Veterans Deserve Quality Standards in Medical Documentation Services

Ryan Hawley, the founder and CEO of Shield of Odin, has dedicated a significant part of his career to navigating intricate landscapes of medical, insurance, and regulatory environments. Recently, he highlighted an urgent and concerning issue within the veteran medical documentation sector. He argues that this critical industry is at a turning point, and ignoring its realities does a disservice to veterans who rely on it.

Veterans possess the legal right to obtain independent medical opinions beyond the VA system, a right firmly established but lacking a corresponding ethical framework for delivering these services. The absence of standardized practices in this realm poses significant risks to those seeking help.

When performed correctly, independent medical documentation can be a valuable asset to veterans. However, if done inadequately or unethically, it can lead to confusion and, in severe cases, even exploitation. Veterans already grappling with the complexities and frustrations of the VA disability process shouldn’t have to navigate misleading marketing claims or unclear services.

So, what should independent medical opinions encompass? These assessments, conducted by licensed professionals, should be rooted in thorough record reviews and sound clinical judgment, guided by established medical literature. It's crucial to clarify that they are not magical solutions. They don’t override the VA’s authority nor guarantee specific outcomes. Instead, they represent merely one piece of evidence among many in a larger claim process. This distinction is often lost in a market that promotes misleading promises, leading veterans to disappointment.

As demand for private medical documentation services has surged, some of this growth can be attributed to real issues, such as the persistent backlogs faced by the VA. Veterans understandably seek clarity about their medical histories, and there’s a legitimate place for private services in fulfilling this need. However, the growth in this industry without appropriate guardrails is dangerous. Instances of misleading marketing that present guarantees of higher disability ratings or obscure the qualifications of those providing medical opinions are especially troubling.

Shield of Odin sees a fundamental need for self-regulation within this industry. The organization maintains a strict separation between advocacy services and medical documentation, providing transparency about provider credentials and explicitly stating that no service guarantees an outcome. This approach is about ensuring honesty rather than exercising caution. Veterans deserve to understand precisely what they are purchasing. They should receive clear, straightforward information about the VA adjudication process rather than being bombarded with marketing jargon.

While some may argue that imposing standards could stifle innovation, Hawley contends that genuine competition thrives on transparency and quality rather than on bold promises. Without a defined set of ethical boundaries, an industry opens itself to the risk of increased external enforcement. This reality has been witnessed across various sectors like healthcare, finance, and insurance. The veteran services sector must not become another example of this repeated pattern.

The proposed standards for the veterans' medical documentation industry are not extreme; they are sensible and necessary. Companies should clearly disclose the identities and qualifications of the professionals writing medical opinions. Providers should confirm that there are no guarantees regarding outcomes related to VA assessments. Furthermore, medical documentation must be distinctly separated from coaching or advocacy services, maintaining a clear understanding of the VA’s role.

Veterans are not seeking unrealistic dreams. Instead, they seek clarity and precise understanding. Establishing these standards serves to protect their rights as they pursue the support they legally deserve. The VA is an essential institution for millions, and independent medical opinions should be viewed as an adjunct to, not an adversary of, this system.

If the industry hopes to maintain trust and withstand regulatory scrutiny, it must shift from competing on promises to competing on professionalism. Anything less undermines the very values that veterans earned through their service. As Hawley states, this change is not just essential; it's a moral obligation.