A VA disability exam, also called a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, is a medical exam to assess the severity of a veteran's physical or mental impairment. The results of this exam are used by the VA to decide your disability rating and claims.
A VA disability exam offers the medical proof needed to connect your current disability to your military service. It also:
As a direct primary care provider, TBH Medical can offer a more thorough exam because we have more time to dedicate to each patient. Your nurse practitioner will not be rushed to complete your exam in order to meet the high patient volume demands of an insurance-based practice.
Not every veteran who has filed a claim for disability compensation or pension with the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a VA disability exam; it is requested only if additional information is needed. The exam is typically requested by the VA or your representative after you have filed your initial claim, and additional information is needed.
Please bring all relevant medical records, your service treatment records, and any correspondence from the VA regarding your claim. It is also helpful to bring copies of imaging reports, surgical records, and a list of your current medications.
You do not need to be enrolled in the VA healthcare system to receive a VA disability exam. If you have a pending disability claim and the VA or its contractor has requested a medical exam, you may be scheduled for an exam, or you can obtain an independent exam using a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for submission.
During your exam, your nurse practitioner will ask you a series of questions about your condition, the effect of your condition on your daily activities, and your military service. A physical exam will also be performed to evaluate the specific condition for which you are filing a claim. We will follow the protocols outlined in the appropriate Disability Benefits Questionnaire.
The length of your appointment will depend on the number and type of conditions for which you are filing a claim. A simple C&P examination for one condition can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. However, if you have multiple conditions or complex conditions, the exam may take an hour or more to complete to ensure that all information is properly documented.
That will depend on the claimed condition. For musculoskeletal conditions, we will use a goniometer to measure range of motion. Other conditions may require clinical evaluation or an order for diagnostic testing, if allowed.
Yes, the provider will review all pertinent medical records you bring to the appointment and any records sent over from the VA prior to your appointment. It is crucial to understand your entire medical history to properly complete the necessary paperwork and render an objective medical opinion.
When you choose TBH Medical, you are choosing a health care provider that focuses on access and documentation. Our private practice in Colorado Springs offers a comfortable environment where you will be the only patient the provider sees, and your examination will receive the attention to detail it deserves.
Our nurse practitioner has years of clinical experience and specialized training in performing detailed medical examinations. We understand the language that must be used and the documentation required to properly complete a DBQ and/or an independent medical opinion.
Yes, we follow all protocols as dictated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Every exam uses the standard DBQ forms currently in use. We assure you that your examination meets the legal and medically necessary requirements set by the rating authority.
We will complete and submit the exam within a couple of days following your exam. Once the completed exam is received by the VA, the time it takes to rate a claim depends on the VA's current wait time.
If the exam was scheduled by the VA or one of their contractors, we will send the completed exam directly to them through their online portals. If you scheduled an independent medical opinion with us, we will give you (or your attorney) the completed DBQs and/or independent medical opinion to submit with your claim.
If you hired us to provide an independent medical opinion, yes, we will provide you with a completed copy of the documents once they are finalized. If a third-party VA contractor scheduled the exam, you will need to request those results from the VA or your local Veterans Service Officer.
If the VA has contracted with our office to perform your C&P exam, the VA will pay for the services. If you want an independent medical evaluation or DBQ completed outside of a VA contracted exam, you will be responsible for the cost.
There is no cost to you if we are completing the DBQ under contract with the VA or one of its contracted vendors. If you are interested in an independent DBQ, we will quote a price prior to scheduling your exam.
Payment is due at the time of service for independent DBQ evaluations. We strive to offer competitive pricing for our direct primary care and DBQ services, but do not offer financing or payment plans for disability evaluations.
Our office in Colorado Springs is handicap accessible. We are happy to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, canes, service animals, and other special considerations. Please let us know if you have any special needs when scheduling so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Please notify us of any schedule changes at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. If you are scheduled for a VA contracted exam, failure to show or cancellation with less than 48 hours' notice can significantly delay your claim.
In some cases, we can complete certain exams or portions of exams remotely. Examples of virtual exams include:
Most conditions require a face-to-face evaluation to measure the range of motion and document physical limitations.
We can provide the medical evidence necessary to support your claim and complete the required DBQ forms. However, we are not VSOs and are not qualified to assist with the actual application process.
Veterans are eligible to become members of TBH Medical for ongoing primary care services. We offer routine medical care, disease management and prevention, and wellness services to augment the care you may be receiving from the VA.
We encourage veterans to reach out to local VSOs in Colorado Springs, as well as the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), with questions about their VA disability benefits.