the DSM-IV exam on the of reevaluation is otherwise adequate for rating purposes do not request a new examination. Note: The regulation changes do not affect VA’s evaluation criteria for mental disorders. the DSM-IV exam on the issue of reevaluation is not otherwise adequate for rating purposes. request a new examination. 7. Medical Opinions Introduction This topic contains information about medical opinions, including who may request a medical opinion completing the medical opinion request in CAATS in procedure for identifying the evidence in a medical opinion request in ERB maintaining objectivity in medical opinion requests medical opinions required for remands instructions for providing medical opinions – claims under 38 U.S.C. 1151 medical opinions in the hearing loss and tinnitus DBQ avoiding asking for legal conclusions in medical opinion requests when to obtain an independent medical opinion initiating a request for an independent medical opinion submitting a request for an independent medical opinion, and processing requests for an independent medical opinion. Change Date October 9, 2015 a. Who May Request a Medical Opinion VSRs who have completed training specified by Central Office (CO) may prepare basic or straightforward medical opinion requests without RVSR or DRO review. Subject to the exception below, the VSCM will designate categories of opinions that are sufficiently basic or straightforward. Exception: Only or DROs may prepare complex medical opinion requests. These include issues involving: compensation under
If no, denies the request without the need for referral to Compensation Service. Important: This determination may be contested as part of an appeal on the primary issue under consideration. 4 Compensation Service Decides whether the request has merit. 5 Compensation Service Does the request have merit? If yes notifies the claimant that the request has been approved obtains the opinion from the appropriate medical expert, and sends a copy of the opinion when it is available. If no, denies the request. Important: This determination may be contested as part of an appeal on the primary issue under consideration. 8. A&A and Housebound Examinations Introduction This topic contains information about A&A and Housebound examinations, including purpose of an A&A and Housebound examination when an A&A and Housebound examination may be useful requesting an A&A and Housebound examination, and locally devised checklists. Change Date July 30, 2015 a. Purpose of an A&A and Housebound Examination The Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound examination is designed to pinpoint findings relevant to A&A determinations under and , and provide a basis for determining if the Housebound benefit may be paid if need for A&A is not shown.
a. Description of a Social Survey A social survey is an interview with the Veteran to assess the impact of disability on the capacity to interact with others and function in an occupational setting. This type of information may be used in conjunction with objective clinical findings when, for example, evaluating psychiatric disabilities, examining or considering IU. b. When Social Surveys Can be Used to Evaluate Social and Occupational Impairment A social survey is an acceptable type of evaluation of social or occupational impairment if the rating issue pertains to the evaluation of disability, and a VA examination has established the diagnosis. Reference: For information on social surveys for see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.12. c. When Social Surveys Should Be Used to Evaluate Physical or Mental Disability When a clinical examination alone would not provide sufficient information to assess the impact of physical and/or mental disability on the Veteran’s capacity to interact with others and function in an occupational setting, request a social survey. A social survey may be especially useful in concerning Veterans with psychiatric illness arrested tuberculosis loss of limbs, sight, or hearing physical disfigurement resulting in feelings of inferiority, or epilepsy. Important: Do not request a social survey in a case involving epilepsy without first obtaining the consent of the claimant. d. Who Conducts a Social Survey Social workers are responsible for conducting comprehensive social surveys for medical and rating purposes. In some instances, a designated VHA Coordinator, such as homeless Veterans coordinators or FPOW coordinators may be responsible for conducting the social surveys. e. Considerations When Requesting a Social Survey A DBQ does not for social surveys. Include ample information on the examination request concerning the purpose of the examination, and evidence required for rating purposes to assist the social worker conducting the survey.