In May, VA resumed in-person disability compensation and pension (C&P) medical exams performed by VA contractors. As of December 31, 2020, the available C&P exam locations for scheduling grew to 42,516 U.S. zip codes.
Facilities in some areas are performing in-person exams but do not allow removal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). There are facilities in other areas that allow for PPE removal during in-person examinations, as determined by the examiners.
The Medical Disability Program Office (MDEO) administers the Medical Disability Exam (MDE) contract program. MDEO contracts allow vendors to provide examinations to Veterans and service members who are seeking disability benefits from VA. The goal of the program is to reduce claims processing time by increasing access to examinations.
VA will request a contract examination in support of a Veteran’s claim, if needed. After VA orders an exam, the vendor will contact the Veteran by telephone, registered mail, or email to schedule an appointment within three business days of acknowledging the request from VA. If the vendor is unable to reach the Veteran by telephone, they will schedule the examination and mail a notification to the Veteran with the appointment details.
Vendors will provide confirmation of all scheduled examinations by letter at least five business days prior to the appointment – or less if verbal confirmation of attendance to the appointment is received. Vendors will also follow up with the Veteran by telephone prior to a scheduled appointment.
Veterans have the opportunity to contact the contract vendor identified in their appointment letter directly to request their appointments be rescheduled. If Veterans have questions concerning their examination, or if they need to cancel or reschedule their appointment, they should contact the contract vendor that scheduled their appointment directly.
For more information on C&P exams:
- Lookup your zip code here: C&P exam resumption website
- Read more about C&P exams and find related fact sheets
Kenny Kimbrell is a public affairs specialist for VBA’s Office of Strategic Engagement.
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