VA Disability Mental Health Second Opinion
Independent Psychological Evaluations, Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs), Nexus Opinions, and DBQ Support for Veterans in New Mexico and Texas
I’m Dr. Elaine Foster, a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel who served for 21 years as a USAF psychologist. I’m a also a disabled veteran who has worked inside the system as a former C&P examiner for QTC, VES, and LHI. I understand what the VA needs to know about you in order to render an accurate adjudication.
If your service-connected mental health symptoms have gotten worse, or if your current VA rating doesn’t reflect the way PTSD, depression, anxiety or military sexual trauma (MST) affects your daily life— I can help by providing psychological evaluations that speaks the VA language.
Unlike providers who charge ala carte fees for records reviews, nexus letters, and DBQ form completion, my practice operates on an all-inclusive flat fee of $2000 for the entire package. Note: The flat fee does not include applicable NM Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) or standard credit card processing fees, which are itemized at checkout. But don’t worry, you will always know the exact total upfront before scheduling.
The standard fee covers:
Medical record and Service Treatment Records review
Relevant documents review
2-hour clinical interview
Relevant psychological testing to address your condition
Report (typically 10 -14 pages) with Independent Medical Opinion and formal Nexus statement
Completed VA DBQ when indicated
Guidance for completing your package
Many veterans don’t know the kinds of documents that can help them with their claims. That’s where I can help. I’ve worked as a C&P examiner so I know the types of letters, and critical evidence you can add to your claims file to increase your chances of being understood and properly rated.
How an IMO By a Board-Certified Psychologist Helps Your Claim
The VA requires clear, objective medical evidence to justify a rating increase or service connection. Relying on a generic checklist when requesting an increase can result in a decrease in your rating. Just as importantly, the VA is cracking down on high-volume "form mills" that produce automated, copy-paste reports — those reports carry very little weight these days. Now, more than ever, the need for an exam that is personalized and written by an experienced clinician, is crucial.
Because I’m a veteran, I won’t BS you about your chances for getting a disability. If I don’t think you have the documentation or history that supports a nexus, an increase or re-evaluation, I will tell you during our very first contact. At this stage of my career, I’m not trying to get rich. I want to help my fellow vets and that means taking my time and talking to you in order to build your best case.
A Thorough, Independent Alternative to Standard VA C&P Exams
My psychological evaluations document:
Your individualized clinical picture — not a checklist
Degree of impairment in work, social, and family life
The link between your symptoms and your service (service connection)
Why your current rating may understate your level of disability
This service may be right for you if
A prior C&P exam didn't capture your daily symptoms
You need a personalized — not cut-and-paste — opinion for PTSD, depression, anxiety, or MST
You need a clinically grounded explanation of your functional limitations and service connection
Your service-connected symptoms have worsened over time and your current VA rating doesn’t reflect your daily struggles or social and occupational impairment
What I Am — and What I Am Not
I am an independent psychologist providing a substantiated, clinically sound professional opinion backed by board certification and 30+ years of experience including C&P exams.
I am not a legal representative. I do not currently work for the VA.
I cannot guarantee a specific rating or claim approval.
A Direct, Peer-to-Peer Approach
I am a disabled veteran myself so I’ll always respect your history. When we speak, I’ll listen to why you think you need a second opinion. If I think I can help you, I will tell you.
I will be honest and not waste your money if the history doesn’t support this type of intensive evaluation.
Integrity - Service Before Self - Excellence
These are the principles I use to guide my practice.
Not sure what records you need? Let’s figure it out together.
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I am licensed in NM and Texas
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Do you know whether your’e seeking a rating increase, a nexus letter, an independent medical opinion (IMO), or a second opinion on a prior C&P exam. If your not sure, let’s talk about it.
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Let’s look at your previous VA rating decisions, C&P exams, or outside treatment records to help us plan your next step.
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If you have an active appeal, a Higher-Level Review (HLR) pending, or a deadline to submit evidence, please let me know to make sure we don’t miss any critical time requirements.
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If you are currently working with a VSO, attorney, or claims representative you and I can align your psychological evaluation with their specific strategy.
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These DBQ forms are public. I’m including them here to help take the fear out of the evaluation process. PLEASE NOTE: the VA requires them to be completed by a credentialed clinical professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
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I offer a single, comprehensive flat fee of $2000 (with preferred ACH payment; standard credit card processing applies) for the entire evaluation process. Because a thorough evaluation cannot be rushed or done piecemeal, this inclusive fee covers your records review, the 2–4 hour clinical interview and testing session, the Independent Medical Opinion (IMO), formal Nexus letter, and complete VA DBQ paperwork. No hidden add-ons, no separate record-review charges, and no surprise billing.
Your Evaluation Process: Step-by-Step
Schedule
Complete the Initial Screening Form to make sure I can support your request.
Forms
Once you are accepted for the evaluation, I will send a form to your email. Complete the encrypted form and submit supporting documentation to Dr. Foster.
Pay your Fee.
We schedule your clinical interview. Dr. Foster walks you through each stage of the process so there’s no confusion on your part.
Testing and Interview
Start your secure video appointment.
Includes a C&P-style clinical interview but longer and more in-depth.
When indicated, you will complete objective psychological testing that maps to the VA diagnostic and Social/Occupational criteria.
Plan for about 4 hours for the interview and testing.
Form Filed
The evaluation is completed with the following documentation:
A report and independent medical opinion (usually about 10 pages) available to you and/or your attorney.
Completed and signed DBQ which is required by the VA for disability rating.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Evaluations
What is a VA mental health nexus letter and do I need one?
A nexus letter links a current condition like depression to your military service using official language consistent with VA requirements ("at least as likely as not").
How is a private psychological evaluation different from a VA C&P exam?
You’ve probably heard veterans complain that their C&P exam was rushed or that the examiner didn’t include all of the concerns they expressed during the examination. As independent psychological examiner, I won’t rush you through your appointment or gloss over your symptoms.
Will the VA accept a psychological evaluation from a private doctor?
Yes, by law, the VA must evaluate all competent medical evidence included in your claims file.
The VA typically lends greater weight to a well-reasoned and document supported professional opinion.
Can a private evaluation help me appeal a VA denial or request a rating increase?
Appeals depend on your documentation. There are times when a VA C&P examiner documents a symptom but then forgets or neglects to include that symptoms or symptoms in the final list that the VA uses to complete their adjudication. Experience with common mistakes makes a difference;
Can a psychologist complete a VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)?
Psychologists are the most commonly hired examiners for Mental Health Disability Benefits Questionnaires.
Psychologists are trained to choose and evaluate psychological testing instruments.
How are your exams conducted?
All my disability claims examinations are conducted through secure telehealth.but you must be based in New Mexico or Texas.
The testing is also completed online in accordance with APA and testing company standards.
Why Choose PsyConOps?
Experienced
25 years as a U.S. Air Force psychologist
Board certified (ABPP) for recognized expertise
Fellow of the American Psychological Association
Completed 100’s of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams for VA subcontractors (e.g., VES, LHI, QTC).
Convenient
Done from your home over secure video*
No driving.
No time off work for travel
*Independent psychological evaluations are be conducted by secure telehealth when clinically appropriate, and the resulting report is submitted as private medical evidence in support of a VA disability claim.
VA-level documentation
No Templates. Evaluation is comprehensive and singular to you and your history.
VA P&T veteran performs your assessment.
Evaluation completed and records reviewed in accordance with VA published standards.
About Dr. Elaine Orabona Foster, Ph.D., ABPP
I’m Dr. Elaine Foster. I’m a board-certified (ABPP) clinical and prescribing psychologist with over 30 years of experience evaluating security professionals, military service members, and veterans.
I served 25 years as a U.S. Air Force psychologist (Lt. Col., retired), conducting security clearance evaluations and thousands of psychological assessments when decisions had to be made and the documentation was critical.
I’m licensed in New Mexico (License #1197) and Texas (License #40743). I hold prescribing authority in New Mexico (PSY-RXP #0021). My approach is direct and respectful.
I get the greatest satisfaction from my work when I help fellow veterans get the support they deserve.
Take the Next Step in Your Claim
Don't let an incomplete or inaccurate evaluation stand between you and the benefits you’ve earned. Request an independent psychological assessment backed by a fellow veteran who has conducted over 100 C&P exams.
All submissions are confidential and protected by HIPAA-compliant secure intake protocols.