FAQ
Practical questions.
What is Ingleside Health?
Ingleside Health is an independent physician records-review and written-opinion service operated by Betula Mental Health PLLC. Psychiatric and mental-health review is the primary launch focus.
What is a nexus letter for a VA disability claim?
A nexus letter is a signed medical opinion that explains whether a diagnosed condition is connected to military service or to another service-connected condition. It should identify the evidence reviewed, explain the medical reasoning, and state the physician's conclusion using the appropriate probability language.
How do I get a nexus letter from a doctor?
Start with the doctor who already treats the condition. If that clinician cannot provide the opinion, a qualified independent physician may review your records and write one. Ingleside Health uses a Box-hosted intake, physician review, draft fact-check, and final signature.
Does every VA disability claim need a nexus letter?
No. A claim may already contain sufficient evidence, qualify under a presumption, or receive a medical opinion through a VA-ordered claim exam. A private opinion is most useful when it addresses a specific medical-evidence gap.
Is a nexus letter the same as a DBQ?
No. A nexus letter addresses medical causation or connection. A Disability Benefits Questionnaire generally documents a diagnosis, symptoms, and severity. Some matters need one, both, or neither.
What records do I need for a nexus letter?
The useful set may include service treatment and personnel records, VA and private treatment records, prior C&P reports, decision letters, diagnostic testing, and lay statements. The exact records depend on whether the claim involves direct service connection, a secondary condition, aggravation, or a prior denial.
Do you review medical conditions outside mental health?
Selected other medical conditions may be accepted only after the physician confirms that the matter fits her licensure, training, experience, and professional competence. A category listed during intake is a screening option, not an offer or promise that Ingleside will accept the matter.
Is Ingleside part of the VA?
No. Ingleside Health is independent and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The physician's private work through Ingleside is separate from any VA employment.
Do you represent veterans before the VA?
No. Ingleside provides medical review and opinion work. It does not file claims, prepare legal arguments, or represent veterans. Veterans should use a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, VSO, or other qualified representative for claim strategy.
What does the VA review cost?
The standard psychiatric records-review and opinion service costs $1,500 total. The $500 is paid upfront to begin the physician records review; the $1,000 balance is due before the final letter, only if an opinion is supported and you choose to continue. The $500 initial physician records-review fee is non-refundable if you cancel after Dr. Craig begins substantive physician review, even if the review is not yet complete. Administrative screening, file receipt, scheduling, and payment alone do not count as substantive physician review. If you cancel before that review begins, or Ingleside declines or cannot provide the agreed initial review, we refund that fee. A completed review that does not support the requested opinion is still a performed review and does not qualify for a refund on that basis. If an opinion is clinically supportable and you choose to proceed, the remaining $1,000 is due before final work is completed. Refunds required by law remain available. These terms apply to new engagements and do not replace an existing matter's signed fee terms.
Can the attorney or the veteran pay?
Yes. Either party can pay, as long as the veteran signs the required authorization and the engagement documents clearly identify the payer and scope.
What if the review does not support the requested opinion?
The physician will not sign an opinion that cannot be supported. The completed review may still identify record gaps, factual problems, or a different way to understand the evidence. The $500 pays for that review, not a favorable conclusion. No additional standard fee is due if the requested opinion is not supportable or you choose not to continue.
Do you guarantee a rating or benefit result?
No. The fee is for independent review and clinical opinion work. Ingleside does not guarantee a favorable opinion, VA rating, service connection, appeal result, or benefit award.
Can I upload more records later?
Yes, but late records are not automatically included in the final opinion. The final letter identifies the records the physician considered. Records uploaded too late or outside the agreed scope may be flagged separately.
Should I email medical records?
No. Do not send diagnoses, medical details, claim numbers, or records by ordinary email. Use the Box-hosted intake for any information or records Ingleside requests.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on record volume, missing information, and whether additional clinician questions are needed. Ingleside confirms timing during intake before taking on a deadline.
Do you provide treatment?
Not through Ingleside. If Betula accepts an Ingleside matter, the professional relationship is limited to the evaluation, records review, or opinion described in the written engagement. It is not an ongoing treating relationship and does not include medication management, crisis care, or general medical advice.
Can a current Betula patient receive an independent Ingleside evaluation?
No. A current Betula Mental Health treatment patient will not be evaluated by Dr. Craig for an independent Ingleside forensic opinion. Prior or other Betula relationships are screened for conflicts and may require referral elsewhere.
Where are services available?
Services are currently limited to adults age 18 or older who are physically located in Illinois or Texas when professional services are provided. An inquiry does not mean a matter has been accepted.
Do you accept insurance?
No. Forensic review and opinion work is paid privately and is not billed to health insurance.
This business is not endorsed or sponsored by, or affiliated with, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, or any federally chartered VA accredited veteran service organization. You may qualify for other veterans benefits beyond the benefits for which you are receiving services here.
Veteran and military benefits services are available free of charge from VA accredited county veteran service officers, representatives of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, and the veteran service officers of federally chartered veteran service organizations. To learn more, contact these organizations or the Illinois Attorney General's Office at 1-800-382-3000.