Independent Exam & DBQ
Full psychological assessment using VA C&P-aligned standards with supporting clinical notes.
Learn More →Forensic Psychology · VA Disability Evaluations
Your Service Deserves
Recognition & Fair
Compensation.
Defensible psychological evaluations and nexus documentation for veterans pursuing VA disability claims — and for the attorneys, courts, and families who support them.
About Dr. Howard
I'm Dr. David Howard – Forensic Psychologist serving veterans and the courts.
Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I've completed more than 7,000 comprehensive assessments — including VA C&P exams and independent evaluations — across a career that began in the 1980s. My work focuses on clear, defensible nexus letters and DBQ documentation aligned to VA standards.
“ Defensible documentation. Honest assessment. Veterans deserve both.
David H. Howard, Psy.D. | Clinical & Forensic Psychology
7,000+Assessments Completed
40+Years in Practice
3State Licenses Held
PSYPACTTelepsychology Authorized
My Practice
Veteran disability & forensic evaluations.
Two service tracks under one practice — built around precise documentation, individualized assessment, and the credibility VA reviewers, attorneys, and courts expect.
Veterans
Independent evaluations, nexus letters, TDIU letters, and DBQ support for VA disability claims.
Attorneys
Forensic evaluations and expert opinions for criminal and civil matters, retained or court-appointed.
Courts
Competence to stand trial, NGRI evaluations, and other psycholegal questions referred by the bench.
Families
Guidance for family members of veterans, defendants, or inmates navigating evaluation processes.
Service Offerings
Trusted evaluations for VA claims
and forensic matters.
Nexus Letter
Well-reasoned medical opinion connecting your diagnosis to service, written to VA standards.
Learn More →TDIU Letter
Focused opinion addressing unemployability due to service-connected mental health conditions.
Learn More →Currently Accepting New CasesVeterans, attorneys, and referring clinicians welcome.
Types of Claims Supported
Three paths to service connection.
Every claim is different. I evaluate and document all three forms of service connection recognized by the VA, matched to the evidence in your record.
- Direct service connection
- Secondary service connection
- Aggravation service connection
Transparent Pricing
Clear fees. No hidden costs.
Every report personally completed by Dr. Howard.
Independent Exam / DBQ
$650
flat fee per evaluation
- Full assessment to VA C&P standards
- Supporting clinical notes
- In-person or telepsychology
Exam / DBQ + Nexus
$975
combined package
- Independent Exam & DBQ
- Cohesive nexus opinion
- Submitted as a single package
Nexus / TDIU Letter
$650
up to 3 conditions
- Service connection opinion
- Additional conditions: $100 each
- TDIU letters available
Need a 48-hour turnaround? Rush service available for an additional $400, subject to scheduling. Get in touch to confirm availability.
“ My role is to document what's true — clearly, ethically, and in a form the VA will take seriously.
The Process
A clear, three-step path
from inquiry to report.
Most evaluations follow the same simple sequence. You'll know what's expected at every stage, and you'll always work directly with me — not a contractor or assistant.
-
Initial Inquiry
Brief call to discuss your situation, the documents you have, and whether an evaluation is appropriate.
-
Records Review & Scheduling
I review your service records and treatment history, then we schedule the evaluation in person or via telepsychology.
-
Evaluation & Report
You receive a defensible, VA-aligned report — DBQ, nexus letter, TDIU opinion, or the combination your case requires.
Veterans' Resources
Common questions from veterans
navigating VA claims.
What is a C&P exam, and what should I expect?
A Compensation & Pension exam is a medical or psychological evaluation requested by the VA to help determine whether a condition is related to your military service and how severely it affects your daily functioning. It is not a treatment appointment — the examiner is not your doctor, and the purpose is evaluation, not care.
For mental health claims like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, the examiner will review your records, ask about your symptoms, and assess how your condition affects your work and social functioning. Be honest and thorough: describe your worst days, not just your average ones.
What is a nexus letter, and do I need one?
A nexus letter is a written medical opinion that establishes a connection between your current diagnosis and your military service. The VA requires the opinion to be stated to the standard of "at least as likely as not" and supported by a clear rationale.
Not every claim requires one, but many veterans benefit from a nexus letter when their claim was denied for lack of service connection, when the C&P examiner gave a negative opinion, when the condition emerged years after service, or when claiming a secondary condition.
How do I service-connect a mental health condition?
You generally need three things: a current diagnosis recognized in the DSM-5 (such as PTSD, major depression, or anxiety); an in-service event, injury, or stressor; and a medical nexus connecting the two.
Direct service connection means the condition was caused by something during service. Secondary service connection means it was caused or worsened by an already service-connected disability — for example, depression developing because of chronic service-connected pain.
Why are so many veterans underrated for PTSD?
C&P exams are often brief. An examiner may see a veteran on a relatively stable day and miss the full picture of their functioning. Veterans who are articulate or present well can appear less impaired than they actually are.
An independent psychological evaluation provides a more thorough, documented picture of how PTSD is truly affecting your work, relationships, and daily life — which is the basis on which the VA assigns ratings.
Can I file an MST claim without official documentation?
Yes. Because Military Sexual Trauma is frequently not reported when it occurs, the VA applies a relaxed evidentiary standard for MST-related claims and does not require official documentation of the incident.
Other forms of evidence can support your claim, including statements from fellow service members, personal journals, behavioral changes noted in service records, or a change in duty station. You are also eligible for free VA mental health treatment for MST-related conditions regardless of claim status.
How does the VA tell TBI and PTSD apart?
TBI is a physical brain injury caused by force — blast exposure, vehicle accidents, falls. PTSD is a psychological response to a traumatic event. They share many symptoms (sleep problems, irritability, memory issues), which is why they're often confused or one is missed when both are present.
The VA generally won't rate duplicate symptoms twice, but veterans may still receive separate ratings for distinct TBI residuals — like headaches, vestibular problems, or cognitive deficits — that go beyond what the PTSD rating addresses.
Have a question that isn't covered here? Get in touch — I'll respond personally.
Availability
Mon - Fri : 9 am to 5 pm CT
Telepsychology by appointment
Weekends Closed