WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced May 28 it will resume in-person Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams in concert with the reopening of VA lead medical centers in select locations across the country.
VA Veterans Benefits Administration’s (VBA) contracted medical examination providers will immediately begin contacting Veterans in select locations with claims pending C&P exams to schedule exam appointments.
Safety measures include COVID-19 screening for Veterans and employees, physical distancing and appropriate personal protective equipment to include face coverings and gloves. VA is working closely with its medical providers to ensure the safety of Veterans and providers remains a top priority.
VA expects to start conducting in-person exams within the next few weeks based on the availability of Veterans at the West Palm Beach VAMC, Fla.
Veterans outside of this service area will continue to be served through telehealth appointments or the acceptable clinical evidence process, which includes a review of existing medical records to provide information needed to complete the claim, whenever possible.
Veterans within resumed service areas who do not yet feel comfortable receiving in-person exams may opt to schedule their exam for a later date without impact to their disability claim. No final action will be taken on a claim while a required in-person exam is pending.
VA expects to expand the list of available locations as conditions allow, with guidance from various agencies driving decision making.
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