A focuses on the disabilities that are specifically at g. Definition: specialty examination Specialty issue in the For example, if a Veteran claims that Veteran’s claim. Examination (SC) hypertension has worsened, an examination using the hypertension DBQ should be requested. Notes: Specialty examinations generally do not address disorders that are not at issue in the claim, even if the disorders are found or suspected during the examination. Specialty examinations may be (and usually are) performed by non-specialist clinicians, but in unusual cases, or as requested by a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) remand, it may be necessary for the specialty examination to be performed by a specialist. h. Definition: A is any examination that is conducted by a clinician specialist examination Specialist who specializes in a particular field. Examination Notes: All vision, hearing, dental, and psychiatric examinations be conducted must by a specialist. In unusual cases, or as requested by a BVA remand, it may be necessary to request a specialist examination for other types of disabilities. For more information on specialist examinations, see M21-1, Part Reference: III, Subpart iv, 3.A.6. i. A Veteran has no legal right to Veteran’s Legal Rights at an Examination be accompanied by counsel during an examination, or record an examination. j. Contract Examinations be requested from contract examiners under certain must not Examination circumstances. Use discretion based on RO expertise and consultation with Exclusions VHA and/or contract exam providers when determining whether a contract examination is warranted. Circumstances under which contract examinations be requested must not include, but are not limited to, the following: Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Protocol Exam is required claim for disability based on exposure to environmental hazards such as Gulf War exposure, Camp Lejeune water contamination, and chemical and biological warfare agents (includes new claims, review exams, and claims for increase in disability) claim for undiagnosed illness Veteran requires overnight stay, (for example, a sleep study)
g. Definition: Specialty Examination A specialty examination focuses on the disabilities that are specifically at issue in the Veteran’s claim. For example, if a Veteran claims that (SC) hypertension has worsened, an examination using the hypertension DBQ should be requested. Notes: Specialty examinations generally do not address disorders that are not at issue in the claim, even if the disorders are found or suspected during the examination. Specialty examinations may be (and usually are) performed by non-specialist clinicians, but in unusual cases, or as requested by a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) remand, it may be necessary for the specialty examination to be performed by a specialist. h. Definition: Specialist Examination A specialist examination is any examination that is conducted by a clinician who specializes in a particular field. Notes: All vision, hearing, dental, and psychiatric examinations must be conducted by a specialist. In unusual cases, or as requested by a BVA remand, it may be necessary to request a specialist examination for other types of disabilities. Reference: For more information on specialist examinations, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.6. i. Veteran’s Legal Rights at an Examination A Veteran has no legal right to be accompanied by counsel during an examination, or record an examination. j. Contract Examination Exclusions Examinations must not be requested from contract examiners under certain circumstances. Use discretion based on RO expertise and consultation with VHA and/or contract exam providers when determining whether a contract examination is warranted. Circumstances under which contract examinations must not be requested include, but are not limited to, the following: Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Protocol Exam is required claim for disability based on exposure to environmental hazards such as Gulf War exposure, Camp Lejeune water contamination, and chemical and biological warfare agents (includes new claims, review exams, and claims for increase in disability) claim for undiagnosed illness Veteran requires overnight stay, (for example, a sleep study)