Purpose

The Policy and Procedures outlined below are to optimize the time needed and the safety of the environment to adequately complete the federal disability exam form(s).

Expectations of the Medical Examiner, The Veteran, and any persons and/or animals with The Veteran

The Medical Examiner performing the federal disability exam is strictly directed NOT to provide medical advice or treatment to the Veteran and any persons and/or animals with the Veteran.

The Medical Examiner performing the federal disability exam is strictly directed NOT to provide advice regarding disability claims with the Veterans Benefits Administration. The Medical Examiner is not an accredited representative.

The Medical Examiner performing the federal disability exam is strictly directed NOT to provide a medical opinion. The training for completing a medical opinion is much different than the process for completing the federal disability exam forms.

The Medical Examiner performing the federal disability exam is strictly directed ONLY to complete documents pertaining to VA disability, specifically, the federal Disability Benefits Questionnaires made available by the Department of Veterans Affairs obtained online. The Medical Examiner will not be completing any forms provided by the veteran.

The Medical Examiner performing the federal disability exam is strictly directed NOT to tolerate behavior from the Veteran being evaluated or any persons and/or animals with the Veteran being evaluated that could be perceived as angry, aggressive, or threatening in nature.

Animals or pets are to be placed in their crate or a space they will not come into contact with the Medical Examiner. However, “Service Animals” as defined by The Department of Justice are permitted. In the event the Veteran has a service animal, the veteran is required to notify the Medical Examiner at time of scheduling if a “Service Animal” will be accompanying the Veteran or persons with the Veteran, is in the home, or on the property where the Veteran is to be evaluated. 

The definition of a “Service Animal” can be found by clicking here. 

The Medical Examiner is required to ask the Veteran and any persons with the Veteran to place animals or pets that are not a “Service Animal” in a crate or secured in a place they cannot make contact with the Medical Examiner.

Attire

The Veteran should wear comfortable clean clothing with consideration of the examination being performed. For example, if the Veteran is having a knee examination, the clothing should not restrict the Medical Examiner’s ability to see or examine the knee.

Testimony

The purpose of the federal disability examination is to capture the Veteran’s testimony about the symptoms of the condition being examined and the veteran’s limitations associated with the condition. The Medical Examiner may discuss important historical medical treatments including surgeries and current medications.

The Veteran is asked to have a list of their current medications present for the appointment. 

The Medical Examiner is directed to capture the Veteran’s testimony first.

Any persons with the Veteran WILL have the opportunity to provide their testimony after the Veteran’s testimony has been documented first.

The purpose of the federal disability examination is NOT to discuss denial letters from the Veterans Benefits Administration. 

Safety

Safety is always a priority. 

If the Veteran is being evaluated in a neighborhood or area where the Medical Examiner observes suspicious activities that may be perceived as unsafe, aggressive, or threatening in nature the Medical Examiner may elect to cancel and reschedule the appointment. The Medical Examiner will notify the veteran as soon as the Medical Examiner feels safe in their environment. An alternate location to conduct the examination may be selected.

If the Veteran is aware that their neighborhood or the area where the Veteran is to be evaluated is not safe, it is in the best interest of all parties for the Veteran to notify the Medical Examiner at the time of scheduling. Alternate arrangements can be made for the Veteran to be examined by the Medical Examiner in a safe environment.

The Medical Examiner will contact the office upon arrival to the appointment location.

If the evaluation is conducted outside of a clinic environment, the Medical Examiner will contact the veteran approximately 10 minutes prior to arrival.