f. Requesting Examinations in CAATS Use the Centralized Administrative Accounting Transaction System to request examinations from contract examiners. Note: The contract exam sub-module of CAATS replaced the Veterans Examination Request Information System (VERIS). References: For more information to inputting exam requests, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.16.a completing medical opinion requests in CAATS, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.7.b, and see the CAATS Website, and . 3. DBQs Introduction This topic contains information about DBQs, including the definition of DBQs use and acceptance of DBQs for VA examinations and opinions, and DBQs and exam cancellations. Change Date October 9, 2015 a. Definition: DBQs DBQs are documents used to elicit medical information needed to make decisions on claims, and provide a standardized report format for medical examinations and opinions. DBQs are designed for both internal use by the VHA and contract examiners. The majority of DBQs are also approved for public use by private providers. References: For more information on DBQs, see VA’s website, and VA’s , and DBQs submitted from a health care provider, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.D.2.d.
is needed prior to other appellate procedures in cases where a notice of disagreement (NOD) has been filed the issue on appeal is either SC or evaluation of a psychiatric disability, and upon review of the claims folder, prior to pre-certification of the appeal, it is found that a social survey was not considered in the denial request a social survey. 13. Pre-Discharge Examinations Introduction This topic contains information about Pre-Discharge examinations, including who is eligible for Pre-Discharge examination what the Separation Health Assessment (SHA) covers, and general medical examinations and the SHA. Change Date July 30, 2015 a. Who Is Eligible for Pre-Discharge Examination The Pre-Discharge program is available to service members with no more than 180 days remaining until discharge at select military installations that contain VA intake sites. References: For more information on who may file a Pre-Discharge claim, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.A.1.b, and claims that are not processed in the Pre-Discharge program, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.A.1.e. b. What the SHA Examination Covers The Separation Health Assessment (SHA) is a single separation examination which supports the VA disability compensation process and the Department of Defense (DoD) separation/retirement process. It includes the Separation History and Physical Examination Program (SHPE). Service members who do not file claims with VA will receive an SHA/ SHPE at their local military treatment facility (MTF) in connection with their
e. Options for Processing Claims for Pregnant Claimants There are three options for processing claims for pregnant claimants. An RVSR at the receiving RO should determine, on an individual basis, which of the following actions is appropriate based on the claimed contentions defer the entire examination until conclusion of the pregnancy rate the entire claim based on existing STRs and evidence of record, or rate any claimed conditions that may be awarded based on existing STRs and evidence, and defer consideration of any additional disabilities that may not be examined until conclusion of the pregnancy. Example: SC for an amputated finger can be awarded based on STRs, but the other claimed issues require specific tests that are prohibited due to pregnancy and must be deferred until the pregnancy concludes and a full examination can be conducted. Reference: For more information on intermediate rating decisions and deferred issues, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 6.A. 15. Examiner Review of the Claims Folder Introduction this topic contains information about inputting examination requests, including importance of claims folder review examinations requiring claims folder review requesting examiner review of the claims folder requirement to identify relevant evidence for the examiner’s review bookmarking documents for examiner review, and annotating documents for examiner review. Change Date January 15, 2016 a. Importance of Claims Folder Review Folder review helps VA ensure that the examiner is given the fullest evidentiary picture possible. The claims folder often contains a history of treatment of the disability at issue. In order to provide an adequate basis for the findings and conclusions of an examination, the examiner needs access to that history. References: For more information on sending the claims folder in connection with a VA examination or opinion, see