniscus tear with mild chondromalacia patella”

Dr. [redacted], as I have written him and spoke to him while leaving several voice mail messages; state that I have great respect and I do sincerely appreciate his military service and the time he devoted to veterans.

I have gone out of my way not be a pest, but quietly attempted to contact him to inquire about the status of my case, knowing the VA Medical Board would soon to be requesting additional data from me. The VA has now required from me additional evidence within 30 days, and I have nothing to submit. The most recent VA letter I received is dated November 4, 2013. As a result of this dated letter, my 30 days to submit is on or about December 3, 2013.