Medical Evidence Has to Answer the Right Question
The original handout stresses that a VA claim can run into trouble when the record does not clearly document the condition, the service history, or the medical relationship between the two. It also urges veterans to use accredited assistance rather than navigate a complicated administrative system alone.
Incomplete Medical Story
The medical record may not clearly explain what happened in service, what condition exists now, and how the two are medically related.
No Service-Era Medical Record
The handout notes that a missing military treatment record does not necessarily end the inquiry. A physician can still document the history and provide a current medical opinion based on the available evidence.
Get Accredited Assistance
The handout specifically recommends finding an accredited Veterans Service Officer, attorney, or claims agent through VA resources.
For information on Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
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It Explains the Medical Relationship
For Ellis Clinic, the core medical question is causation: whether the current diagnosed condition is medically connected to military service, was aggravated by service, or is consequentially related to another service-connected condition. The Nexus report becomes part of the medical evidence submitted in support of that claim.
Ellis Clinic Is Not Your VA Representative
Ellis Clinic provides the physician's expert medical opinion but is not serving as the veteran's VA representative. If a claim is denied, the veteran needs to work through the accredited representative handling the VA claim.
Occupational & Legal Medicine Applied to VA Disability
Ellis Clinic positions itself as a medical practice focused on the intersection of medicine, causation, disability, impairment, work capacity, and administrative/legal medical questions.
Medical Causation Focus
The clinic's role is to organize the history, medical findings, diagnosis, and medical reasoning into an expert opinion addressing the veteran's claimed condition.
Educational Resources
Ellis Clinic provides handouts, seminars, videos, and webinars intended to help veterans understand VA disability and the medical evidence involved.
Veterans Travel to Oklahoma City
It can not be emphasized enough that veterans come from across the country for medical opinions and evaluations because they understand Ellis Clinic brings forth impeccable credentials, the latest medical knowledge, and the proficiency to provide compelling medical causation opinions.
Know the Cost Before You Start
Medical Records Summary List. The medical records protocol also contains separate rules for fees when Ellis Clinic must prepare a summary list of records.
Make the Request Easier to Complete
To complete the VA Disability Appointment Protocol you will need to mail your medical records to Ellis Clinic along with the appointment protocol form in order for Ellis Clinic to evaluate your particular circumstances and schedule an appointment. Having your medical records in front of you now will make filling out the request protocol form much easier to complete.
Your Basic Information
Name, address, contact information, VA number, date of birth, dates served, military branch, and representative information.
Your Claimed Conditions
For each condition, know whether it is a new claim or an increased-rating request, the current percentage if applicable, and a short history explaining how the condition occurred.
Your Records
We ask for copies only and recommend organizing records by claim or body part, including DD-214, VA decisions, pertinent military and post-service medical records, operations, tests, and physician reports.