A social survey is an interview with the Veteran to assess the impact of a. Description of a Social disability on the capacity to interact with others and function in an Survey occupational setting. This type of information may be used in conjunction with objective clinical findings when, for example, evaluating psychiatric disabilities, examining or considering IU. b. When Social A social survey is an acceptable type of evaluation of social or occupational Surveys Can be impairment if Used to Evaluate Social the rating issue pertains to the evaluation of disability, and and a VA examination has established the diagnosis. Occupational Impairment For information on social surveys for see M21-1, Part III, Reference: Subpart iv, 3.A.12. When a clinical examination alone would not provide sufficient information c. When Social 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 occupational setting, Evaluate request a social survey. Physical or Mental A social survey may be especially useful in 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. In some instances, a designated VHA Social Survey Coordinator, such as homeless Veterans coordinators or FPOW coordinators may be responsible for conducting the social surveys. e. A DBQ does not for social surveys. Include ample information on the Considerations examination request concerning the When Requesting a purpose of the examination, and Social Survey evidence required for rating purposes to assist the social worker conducting the 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 occupational setting. This type of information may be used in conjunction with objective clinical findings when, for example, evaluating psychiatric disabilities, examining or considering IU. b. When Social Surveys Can be Used to Evaluate Social and Occupational Impairment A social survey is an acceptable type of evaluation of social or occupational 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 see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.12. 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 occupational setting, request a social survey. A social survey may be especially useful in 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. In some instances, a designated VHA Coordinator, such as homeless Veterans coordinators or FPOW coordinators may be responsible for conducting the social surveys. e. Considerations When Requesting a Social Survey A DBQ does not for social surveys. Include ample information on the examination request concerning the purpose of the examination, and evidence required for rating purposes to assist the social worker conducting the survey.
10-09-15_Key%20Changes%20M21-1III_iv_3_SecA.docx