Virtual VA Examinations Become the New Norm During the Pandemic
May 05, 2020
Just a month ago, veterans were being forced to attend Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations, placing themselves and their families at risk during a global pandemic. The C&P examination is often conducted after the veteran files for disability and compensation or pension benefits with the VA. The C&P examination helps the VA determine if the veteran has a disability-related to service and the level of severity of the disability. If veterans do not attend these C&P examinations, they risk losing their benefits and the VA denying their claim outright. For more information about C&P examinations click here.
However, due to the proliferation of complaints and a lawsuit filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims—Veterans Legal Advocacy Group v. Robert L. Wilkie, Secretary of Veterans Affairs—the VA has moved toward expanding its existing technologies and using alternate methods to conduct C&P examinations to limit veteran exposure to COVID-19. Veterans are a highly susceptible population due to their pre-existing conditions placing them at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. The VA has suspended all in-person C&P exams and will now utilize virtual-tele-compensation and pension or “tele-C&P” exams. The tele-C&P exams are suitable for some conditions, especially mental health conditions. Examinations that do require an in-person appointment “will be held until further notice without penalty to veterans” according to VA public affairs office Randal Noller. The VA’s move toward using virtual alternatives for C&P examinations helps support social distancing and the safety and health of veterans and medical personnel during this pandemic.
It is important for veterans to remember that the C&P exam is just one step in the claim’s process to obtain benefits. The VA is still operating, and Legal Help for Veterans can help veterans navigate the VA process. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran who has a possible claim, please contact Legal Help for Veterans at (800) 693-4800 for assistance.