How a Psychological IME is Done Matters.
From the first call to the final report, every examination at Dr. Willoughby & Associates is built to hold up: at the regional office, on supplemental claims, and at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
We typically reposnd to in all inquires the same day, but no later than the end of the next business day.
17 W-2 licensed PhD and PsyD psychologists. Nationwide via HIPAA-compliant telehealth. Reports in 7 to 10 business days. Every report individualized. No templates. No contractors.
"As an attorney with 15+ years of experience in VA disability claims, I can say without hesitation that the team at Dr. Willoughby & Associates conducts thorough, effective, high quality independent medical exams. They understand what's at stake for the Veterans with whom they work. Dr. Willoughby & Associates has earned my trust and respect through their competence, professionalism, and integrity."
David Leamon, Leamon Legal VA Disability Attorney | 15+ Years Experience
What Your Clients Receive
Every veteran referred to our practice receives a structured psychological IME conducted by a W-2 licensed PhD or PsyD psychologist. Not a template. Not a screening. A clinical examination that takes the individual's history seriously and produces a report built to carry evidentiary weight.
Free Preliminary Record Review
A licensed psychologist reviews your client's service and medical records and tells you plainly whether stronger independent medical evidence is likely to help. No fee. No obligation to proceed.
50 to 90 Minute Clinical Interview
A structured examination conducted via HIPAA-compliant telehealth by a W-2 licensed PhD or PsyD psychologist. Not a screening. A full clinical interview exploring symptom history, trauma exposure, and functional impact, conducted with care and with respect for what the veteran is bringing into that conversation.
DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Assessment
Where clinically indicated, a formal diagnostic assessment documenting how diagnostic criteria are met. Integrated with records review to establish a complete and defensible clinical picture.
Written Medical Opinion, Delivered in 7 to 10 Business Days
A 5 to 8 page report with a clearly documented nexus opinion and medical rationale, structured to meet VA evidentiary standards under 38 CFR §3.159. Ready to submit with a claim, a supplemental claim, or an appeal.
What You Can Expect From Every Referral
Referral relationships break down for predictable reasons: contractor-produced reports with no accountability, template language that VA adjudicators and Board members recognize on sight, no direct access to the evaluating clinician when a question arises before a hearing. We have built our practice specifically to avoid all of those.
Common points of friction
- Reports produced by contracted evaluators with no shared training or internal supervision
- Template nexus language that experienced VA adjudicators and Board members recognize on sight
- No clear point of contact when a question arises before a hearing or a BVA submission
- Inconsistent report quality with no standard of care across evaluators
What every referral delivers
- W-2 licensed PhD and PsyD psychologists: employees of our practice, not contractors
- Reports developed with ongoing VA attorney input for evidentiary language at every level of review
- Direct access to the evaluating psychologist and to our clinical leadership when questions arise
- Consistent standard of care across every examination, maintained through shared training and internal consultation
We produce evidence. The VA makes decisions. We do not guarantee claim outcomes, and we would encourage caution with any provider that does. What we provide is a thorough, clinically rigorous, VA-compliant report that gives your client's claim the strongest possible medical foundation.
Ready to Connect?
Call or email us directly to discuss a case, request a record review for a referred veteran, or ask any questions about our process. We are happy to speak with you before any referral is made.
We respond to all inquiries by the end of the next business day.
Dr. Willoughby & Associates provides psychological independent medical examinations for veterans pursuing VA disability claims. This page is intended for VA disability attorneys and legal professionals. If you are a veteran seeking information about the IME process, please visit our Education Hub. This content does not constitute medical or legal advice.