A medical opinion versus an examination should be requested when only the c. When to Request a following is necessary to decide the claim: Medical Opinion Versus reconciliation of different diagnoses an Examination opinion concerning the relationship between two conditions etiology and nexus opinions cases (that is, when the issue is whether a service-connected condition has aggravated a non-service connected condition) independent medical opinions, and opinion regarding the extent to which service-connected disabilities affect the to perform Veteran’s ability physical and non-physical tasks in order for VA to determine whether the Veteran is unemployable. Notes: Many opinion requests require information that would be gleaned as part of the normal examination process, which the physician should not be precluded from conducting, if necessary. A medical opinion is not generally required when service connection may be granted under because the disability is chronic, or symptoms that began in service have continued after the Veteran’s discharge. Generally, do not request a medical opinion to determine whether a disability causes a specific functional impairment, such as loss of use of an extremity; in such cases, an examination and description of the impairment and remaining function should suffice. For more information on requesting References: examinations, see , and medical opinions, see . Continued on next page 7. Requesting a Medical Opinion or Examination, Continued d. Stating When seeking a medical opinion Medical Opinion follow the instructions in Requests be very clear about what information or opinion is being requested Clearly send the following to the medical examiner: the claims folder, and the opinion request, and direct the medical examiner to review the claims folder, and provide a rationale for any opinion.
c. When to Request a Medical Opinion Versus an Examination A medical opinion versus an examination should be requested when only the following is necessary to decide the claim: reconciliation of different diagnoses opinion concerning the relationship between two conditions etiology and nexus opinions cases (that is, when the issue is whether a service-connected condition has aggravated a non-service connected condition) independent medical opinions, and opinion regarding the extent to which service-connected disabilities affect the Veteran’s ability to perform physical and non-physical tasks in order for VA to determine whether the Veteran is unemployable. Notes: Many opinion requests require information that would be gleaned as part of the normal examination process, which the physician should not be precluded from conducting, if necessary. A medical opinion is not generally required when service connection may be granted under because the disability is chronic, or symptoms that began in service have continued after the Veteran’s discharge. Generally, do not request a medical opinion to determine whether a disability causes a specific functional impairment, such as loss of use of an extremity; in such cases, an examination and description of the impairment and remaining function should suffice. References: For more information on requesting examinations, see , and medical opinions, see . Continued on next page 7. Requesting a Medical Opinion or Examination, Continued d. Stating Medical Opinion Requests Clearly When seeking a medical opinion follow the instructions in be very clear about what information or opinion is being requested send the following to the medical examiner: the claims folder, and the opinion request, and direct the medical examiner to review the claims folder, and provide a rationale for any opinion.