Consultation Agreement
This Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Encompass Psychiatry, LLC (“Consultant”), and the Veteran client, (“Client”), regarding the provision of an independent medical opinion (“Nexus Letter”) for the client seeking assistance with their disability claim (“Claim”).
1. Services Rendered and Scope: The Consultant agrees to provide a one-time Nexus Letter in writing for the Client’s Claim. This service is limited to an initial phone or video consultation for general information, assessment of applicability, and decision-making regarding the case/client’s suitability for a Nexus Letter. The Consultant will conduct a thorough review of the provided documents and current research to assess the basis and strength of the case. The Consultant will utilize their clinical experience, military background, and established research to determine the connection and strength of the connection in the form of a Nexus Letter unless otherwise found not to be suitable by lacking a diagnosis or connection. It is expressly understood that the Consultant will not provide any treatment or have any direct access to the Client’s VA file or other medical records beyond that which is/are sent directly to the Consultant by the Client via email or uploaded to the provided link.
2. Confidentiality: All information shared between the Client and the Consultant, including but not limited to documents, discussions, medical information, and the Nexus Letter itself, shall remain confidential. The Client agrees not to disclose any part of the consultation or the content of the Nexus Letter (in whole or in part) to any third party without the explicit written consent of the Consultant.
3. Liability Limitation: The Consultant’s liability is limited to the provision of professional services outlined in this Agreement. The Consultant is not liable for any damages, losses, fraud on the part of the Client, or claims arising from the Client’s use of the Nexus Letter or its outcomes. It is recognized that as an independent consultant, there is no treatment relationship or otherwise ongoing relationship, and the liability is limited to the content of the Nexus Letter.
4. Fee: The initial consultation is free as a means of determining the suitability of the case. Following the initial consultation, the Client agrees to pay the Consultant a one-time fee for the services rendered. This fee is non-refundable and covers the review of documents, medical records, and research, as well as the preparation of the Nexus Letter.
5. Client Responsibility: It is the Client’s responsibility to file their claim with the VA or seek the assistance of a VA-accredited agent. The Consultant will not be involved in any capacity regarding the filing process or communication with the VA.
6. Termination of Relationship: Upon providing the Nexus Letter, the Consultant’s relationship with the Client terminates. Any further consultation or services will require a new agreement.
7. Document Retention: The Consultant agrees to retain the documents provided by the Client for a period of no more than one (1) month after being notified of a decision by the Client, six (6) months from providing the Nexus Letter, or upon request of the Client, whichever comes first.
8. No Guarantee: The Consultant makes no guarantees regarding the outcome of the Client’s claim. The decision to accept a case is based on the Consultant’s assessment of its basis and does not ensure a positive result.
9. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States.