I’m Dr. Elaine Foster, a retired USAF Lt.Col.,disabled veteran, and board certified (ABPP) psychologist with over 30 years of experience as a fitness for duty examiner. On top of that, I have worked for VA C&P contractors including: QTC, VES, and LHI. Last but not least, I am a disabled Vet so I know the challenges on both sides, as an examiner and as a veteran who successfully got the VA to give me the disability rating I deserve. If your service-connected mental health symptoms have gotten worse, or if your current VA rating doesn’t reflect the way PTSD, depression, anxiety or military sexual trauma (MST) affects your daily life— I can help by providing psychological evaluations that the VA can rely on.

That includes:

• Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) for rating increases and appeals

• Nexus letters when the clinical record supports service connection

• Completed VA DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaires) for mental health conditions

• C&P exam second opinions when a prior evaluation didn't capture the full picture

• MST evaluations documenting psychological impact for VA claims

Sometimes crucial details—like trauma history, unusual symptoms, or functional impairment—are missed or minimized in standard evaluations. That means the VA will miss important ways your condition affects your health unless you take charge of your profile.

How an IMO Helps Your Claim

The VA requires clear, objective medical evidence to justify a rating increase or service connection. Relying on a generic checklist when requesting an increase can result in a decrease in your rating. Just as importantly, the VA is cracking down on high-volume "form mills" that produce automated, copy-paste reports — those reports carry very little weight these days. Now, more than ever, the need for an exam that is personalized and written by an experienced clinician, is critical. Because I’m a veteran, I won’t BS you about your chances for getting a disability. If I don’t think you have the documentation or history that supports an increase or re-evaluation, I will tell you during our very first contact. At this stage of my career, I’m not looking for money. I want to help my fellow vets.

My psychological evaluations document:

• Your individualized clinical picture — not a checklist

• Degree of impairment in work, social, and family life

• The link between your symptoms and your service (service connection)

• Why your current rating may understate your level of disability

This service may be right for you if

• A prior C&P exam didn't capture your daily symptoms

• You need a personalized — not cut-and-paste — opinion for PTSD, depression, anxiety, or MST

• You need a clinically grounded explanation of your functional limitations and service connection

• Your service-connected symptoms have worsened over time and your current VA rating doesn’t reflects your daily struggles or social and occupational impairment

What I Am — and What I Am Not

• I am an independent psychologist providing a substantiated, clinically sound professional opinion backed by board certification and 30+ years of experience.

• I am not a legal representation. I do not currently work for the VA.

• I cannot guarantee a specific rating or claim approval.

A Direct, Peer-to-Peer Approach

• I am a disabled veteran myself so I’ll always respect your history. When we speak, I’ll listen to why you think you need a second opinion. If I think I can help you, I will tell you.

• I will be honest and not waste your money if the history doesn’t support this type of intensive evaluation.

Integrity - Service Before Self - Excellence

I have a sliding scale fee to help anyone who can’t afford to pay for my independent medical opinion. Because I believe that no one should be left behind.