TDRL being done by a contractor
- Thread starter mascabn
- Start date
Dear mascabn:
I found their web site
www.ivanwalks.com
Looks like the VA AND the DoA is subbing out alot of work these days.
I just went through the QTC contractor - the VA uses them for the initial VA application process for Soldiers going through the Pilot Program up at Ft. Lewis.
My biggest concern is who is monitoring these subcontractors to ensure they maintain regulatory standards? Or, if they even have to be mandated to get to standard since they aren't really VA or DoD employees? My experience with QTC for the VA was less than correct!
ANYONE out there have to go through Ivan Walks Associates for their TDRL re-eval?
What was your experience like with this outfit?
v/r,
nwlivewire
I found their web site
www.ivanwalks.com
Looks like the VA AND the DoA is subbing out alot of work these days.
I just went through the QTC contractor - the VA uses them for the initial VA application process for Soldiers going through the Pilot Program up at Ft. Lewis.
My biggest concern is who is monitoring these subcontractors to ensure they maintain regulatory standards? Or, if they even have to be mandated to get to standard since they aren't really VA or DoD employees? My experience with QTC for the VA was less than correct!
ANYONE out there have to go through Ivan Walks Associates for their TDRL re-eval?
What was your experience like with this outfit?
v/r,
nwlivewire
I didn't receive a letter stating the TDRL eval would be contracted out, but I did receive a letter informing me the people I've been dealing with (Department of the Army out of West Point) will no longer be handling my case and to "await further instructions." I'm sure I'll be receiving notice of new case management now. My 18 months has come and gone, go figure.
I know with Vocational Rehabilitation the VA has been contracting out certain phases of the entitlement determination (e.g. counseling/testing with a social worker/guidance counselor). With the Department of the Army though...my guess would be that they are simply over-worked (especially with PTSD equating to automatic TDRL). I'm curious to see what occurs with these contractors.
I know with Vocational Rehabilitation the VA has been contracting out certain phases of the entitlement determination (e.g. counseling/testing with a social worker/guidance counselor). With the Department of the Army though...my guess would be that they are simply over-worked (especially with PTSD equating to automatic TDRL). I'm curious to see what occurs with these contractors.
Thanks for your responses. I am surprised to find so little information about this companies track record doing these re-evals. I spoke to a wounded warrior liason yesturday and she knew little about them. I have tried every website relivent to military, and nothing. I will be on top of it, the letter said I will see them prior to April this year. I will be sure to let everyone know, and if there is a problem Jason will be my counsel again.
I will check back in periodically to see if anyone comes up with info.
I will check back in periodically to see if anyone comes up with info.
I just performed a short Google search and found very little, Ivan Walks & Associates are based out of D.C. Seems they have several other contracts with DoD (hiring for healthcare positions to work with USAF). I must say after a pretty intense search on the CEO (Dr. Ivan Walks) I found nothing but accolades and comments from his colleagues.
Unfortunately you can't gauge how well a company operates by the reputation of their CEO. So no new answer on their track record. I hope that the advantages of utilizing a private company (higher-paid workers, less workload, higher standards, prospect of being fired for not doing your job, etc.) will give TDRL members a fairer chance than DoD has been the past few years. I truly believe that DoD has good people working for them but they simply lack the manpower to deal with the influx of TDRL members/returning Veterans facing MEBs/PEBs. Compounding the problem is the need to keep track of us (TDRL members...I'm one too) for a 5 year period and coordinate methods of re-evaluation. Also, as I stated in my prior post, 38 CFR 4.129 requires re-evaluation 6 months after separation with PTSD cases - the short-window for re-evaluation can only make things tougher on DoD PEBLOs.
Unfortunately you can't gauge how well a company operates by the reputation of their CEO. So no new answer on their track record. I hope that the advantages of utilizing a private company (higher-paid workers, less workload, higher standards, prospect of being fired for not doing your job, etc.) will give TDRL members a fairer chance than DoD has been the past few years. I truly believe that DoD has good people working for them but they simply lack the manpower to deal with the influx of TDRL members/returning Veterans facing MEBs/PEBs. Compounding the problem is the need to keep track of us (TDRL members...I'm one too) for a 5 year period and coordinate methods of re-evaluation. Also, as I stated in my prior post, 38 CFR 4.129 requires re-evaluation 6 months after separation with PTSD cases - the short-window for re-evaluation can only make things tougher on DoD PEBLOs.
Dear Carnelli53:
If you read my obervations (OCT 2010) re: After Action Report- Ft. Lewis CB-WTU, - I still have the following concerns - regardless of who they call themselves.
1. Whether they call themselves QTC or IWA or Mother Milk, the point I'm getting at is that they are ALL SUB-Contractors - whether VA or Dept of Army.
2. I KNOW what QTC DID NOT DO. I KNOW the staff did NOT uphold VA regulations. I called the VA guy and TOLD HIM SO.
3. His response - Well, lets wait until we get the results back. In other words, if the results are what I think they should be, well it's OK that my evaluation wasn't up to standards. This DOES NOT ADDRESS the original errors(s), nor does his response address the the inconsistancy of determinations based on the arbitrarinousesses inherient in a situations where there is NO FLOOR from which to base decisions upon.
4. My concerns are the same with IWA. What trainig have they had? Are they MANDATED to go by VA/DoD regulations?
5. Who's is monitoring these sub-contractors? Does/will this become yet another layer of BS that the Servicemember will have to fight? And ONLY those who have the income to fight will have an opportunity to do so (hire legal reps outof their own pocket WITHOUT reimbursement - even when the Servicemember "wins" in protracted litigation? Which should never have happened in the first place?
Just askin"........
I mean really now! I've seen how QTC up at Fort Lewis doesn't adhere to legal, regulatory standards. And when I did complain to the VA rep. he took a deep sigh and said, Let's "wait and see" if they (QTC) come up with the correct answer. What kind of crap shoot is that?
What if the results are favorable to me? I should just shut up and let it go because "I GOT MINE"?
What if the results are not favorable to others? What kinda crap is that?
Again, I say that it's fine if the DoA or VA have to sub-contract with another USA- USA citizen-based, in-country LLC to get the job done.
BUT, I'm wanting these organisations (QTC, IAW LLC, etc) to be held to the same standards as the parent organisation they have received their contracts from.
AND IF THEY AREN'T - due to some loop-hole in the law - I want the PARENT ORGANIZATION to pay for my legal fees if I have to fight and eventully win the case I ought to have won in the first place without litigations.
I should not have to pay to litigate what should have rightfully been mine to begin with.
I am concerned to say the very least.........
v/r,
nwlivewire
2.
If you read my obervations (OCT 2010) re: After Action Report- Ft. Lewis CB-WTU, - I still have the following concerns - regardless of who they call themselves.
1. Whether they call themselves QTC or IWA or Mother Milk, the point I'm getting at is that they are ALL SUB-Contractors - whether VA or Dept of Army.
2. I KNOW what QTC DID NOT DO. I KNOW the staff did NOT uphold VA regulations. I called the VA guy and TOLD HIM SO.
3. His response - Well, lets wait until we get the results back. In other words, if the results are what I think they should be, well it's OK that my evaluation wasn't up to standards. This DOES NOT ADDRESS the original errors(s), nor does his response address the the inconsistancy of determinations based on the arbitrarinousesses inherient in a situations where there is NO FLOOR from which to base decisions upon.
4. My concerns are the same with IWA. What trainig have they had? Are they MANDATED to go by VA/DoD regulations?
5. Who's is monitoring these sub-contractors? Does/will this become yet another layer of BS that the Servicemember will have to fight? And ONLY those who have the income to fight will have an opportunity to do so (hire legal reps outof their own pocket WITHOUT reimbursement - even when the Servicemember "wins" in protracted litigation? Which should never have happened in the first place?
Just askin"........
I mean really now! I've seen how QTC up at Fort Lewis doesn't adhere to legal, regulatory standards. And when I did complain to the VA rep. he took a deep sigh and said, Let's "wait and see" if they (QTC) come up with the correct answer. What kind of crap shoot is that?
What if the results are favorable to me? I should just shut up and let it go because "I GOT MINE"?
What if the results are not favorable to others? What kinda crap is that?
Again, I say that it's fine if the DoA or VA have to sub-contract with another USA- USA citizen-based, in-country LLC to get the job done.
BUT, I'm wanting these organisations (QTC, IAW LLC, etc) to be held to the same standards as the parent organisation they have received their contracts from.
AND IF THEY AREN'T - due to some loop-hole in the law - I want the PARENT ORGANIZATION to pay for my legal fees if I have to fight and eventully win the case I ought to have won in the first place without litigations.
I should not have to pay to litigate what should have rightfully been mine to begin with.
I am concerned to say the very least.........
v/r,
nwlivewire
2.
Know the standards and hold them to them. Don't sign a MEB that is not right. Write an MEB appeal pointing out the deficiencies. Request an impartial review as allowed by law. Point out to the impartial review authority your concerns and ask that they specifically address them in their review and that they provide a written response. You need to drive the train.
Mike
Mike
Apologies, I did not read your original post, just the last few regarding Ivan Walks & Associates. Generally, I think taking the approach Mike suggested will avoid 99% of potential issues arising from the VA/DoD use of contractors.
To address one of your questions, the same rules apply to MEBs performed by these outside contractors. They are not bound by another set of regulations or laws. If you disagree with the findings of the MEB, request an IMA/impartial review as Mike suggested. This is the same process that takes place if one disagrees with the findings of their MEB when performed by personnel working directly for their branch of service.
I'm under the presumption that these contractors are only hired to help alleviate the workload in evaluating servicemembers (i.e. they are only hired for MEBs). While the MEB can substantially affect the eventual findings of the PEB, the PEB remains the ultimate arbiter of one's case. If one's MEB is truly jacked-up to a point where it flies in the face of common sense, even after an IMA, the PEB will simply send it back with directions. We have a tendency, as disabled/injured servicemembers and Veterans, to visualize the PEB as some type of Star Chamber where we are unfairly treated. While this is sometimes the case, many cases (probably most) are decided fairly and somewhat conclusively. Remember, they want to avoid a "fight" and subsequent appeals if at all possible - just like we do!
To address one of your questions, the same rules apply to MEBs performed by these outside contractors. They are not bound by another set of regulations or laws. If you disagree with the findings of the MEB, request an IMA/impartial review as Mike suggested. This is the same process that takes place if one disagrees with the findings of their MEB when performed by personnel working directly for their branch of service.
I'm under the presumption that these contractors are only hired to help alleviate the workload in evaluating servicemembers (i.e. they are only hired for MEBs). While the MEB can substantially affect the eventual findings of the PEB, the PEB remains the ultimate arbiter of one's case. If one's MEB is truly jacked-up to a point where it flies in the face of common sense, even after an IMA, the PEB will simply send it back with directions. We have a tendency, as disabled/injured servicemembers and Veterans, to visualize the PEB as some type of Star Chamber where we are unfairly treated. While this is sometimes the case, many cases (probably most) are decided fairly and somewhat conclusively. Remember, they want to avoid a "fight" and subsequent appeals if at all possible - just like we do!
Dear carnelli53 and maparker:
Thank-you for your input and perspectives.
It is very important the Servicemember stays on top of their processing. Knowing the rules and being vigilant and pro-active goes a long way towards having a correct outcome.
This forum has been a real game changer for the better for me! I absolutely had no idea of how this process worked - until I found you guys! What a blessing to have found you all and this web site - and to have found this in time for me to prepare for this process.
I have retained Jason for my Pilot Program processing. I just feel more confident knowing I have someone competant to assist me, whose eyes and mind are sharper than mine, a legal eagle who can see the bigger picture, and catch the nuances I may miss through my ignorance.
At this stage in my processing, I have completed the Army and VA physicals, and am waiting for the VA to do whatever they do now before they send their stuff back to the Army for the writing of my NARSUM. (Fort Lewis - Army/Seattle - VA)
I have good comms with my MEB technician (Ms. Kimberly Coleman), and her boss, the Peblo lady (Ms. Christine Miracle), seems like she's on top of stuff. So far as I am aware, these two civilians have been putting their best efforts forward with me - and I with them. So far, so good - no complaints here.
But I would have liked QTC to have been more on-the-ball as it pertains to their use of AMIE worksheets (they didn't use any worksheets in my presence) and goniometer usage (only one measurement taken for some, and for the others, the Doctor "eye-balled" me for the rest). My experience with QTC was less than satisfactory, which is why I still wonder who is monitoring them for quality control and training?
All I can say is thank God for this website and the dedicated moderators!
v/r,
nwlivewire
Thank-you for your input and perspectives.
It is very important the Servicemember stays on top of their processing. Knowing the rules and being vigilant and pro-active goes a long way towards having a correct outcome.
This forum has been a real game changer for the better for me! I absolutely had no idea of how this process worked - until I found you guys! What a blessing to have found you all and this web site - and to have found this in time for me to prepare for this process.
I have retained Jason for my Pilot Program processing. I just feel more confident knowing I have someone competant to assist me, whose eyes and mind are sharper than mine, a legal eagle who can see the bigger picture, and catch the nuances I may miss through my ignorance.
At this stage in my processing, I have completed the Army and VA physicals, and am waiting for the VA to do whatever they do now before they send their stuff back to the Army for the writing of my NARSUM. (Fort Lewis - Army/Seattle - VA)
I have good comms with my MEB technician (Ms. Kimberly Coleman), and her boss, the Peblo lady (Ms. Christine Miracle), seems like she's on top of stuff. So far as I am aware, these two civilians have been putting their best efforts forward with me - and I with them. So far, so good - no complaints here.
But I would have liked QTC to have been more on-the-ball as it pertains to their use of AMIE worksheets (they didn't use any worksheets in my presence) and goniometer usage (only one measurement taken for some, and for the others, the Doctor "eye-balled" me for the rest). My experience with QTC was less than satisfactory, which is why I still wonder who is monitoring them for quality control and training?
All I can say is thank God for this website and the dedicated moderators!
v/r,
nwlivewire
nwlivewire,
Let me first wish you the best of luck with your Pilot Program processing, notwithstanding the elimination of any need for luck in the equation with Jason's counsel.
I would suspect that there is some type of liason from DoD working with QTC, that person (and their staff, if present) is probably in charge of monitoring QTC and maybe training QTC personnel as well. Although, I doubt this liason has any staff since DoD is short-changed to begin with. In turn, I would further speculate that this liason probably has many "implied tasks," to borrow an Army term, that s/he was not originally anticipating.
What I'm getting at is DoD drops the ball QC'ing and training their own personnel on many levels. So it wouldn't surprise me if this imaginary "liason" to QTC performed very little oversight, it may even be the case that proper training and quality control, to the ideal level that we as Veterans concerned for the welfare of our fellow Veterans would be satisfied with, is simply not practical nor cost-effective.
I still believe there is no justification for "eye-balling" range-of-motion assessments or any similar lack of due diligence. Problems with these contractors are just another layer of obstacles for servicemembers currently in the DES, something we usually support eliminating. However, I believe the addition of more personnel for MEB processing is a good sign that DoD is at least trying to make the process more efficient. At the same time, simply getting it right the first time is more efficient than hiring more people who will get it wrong the first time (thus necessitating a second evaluation).
All in all, there should be some level of oversight, but there probably isn't (at least not to what I would think our standards here would be). I think a lot of this problem has to do with the quasi-separation between DoD and VA e.g. DoD uses certain parts of certain sections of certain VA references - it's naturally confusing. What it all truly comes back to is the need for the servicemember to be their own advocate. Requesting an IMA after MEB evaluations that are clearly lacking is the prerogative of the servicemember. To most servicemembers it doesn't make financial sense to retain counsel at the MEB stage, it is only after unfavorable PEB findings that someone like Jason takes a look at the full case file and discovers a botched MEB. Had something been done at the MEB stage, it would have probably been much easier to fix. After the PEB, however, certain things simply cannot be undone.
I've officially traveled in to an unrelated discussion, so I will stop here. Again, good luck with your processing and I hope you receive a favorable outcome from the PEB.
Let me first wish you the best of luck with your Pilot Program processing, notwithstanding the elimination of any need for luck in the equation with Jason's counsel.
I would suspect that there is some type of liason from DoD working with QTC, that person (and their staff, if present) is probably in charge of monitoring QTC and maybe training QTC personnel as well. Although, I doubt this liason has any staff since DoD is short-changed to begin with. In turn, I would further speculate that this liason probably has many "implied tasks," to borrow an Army term, that s/he was not originally anticipating.
What I'm getting at is DoD drops the ball QC'ing and training their own personnel on many levels. So it wouldn't surprise me if this imaginary "liason" to QTC performed very little oversight, it may even be the case that proper training and quality control, to the ideal level that we as Veterans concerned for the welfare of our fellow Veterans would be satisfied with, is simply not practical nor cost-effective.
I still believe there is no justification for "eye-balling" range-of-motion assessments or any similar lack of due diligence. Problems with these contractors are just another layer of obstacles for servicemembers currently in the DES, something we usually support eliminating. However, I believe the addition of more personnel for MEB processing is a good sign that DoD is at least trying to make the process more efficient. At the same time, simply getting it right the first time is more efficient than hiring more people who will get it wrong the first time (thus necessitating a second evaluation).
All in all, there should be some level of oversight, but there probably isn't (at least not to what I would think our standards here would be). I think a lot of this problem has to do with the quasi-separation between DoD and VA e.g. DoD uses certain parts of certain sections of certain VA references - it's naturally confusing. What it all truly comes back to is the need for the servicemember to be their own advocate. Requesting an IMA after MEB evaluations that are clearly lacking is the prerogative of the servicemember. To most servicemembers it doesn't make financial sense to retain counsel at the MEB stage, it is only after unfavorable PEB findings that someone like Jason takes a look at the full case file and discovers a botched MEB. Had something been done at the MEB stage, it would have probably been much easier to fix. After the PEB, however, certain things simply cannot be undone.
I've officially traveled in to an unrelated discussion, so I will stop here. Again, good luck with your processing and I hope you receive a favorable outcome from the PEB.
I have also received the Packet from Ivan Walks & Associates, it says my appointments will be contracted closer to home... also says they will be scheduled on or before march 2011... I was very upset to get in the packet a request for all my medical records again, plus the new ones. i can understand the request for the new documents but my prior also... I Feel A bad experience coming. I have 10 days to return this packet from today 1-18-2011
Mine said my MEB/PEB records would be mailed to Ivan Walks prior to my appointments, which according to the letter I would be contacted within 30 days from the dare of the letter to schedule the medical appointments, but no word from IWA yet and very close to 30 days.
Recieved a letter stating thanks for co-operation I gave in our recent telephone call --- THERE WAS NO CALL-----I am to send all the original med records to them AND any new records.
WTH! REALLY? To Maryland---- Where my VELO is? 3 times farther than Ft. Knox from me? REALLY? They want me to go to MARYLAND? PTSD-TRAFFIC-TONS OF PEOPLE? TRAFFIC? Do they want me to show them my symptoms??????????? IS THAT THE POINT??????? Then says if I wish to allow NOK to talk to them ( I have to-----cause my memory SUCKS-------- I have to fill out a form that they DID NOT SEND?????!!!!
They better know what the heck their doing ----thats all I'm sayin.
I still dont' want to go to Maryland where the traffic will set me OOOOOFFFFF.
WTH! REALLY? To Maryland---- Where my VELO is? 3 times farther than Ft. Knox from me? REALLY? They want me to go to MARYLAND? PTSD-TRAFFIC-TONS OF PEOPLE? TRAFFIC? Do they want me to show them my symptoms??????????? IS THAT THE POINT??????? Then says if I wish to allow NOK to talk to them ( I have to-----cause my memory SUCKS-------- I have to fill out a form that they DID NOT SEND?????!!!!
They better know what the heck their doing ----thats all I'm sayin.
I still dont' want to go to Maryland where the traffic will set me OOOOOFFFFF.
JMatthews11
PEB Forum Regular Member
I have a letter for my evaluation that says its being arranged by Ivan Walks associates. I had requested to go back on Active Duty but my POC (contractor) asked me why did I want my re-evaluation so soon. Why would they ask me that? This makes me feel a little unconfortable. Does this mean if I am one of the few who want to return to duty, will the contractors be less helpful? I have been on TDRL over a year and my medical issues have stablized. (All my medical records state my stability and improvements)I never wanted to get out in the first place. I was too sick at the time to continue service. Now that I am better,as it states in AR 600-8-10, if a soldiers' condition has stabalize you can consent to Return to Active Duty. I have noticed a lot of people are permantly retiring or just seperating. Is this their way of kicking people out or do they really want us to get better so we can contue being soldiers? I wonder if the contractors will do all they can to meet the soldiers needs...
Although it can seem that way sometimes, no. The point of TDRL is that the member is not stable yet enough to be rated accurately. They don't want to completely kick you out if you might get better.
Okay here is what I was told by AMEDD, they are already getting complaints from soldiers. They are to co-ordinate dr appointments and write the packet that goes to Washington. They wrote an email to Ivan Walks, and within minutes got a phone call from them.
Spoke to the "project manager." It didn't releave our anxiety about what might happen. They will arange for PTSD eval closer to our home of record. When I asked about the evaluators, I was told they would be civilian doctors trained in ptsd. But even with my address, they couldn't tell me who or where this would be. I live in Southern Illinois, they were talking Chicago! All and all a cluster f*#k. She said I would have to be evaluated EVERY 6 MONTHS! I was told they rarely go beyond the first re-eval, for PTSD.
Spoke to the "project manager." It didn't releave our anxiety about what might happen. They will arange for PTSD eval closer to our home of record. When I asked about the evaluators, I was told they would be civilian doctors trained in ptsd. But even with my address, they couldn't tell me who or where this would be. I live in Southern Illinois, they were talking Chicago! All and all a cluster f*#k. She said I would have to be evaluated EVERY 6 MONTHS! I was told they rarely go beyond the first re-eval, for PTSD.
chondritis
PEB Forum Regular Member
Greetings to all folks. ive also just received the IWA letter and was inclined to look them up on the internet. Their webstite is full of hot wash and no definitive information. Not even where their clinics are located. Interestingly, it mentions the CEO being chief of helath in DC and receiving awards and acholades from a Mayor known nationally to be corrupt. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that is is wastefull spending at its best mascaraded behind "helping veterans." This is just another awarded contract by regional command that adds to the billions of funds to contractors that are not worth a sh!t. Im sorry to say that i have a real concern and not only for myself but, for all of us who have bourne the battles and make up less than 1% of the population of this great nation of ours. Regional command and the Physical Disability Agency must think we are all stupid and fail to notice that despite our disabilities, many of us do see the smaller print, second and third order effects, or whatever else you may wish to call it as it relates to wastefull spending that is NOT geared to help us and in no way is it efficient for us disabled veterans. Boy do we need more Veterans in congress to help stop this bullsh!t. Been around long enough that this was probably the brain child of some 06/07 that needed to justify his existence in implementing somebullshit for a top rated OER. Sorry, folks if i offend anyone. After servin in two branches, crawling from enlisted to warrant and then retiring as a commissioned officer it burns me to see that this sh!t happens! Especially, the smoking mirrors of helping servicemembers when they are really not. SHAME ON THE PROJECT MANAGER'S and DA Physical Disability Agency and Regional Command! May god bless you all that are going through this bullsh!t IWA process.
JMatthews11
PEB Forum Regular Member
Has anyone recivied a phone call/letter from Ivan Walks for their appointment date? I have submitted the necessary paperwork that they have requested from me 2 months ago. I called the VELO and she said that my appointment should be scheduled this month. I was also wondering if anyone else had their TDRL re-evaluation done by a contractor?