Examinations
Private DBQ Evaluations
Condition-focused history, examination, functional assessment, and completion of an appropriate Disability Benefits Questionnaire when clinically supportable.
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Independent evidence.
Private Veteran medical evidence
Independent evidence.
Clinical integrity.
Sentinel provides private clinical evaluations and medical documentation for Veterans when the requested service is appropriate, supportable, and within the clinician’s professional scope.
Evidence before outcome
A medical opinion begins with the clinical question—not a promised conclusion.
Private medical evidence may help document a diagnosis, severity, functional impact, or medically supportable relationship. Sentinel evaluates the available history, records, examination findings, and applicable medical principles before reaching any conclusion.
A requested DBQ or opinion is accepted only when the clinician can evaluate the issue responsibly. Sentinel may decline a request, recommend additional records, or explain when the available evidence does not support a favorable conclusion.
Clinical services
Private evidence services for Veterans
Each service is scoped to the clinical question, available evidence, and the qualifications of the evaluating clinician.
Medical Opinions
Independent Medical Opinions
Evidence-based opinions—including opinions commonly called nexus opinions—addressing direct, secondary, or aggravation questions when the record permits a defensible conclusion.
Evidence
Clinical Record Review
Structured review of relevant service, treatment, and examination records to identify the documented history, material findings, conflicts, and evidentiary limitations.
How the process works
A defined path from request to final documentation.
Private services are generally self-pay unless another authorized organization has arranged payment under a referral or service agreement.
01Initial screening
Sentinel reviews the requested service, claimed condition, and clinical question to determine whether the request is within scope.
02Records and requirements
The Veteran receives instructions concerning relevant records, prior decisions, and other information needed for an informed review.
03Clinical evaluation
A clinician completes the indicated record review, interview, and examination appropriate to the assignment.
04Independent documentation
Sentinel prepares the applicable DBQ, findings, or medical opinion and communicates any material limitations identified during review.
Clear boundaries
Medical evaluation is not claims representation.
Sentinel protects the credibility of its work by maintaining a firm separation between independent clinical services and advocacy before the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sentinel may provide
- Independent clinical evaluation
- Private DBQ completion when appropriate
- Record review and medical reasoning
- Objective examination findings
- Transparent limitations and unfavorable findings
Sentinel does not provide
- VA claim preparation or filing
- Representation before VA
- Legal advice or benefit strategy
- A guaranteed nexus opinion
- A guaranteed rating or VA outcome
Common questions
What Veterans should know
Does Sentinel guarantee a favorable opinion or VA decision?+
No. Sentinel’s conclusions are based on the available evidence and independent clinical judgment. No clinician can guarantee service connection, a disability percentage, or any other VA outcome.
Can every requested DBQ or nexus opinion be completed?+
No. The request must be within the clinician’s scope and supported by sufficient information. Sentinel may require additional records, modify the proposed scope, or decline the service.
Is Sentinel affiliated with or endorsed by VA?+
No. Sentinel Medical Evaluations is an independent clinical organization and is not the Department of Veterans Affairs or an endorsement of any government agency.
Does Sentinel help file or manage the claim?+
No. Sentinel provides clinical services and medical documentation. Veterans seeking claim assistance should consider a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, attorney, or claims agent.
Who pays for a private evaluation?+
Direct-to-Veteran services are generally paid by the Veteran. Different payment arrangements may apply when services are requested through an authorized referral partner or organizational agreement.
Begin with the clinical question