b. Requesting Request Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) examinations from the Examinations at a Proper the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in whose primary service area the Facility examinee resides another VAMC that is able to conduct the type of examination requested, or a designated contracted provider. Notes: Because not all VAMCs are able to conduct certain types of specialist examinations, it may be necessary to schedule the examination outside the primary service area in which the examinee resides. A listing of the counties and zip codes each VAMC serves be must maintained at each regional office (RO). For more information on References: specialist examinations, see jurisdiction for examinations of foreign resident beneficiaries, see , and jurisdiction for examinations of reserve component participants in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), see . For more information on when a medical examination or c. When an References: Examination or opinion is necessary, see Opinion is Necessary , and . Continued on next page 1. General Information on Examination Requests, Continued Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are documents used to d. DBQs elicit medical information needed to make decisions on claims, and provide a standardized report format for medical examinations and opinions. DBQs are designed for use by both the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and contract examiners as well as private providers. For more information on References: DBQs, see , and VA’s . VA’s
b. Requesting Examinations at a Proper Facility Request Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) examinations from the the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in whose primary service area the examinee resides another VAMC that is able to conduct the type of examination requested, or a designated contracted provider. Notes: Because not all VAMCs are able to conduct certain types of specialist examinations, it may be necessary to schedule the examination outside the primary service area in which the examinee resides. A listing of the counties and zip codes each VAMC serves must be maintained at each regional office (RO). References: For more information on specialist examinations, see jurisdiction for examinations of foreign resident beneficiaries, see , and jurisdiction for examinations of reserve component participants in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), see . c. When an Examination or Opinion is Necessary References: For more information on when a medical examination or opinion is necessary, see , and . Continued on next page 1. General Information on Examination Requests, Continued d. DBQs Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are documents used to elicit medical information needed to make decisions on claims, and provide a standardized report format for medical examinations and opinions. DBQs are designed for use by both the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and contract examiners as well as private providers. References: For more information on DBQs, see VA’s , and VA’s .