# Enhanced Strategy Needed to Reduce Disability Exam Inventory Due to the Pandemic and Errors Related to Canceled Exams
> **Review** by 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

- **Rec 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.
- **Rec 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…
## Source
- [oversight.gov report page](https://www.oversight.gov/reports/enhanced-strategy-needed-reduce-disability-exam-inventory-due-pandemic-and-errors-related)
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