a. Description A social survey is an interview with the Veteran to assess the impact of of a Social disability on the capacity to interact with others and function in an industrial Survey setting. This type of information may be used in conjunction with objective clinical findings when, for example, evaluating psychiatric disabilities, examining FPOWs, or considering individual unemployability (IU). A social survey is an acceptable type of evaluation of social or industrial b. When Social Surveys Can be impairment if Used to Evaluate Social the rating issue pertains to the evaluation of disability, and and Industrial a VA examination has established the diagnosis. Impairment For information on social surveys for FPOWs, see . Reference: Continued on next page , Continued c. When Social When a clinical examination alone would not provide sufficient information Surveys Should to assess the impact of physical and/or mental disability on the Veteran’s Be Used to capacity to interact with others and function in an industrial setting, request a Evaluate social survey. Physical or Mental A social survey may be especially useful in cases concerning Veterans with Disability psychiatric illness arrested tuberculosis loss of limbs, sight, or hearing physical disfigurement resulting in feelings of inferiority, or epilepsy. Do not request a social survey in a case involving epilepsy Important: without first obtaining the consent of the claimant. Social workers are responsible for conducting comprehensive social surveys d. Who Conducts a for medical and rating purposes. Social Survey
a. Description of a Social Survey A social survey is an interview with the Veteran to assess the impact of disability on the capacity to interact with others and function in an industrial setting. This type of information may be used in conjunction with objective clinical findings when, for example, evaluating psychiatric disabilities, examining FPOWs, or considering individual unemployability (IU). b. When Social Surveys Can be Used to Evaluate Social and Industrial Impairment A social survey is an acceptable type of evaluation of social or industrial impairment if the rating issue pertains to the evaluation of disability, and a VA examination has established the diagnosis. Reference: For information on social surveys for FPOWs, see . Continued on next page , Continued c. When Social Surveys Should Be Used to Evaluate Physical or Mental Disability When a clinical examination alone would not provide sufficient information to assess the impact of physical and/or mental disability on the Veteran’s capacity to interact with others and function in an industrial setting, request a social survey. A social survey may be especially useful in cases concerning Veterans with psychiatric illness arrested tuberculosis loss of limbs, sight, or hearing physical disfigurement resulting in feelings of inferiority, or epilepsy. Important: Do not request a social survey in a case involving epilepsy without first obtaining the consent of the claimant. d. Who Conducts a Social Survey Social workers are responsible for conducting comprehensive social surveys for medical and rating purposes.