Psychological evaluations and medical opinions for VA disability claims.
For direct service connection, secondary service connection, aggravation, increased rating evidence, and appeals. Every evaluation includes a nexus opinion when the evidence supports one, stated to the "at least as likely as not" standard and supported by documented rationale.
Every VA evaluation follows the same defined clinical process. Fees are flat and disclosed before you commit.
- 01 Review of DD214, service treatment records, VA decisions, and post-service treatment records.
- 02 [50 to 90] minute clinical interview via secure telehealth.
- 03 DSM-5-TR diagnostic assessment when clinically indicated.
- 04 Written independent medical opinion with rationale citing the reviewed evidence.
- 05 Delivery in [7 to 10] business days through a secure portal.
- 06 Optional DBQ add-on for $[X].
Nexus letter, nexus opinion, DBQ, and full IME.
Different documents serve different purposes. This table lists what each contains. It does not compare providers.
| Document | Length | Evaluator | Clinical interview | Diagnosis documented | Rationale depth | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus letter | 1 to 2 pages | Treating or reviewing clinician | Sometimes | Sometimes | Brief | Continuity supported by an existing treatment relationship |
| Nexus opinion (IMO) | 5 to 8 pages | Independent evaluator | Structured | ✓ | Full | Independent evidence with a documented rationale |
| DBQ | Standard VA form | Qualified clinician | ✓ | ✓ | Form-scoped | Symptom and severity documentation, often paired with an IMO |
| Full IME | 8 to 15 pages | Independent evaluator | ✓ | ✓ | Extensive | Complex records, differential diagnosis, multiple conditions |
Mental health conditions and secondary mental health claims.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, adjustment disorders, and substance use disorders. Mental health sequelae of service-connected physical conditions such as chronic pain, tinnitus, and traumatic brain injury, when the psychological component is the referral question.
Provenance Evaluations is a psychology practice. Opinions on physical or orthopedic conditions themselves fall outside a psychologist's scope of practice and are not provided here.
Not a claims service.
We do not prepare or file claims, represent claimants before the VA, or advise on claim strategy. For representation, use a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or VSO.
Search the VA accreditation database.
We do not write opinions the evidence does not support.
Ready to see whether an evaluation fits your file?
Send your decision letter or a short summary. A clinician reviews it and tells you whether an independent evaluation could add anything.