Enhanced Strategy Needed to Reduce Disability Exam Inventory Due to the Pandemic and Errors Related to Canceled Exams
Review · Department of Veterans Affairs OIG · 2020-11-19 · about Department of Veterans Affairs
Report
Title
Enhanced Strategy Needed to Reduce Disability Exam Inventory Due to the Pandemic and Errors Related to Canceled Exams
Submitting OIG
Department of Veterans Affairs OIG
Component agency
Department of Veterans Affairs
Type
Review
Publication date
2020-11-19
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) provides disability benefits to veterans. On April 3, 2020, VBA discontinued all in-person disability exams that help determine the severity of medical conditions and the amount of benefits paid. The OIG conducted this review to assess how VBA scheduled and conducted exams during the pandemic to limit veterans’ exposure, minimize processing delays, and ensure claims were not prematurely denied due to missed or canceled in-person exams.
Recommendations (2)
#
Status
Text
1
Closed
Further develop, implement, and test its strategy to reduce the exam inventory using in person, telehealth, and acceptable clinical evidence exams as safety and circumstances permit.
2
Closed
Develop and implement a plan to increase the use of telehealth exams. VBA should also ensure contractors follow the Office of Disability and Medical Assessment telehealth guidance for exams that determine whether a telepresenter or specific medical…