Independent Psychological Evaluations for VA Disability Claims
Licensed psychologist providing comprehensive reports within 10–14 business days.
Starting at $2,000. Schedule a free 15-minute call.
Is an Independent Psychological Evaluation Right for Your Claim?
When the VA reviews a mental health claim, it looks at more than whether a diagnosis or nexus opinion exists. It weighs how well that opinion is supported. Even an accurate opinion can carry little weight if it does not explain the evidence and reasoning behind it.
A private, independent evaluation connects your clinical findings to the specific issues in your claim. A licensed psychologist explains what the evidence shows and why it supports the opinion, so the VA can assess the reasoning rather than rely on a conclusion alone.
How We Can Support Your Claim
Independent psychological evaluations for veterans seeking a rating increase, claiming a secondary mental health condition, or appealing a VA decision.
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If you believe your mental health condition is related to your military service, an evaluation assesses that connection and explains whether the clinical evidence supports it. Your report is written to VA evidentiary standards, with clear clinical findings and a medical opinion
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If your service-connected mental health condition has worsened, an evaluation documents your current symptoms and how they affect your work, relationships, and daily functioning.
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If you believe your mental health condition was caused or worsened by an existing service-connected disability, an evaluation assesses that relationship and explains the clinical basis for the psychologist’s opinion.
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If your VA disability claim was denied, an independent evaluation can address the clinical issues behind that decision, such as a disputed diagnosis or an insufficiently supported connection to service. Your report provides the medical evidence with specific attention to the reasons given for the denial.
Every Independent Psychological Evaluation Includes
In-Person Clinical Interview
A structured meeting with a licensed psychologist covering your history, symptoms, and how your condition affects daily life and work.
Written Medical Report
Comprehensive medical evidence, written in VA-aligned clinical language and ready for adjudicator review. Supports direct, secondary, and aggravation service connection, increased ratings, and appeals.
DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Assessment:
A thorough clinical evaluation to determine whether you meet criteria for a mental health condition. When clinically indicated, you receive the formal diagnosis VA adjudicators require to support your claim.
Extensive Records Review
All military service records, along with in-service and post-service treatment records, are reviewed in detail.
Objective Psychological Testing
Standardized, validated measures that assess your symptoms and the consistency of your responses, providing objective data to support your evaluation.
Independent Medical Opinion
Clinical rationale linking your mental health condition to military service or a service-connected condition, stated in the “at least as likely as not” standard, when supported by the evaluation.
4-Step VA Disability Evaluation Process
Step 1:
Book a Consultation
Start with a free 15-minute phone call. We’ll call you at your scheduled time to discuss your claim, explain the evaluation process, and address any questions you may have.
Step 2:
Schedule Your Evaluation
We’ll send booking instructions and confirm your appointment at our Houston office. Once you’re scheduled, we’ll send intake forms that must be completed before your appointment.
If you have any relevant records (i.e., DD214, VA letters), you can upload them to our secure portal.
Step 3:
Clinical Interview & Testing
Meet with the psychologist to discuss your military service, symptoms, and functioning, followed by standardized psychological testing. The appointment will last up to 2 hours.
Step 4:
Written Report in 10-14 Business Days
A signed report delivered through our secure portal, with your diagnosis, symptoms, severity, and functional impact, plus a nexus opinion and DBQ when supported by the findings. Ready to submit to the VA for review or share with your representative.
The VA decides your claim based on what is in your record. If your decision, C&P exam report, or treatment records understate your condition, that is what an adjudicator sees, and it can lead to a denial or a lower rating than you deserve.
A detailed record review looks closely at the findings that concern you, explains what your records support, and shows what a full evaluation could add to your claim.
Not sure whether a record review is the right step?
When Your Records Don’t Tell the Full Story
Frequently Asked Questions
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During the 15-minute phone call, we’ll discuss your claim and how our independent psychological evaluation can provide competent medical evidence to support it. We’ll answer your questions and explain what you can expect before scheduling your evaluation.
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You’ll receive a written psychological evaluation report. Depending on your claim and the findings, it may include a nexus opinion, a completed DBQ, or both.
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Yes. We can evaluate PTSD and provide a nexus opinion when supported by the findings. We cannot complete the Initial PTSD DBQ, which is restricted to designated VA, military, and contracted examiners.
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This isn’t just another nexus letter. It’s an independent psychological evaluation focused on providing competent and credible medical evidence for your claim. A licensed psychologist reviews your available records, conducts a clinical interview and standardized testing, and explains the findings and medical opinions in a signed report you can submit to the VA or share with your representative.
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No. You don’t need to wait until you have all your records to get started. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what’s available and which records would be helpful for your evaluation.
Ready to Get Started?
Select an available date and time for a 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your claim.