For VSOs, Attorneys, and Veteran Advocates
When your client needs a well-documented psychological opinion, the quality of that opinion matters. A thorough, credible IMO or nexus letter can turn a denied claim around. A thin or poorly reasoned one gets set aside. What you need is an evaluator who understands both the clinical side and the evidentiary standards the VA applies.
Dr. David Howard, Psy.D., has spent more than 40 years working in psychology and has completed over 7,000 VA Compensation and Pension examinations. He has been qualified as an expert witness in courts of law across multiple specialty areas. His written opinions are built to hold up.
Credentials at a Glance
| Experience | 40+ years in psychology; more than 7,000 VA C&P examinations completed |
|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) |
| Licensure | California, Mississippi, and Tennessee |
| Forensic Qualification | Qualified expert witness in multiple specialty areas |
| Remote Services | Authorized PSYPACT provider; telepsychology available across participating states |
| In-Person Services | Office evaluations in Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Turnaround Time | 10 business days after receipt of all records and completion of evaluation |
| Referral Contact | Phone or email; contact office directly |
What Dr. Howard Evaluates
Dr. Howard works across the full range of mental health conditions veterans bring to disability claims:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Anxiety disorders, including GAD, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Substance Use Disorders secondary to PTSD
- Depression, anxiety, and Somatic Symptom Disorder due to known medical conditions
- Moral injury
- Adjustment Disorder vs. PTSD diagnostic disputes
- Traumatic Brain Injury and related psychiatric effects
- Military Sexual Trauma and associated mental health conditions
Services Available
Dr. Howard provides the following for veterans and veterans referred by VSOs, accredited claims agents, veterans law attorneys, and other advocates:
Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs)
A full forensic psychological evaluation with a written opinion formatted for VA submission. Each IMO covers service records, treatment history, and clinical findings, and is built around the evidentiary requirements of the VA rating system.
Nexus Letters
Written medical opinions that establish or strengthen the connection between a veteran’s psychiatric diagnosis and military service. Each letter is written to the VA’s “at least as likely as not” standard, with a clear, documented rationale.
Rebuttal Opinions
When a VA C&P examiner has issued a negative or inadequate opinion, Dr. Howard can conduct an independent review of the existing examination. If the clinical evidence supports a different conclusion, that opinion will be documented thoroughly and submitted in a format the VA can weigh against the original findings. The goal is an accurate picture of the veteran’s condition, whatever that picture shows.
Increased Rating Evaluations
For veterans who believe their current rating no longer reflects how they are actually functioning, Dr. Howard provides updated evaluations that take a fresh, thorough look at the veteran’s current symptom level and daily functioning. The findings are documented honestly and completely, giving the VA an accurate and current basis for its rating decision.
Secondary Service Connection Opinions
When a veteran’s psychiatric condition may have developed as a result of an existing service-connected disability, Dr. Howard can conduct a thorough evaluation of that relationship. If the clinical evidence supports a secondary connection, that opinion is documented in a format the VA can consider alongside the existing record.
Where We Serve
Dr. Howard sees veterans in person at his office in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For veterans elsewhere, he offers telepsychology through PSYPACT, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact.
PSYPACT allows Dr. Howard to conduct evaluations across state lines with full legal authorization. Veterans do not need to be residents of a PSYPACT state. They simply need to be physically present in a participating state at the time of the evaluation, whether they live there, are visiting, or are temporarily staying. Contact the office for a current list of participating states.
How to Make a Referral
Step 1: Initial Contact
Call or email the office to talk through your client’s case, what type of opinion you need, and where the claim currently stands. This conversation helps confirm the referral is a good fit and gets Dr. Howard the background he needs to move efficiently.
Step 2: Records Submission
Once the referral is confirmed, submit all relevant records: service records, VA treatment records, private treatment records, prior rating decisions, and any existing C&P examination reports. The more complete the record, the stronger and more defensible the final opinion.
Step 3: Clinical Evaluation
Dr. Howard conducts a structured clinical interview with the veteran, either in person at his Chattanooga office or via telepsychology for veterans in PSYPACT-eligible states, along with a thorough review of all submitted records.
Step 4: Delivery of Written Opinion
The completed IMO, nexus letter, or rebuttal opinion is delivered within 10 business days of receiving all records and completing the evaluation. The report is formatted for direct VA submission and includes Dr. Howard’s curriculum vitae.
Fees and Scheduling
To discuss fees and get a referral started, contact the office by phone or email. We are glad to answer questions about the process and help figure out what type of evaluation fits your client’s situation.
A Word to VSOs and Accredited Representatives
Dr. Howard has a lot of respect for the work VSOs do. His evaluations are written to give you a document you can use confidently when advocating for your client. If you want to talk through a case before making a referral, that conversation is always welcome. Pick up the phone or send an email.