Write down the request before collecting files

  • The medical question. What should the physician explain? For example, a medical connection or what the records document about functional limitations.
  • The intended recipient. Who needs the opinion, and have they supplied instructions?
  • The deliverable and deadline. Do you need a written opinion, a named form or multiple assessments? Tell us about a filing deadline before paying; payment does not reserve a delivery date.

A diagnosis, a medical opinion, a completed form and an examination are different things. If you have been asked for an RFC form, DBQ or certification, ask us to confirm availability and scope first. A standard written opinion does not automatically include them.

A core checklist for a records-based review

This is a preparation aid, not a requirement to obtain every document listed. Your case team helps identify what is relevant to the agreed question.

  • Relevant treatment records. Include the history of the condition, assessments, specialist notes and treatment response where available.
  • Tests and prior evaluations. Relevant imaging reports, laboratory results, examination reports and earlier medical opinions can help explain the evidence.
  • A short factual timeline. Note key dates and where the supporting record can be found. Label your own recollections separately from clinical records.
  • The request or decision. Include the document that explains the medical question, requested form or evidence gap through secure intake.
  • A list of missing items. Note the provider or organization holding each record and whether you have requested it. Do not guess what a missing report says.

Keep records legible and complete, with dates and provider details visible. Preserve original files and relevant context, including evidence that may differ from your account. An independent opinion follows the evidence and may be unfavorable.

For a VA nexus or other VA medical question

Useful documents may include the decision letter and reasons for denial, relevant service treatment records, VA and private treatment records, available C&P reports and previous opinions. For a secondary-connection question, identify the records concerning both conditions and the proposed relationship.

VA health records, military records and VA benefits claim records are separate collections. A health-record download may not contain your complete benefits file or the C&P report you need.

These are records-retrieval routes, not instructions to file or change a claim. Discuss evidence strategy and deadlines with an accredited representative. Compare nexus letters, DBQs and VA exams if you are unsure which document was requested.

For Social Security, physical or mental function questions

Start with the requested form or your representative’s instructions. Tell us whether the request concerns physical limitations, mental limitations or both. Separate forms or reviewers may require a custom quote.

  • Physical function: Relevant records may document sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching or handling. Include available examinations, testing and treatment notes that address the question.
  • Mental function: Relevant records may document understanding, remembering, concentration, persistence, pace, following instructions or responding to workplace pressures. Available mental-health evaluations and treatment notes may be useful.
  • Support for the opinion: Identify the findings and explanations behind a limitation, not just a diagnosis or a statement that someone is disabled. Include important conflicting evidence as well.

These examples describe possible areas of review; they do not establish your limitations or direct a physician’s answers. SSA makes the RFC and benefits decisions. Its rules emphasize supportability and consistency when evaluating medical opinions.

Sources: SSA categories of medical evidence and SSA evaluation of medical opinions. See our Social Security and RFC scope guide before choosing a review.

For work, disability, survivor or other medical questions

Bring the requesting organization’s instructions, the exact medical question and any required form. The relevant records depend on the person’s medical history and the question being asked. For a survivor-related review, ask about the required authorization and secure records process before submitting someone else’s documents.

A records-based opinion is not automatically an examination, legal representation, a death-certificate amendment or an agency-specific certification. Confirm the reviewer and deliverable with our team before paying if the request goes beyond one standard written opinion. Explore independent medical opinion scope.

What if you cannot find a record?

Tell your case specialist which document is missing, who may hold it and whether a request is pending. The team can clarify what is needed for readiness. A missing record does not automatically mean the review can proceed, or that you need to purchase another service.

At Valor, physician review follows file preparation and readiness review. Standard delivery is within 14 days after Valor confirms the final required information and records are complete and ready for physician review; complex cases or later information may extend timing. Official records requests have their own processing times, so discuss deadlines early.

Choose the next step that fits

One condition or focused medical question: the $899 standard review includes readiness review and one physician’s written opinion when advancement is recommended. Records can follow payment. See what the standard review includes.

A form, multiple reviews or uncertain scope: ask for an agreed quote before paying. Custom quotes state their own deliverables, price and refund terms. No additional work or charges are imposed without agreement.

The standard conditional refund remains unchanged: if we recommend waiting and you do not advance, or the physician cannot support the opinion after we recommend advancing, $849 is returned and $50 retained for processing. Advancing against our recommendation to wait is not covered by the unsupported-opinion refund. Read the refund terms.

Send medical records only through secure intake. An ordinary inquiry is for discussing scope and next steps, not uploading medical records. After a standard purchase, your welcome email includes the separate secure records link; Stripe sends the payment receipt separately.