e. When to If the Veteran expresses dissatisfaction with either the initial examination or Order the rating decision based on the initial examination, order a reexamination. Reexaminations in FPOW Cases For more information on requesting additional information from Reference: the Veteran, see . 7. FPOW Social Surveys This topic contains information about FPOW social surveys, including Introduction participation in FPOW social surveys handling examinations that do not include an FPOW social survey automatic scheduling of FPOW social surveys, and specific scheduling of FPOW social surveys. Change Date August 3, 2011 As social surveys are a voluntary examination for FPOWs, no claim should a. Participation in be prejudiced by the failure of an FPOW to cooperate in accomplishing the FPOW Social survey. Surveys b. Handling If a social survey was to be conducted for an FPOW but was not, then return Examinations the examination as inadequate for rating purposes it is indicated that unless That Do Not the FPOW declined to participate in the social survey Include an FPOW Social Survey VHA automatically schedules a social survey after receiving an examination c. Automatic Scheduling of request for a special FPOW protocol examination. FPOW Social Surveys Continued on next page , Continued
e. When to Order Reexaminations in FPOW Cases If the Veteran expresses dissatisfaction with either the initial examination or the rating decision based on the initial examination, order a reexamination. Reference: For more information on requesting additional information from the Veteran, see . 7. FPOW Social Surveys Introduction This topic contains information about FPOW social surveys, including participation in FPOW social surveys handling examinations that do not include an FPOW social survey automatic scheduling of FPOW social surveys, and specific scheduling of FPOW social surveys. Change Date August 3, 2011 a. Participation in FPOW Social Surveys As social surveys are a voluntary examination for FPOWs, no claim should be prejudiced by the failure of an FPOW to cooperate in accomplishing the survey. b. Handling Examinations That Do Not Include an FPOW Social Survey If a social survey was to be conducted for an FPOW but was not, then return the examination as inadequate for rating purposes unless it is indicated that the FPOW declined to participate in the social survey c. Automatic Scheduling of FPOW Social Surveys VHA automatically schedules a social survey after receiving an examination request for a special FPOW protocol examination. Continued on next page , Continued