What Is A Typical Day For A Veteran Disability Examiner PA?
The job involves helping Veterans who have filed a claim for disability benefits related to medical conditions caused by military service. There are different types of exams depending on the Veteran’s specific claim. All exams involve thorough review of the Veteran’s medical records, taking a detailed history, performing a physical exam, reviewing labs / imaging/ other diagnostics, and then submitting a report to the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA). There are a wide variety of positions in this field, some part-time and some full-time. It is important to check with the specific employer regarding scheduling and how much time is allotted to see each Veteran.
What Are The Steps In The Veteran Disability Claim Process?
1. A Veteran files their medical claim to the VBA. A Veteran’s service officer can help advocate for and assist the Veteran in identifying medical conditions to submit a claim for.
2. The VBA receives the Veteran’s claim and makes a decision. If the VBA needs more information in order to make a decision, then the VBA submits a request for an exam.
3. The Veteran Disability Examiner receives the exam request from the VBA and reviews the Veteran’s medical records. The VBA will list the conditions that the examiner needs to evaluate.
4. The Veteran Disability Examiner performs the exam, orders tests (such as x-rays, labwork) if necessary, and makes a diagnosis and/or medical opinion. The examiner submits their report to the VBA.
5. The VBA makes a rating decision and sends the Veteran a letter in the mail with the decision.
What Are The Different Types of Veteran Disability Exams?
SHA - A comprehensive assessment for service members who are transitioning out of military service.
Gen Med - A comprehensive assessment within 1 year after separating from military service.
Focused - Focuses on specific medical conditions claimed > 1 year after separating from military service.
Gulf War - For Veterans who served in Desert Storm/ Desert Shield, SWA, or after 9/11/2001.
Independent Medical Opinions - The VBA is asking for a medical opinion about whether or not a Veteran’s medical condition is directly caused by military service, secondary to a service-connected condition, aggravated by military service, or caused by toxic exposures during military service.
IMO Example 1: Is the Veteran’s erectile dysfunction secondary to their service-connected diagnosis of PTSD.
IMO Example 2: Is the Veteran’s pes planus (which was documented as existing prior to military service) aggravated beyond it’s expected natural progression by military service.
Original Claim
Increase - For worsening medical problems.
Aggravation - Example: Knee pain was aggravated by ankle injury during military service
What Follow-Up Occurs After Seeing A Veteran For A Disability Exam?
The examinations are one-time and there is no ongoing treatment relationship with the Veteran. We oftentimes make new diagnoses or recommend follow-up, but it is not our role to directly coordinate the Veteran’s referrals and care. There is a huge opportunity during the exams to educate the Veterans about the importance of connecting with providers at the VA for long-term follow-up and to support patient-centered whole body care encompassing mind, body, spirit, physical, and mental health.