**ALERT: The VA has removed all public DBQs from their website
The VA has removed all public DBQs from their website
Published April 3, 2020
ALERT ALERT ALERT ALERT ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The VA has removed all public DBQs from their website.
What does it mean for you, I provided an explanation in this video?
Below is the regulation which states a private could not complete a tele- health or tele-mental exam (conducted over the phone, video conferencing etc.…)
M21III.iv.3.D.2.c. Tele-health and Tele-mental Health Examinations When VHA (Veteran Health Administration) elects to conduct a video conference examination (or tele-health/tele-mental health examination) in lieu of an in-person examination, assess the report for sufficiency under the same standards applicable to in-person examinations.
Important
A tele-health or tele-mental health examination report is only acceptable and actionable for rating purposes when prepared by a VHA or VBA-contracted examiner. Decision makers must not accept in lieu of VA examination any DBQ that has been prepared by a non-VA provider, and completed by means of telephone or video conference examination.
A mental health DBQ submitted by a private provider and based on a telephone interview with a Veteran is not acceptable or actionable for rating purposes under any circumstances. VHA has determined that, in order to assess a Veteran’s mental health via telemental protocol, examiners must be able to see clearly, and fully appreciate all non - verbal cues, mannerisms, and manifestations displayed by the Veteran in a manner on par with an in-person examination.
Part of email from the Department of veteran Affairs discussed in video:
We are safeguarding against fraud. In the past few years, we have seen a growing industry of individuals and companies marketing the service of completing DBQs for Veterans. Some have provided honest, valuable service to Veterans. However, VA has made hundreds of referrals to the VA Office of Inspector General of individuals and companies who are engaged in questionable, even fraudulent, practices that include charging high prices for completing DBQs or submitting DBQs with findings that are vastly different than the other evidence in the Veteran’s claims folder. Also, it is a requirement that DBQs submitted by a private provider must be based on an exam conducted in person. VA’s OIG recently issued an audit report about providers who were completing DBQs for Veterans remotely and recommended that VA revisit its practice of making public-facing DBQs available.
Will VA continue to accept evidence from my private physician?
Yes. VA accepts any evidence that a Veteran or his/her accredited representative chooses to submit in support of a claim. Once all evidence is received, VBA claims processors review and weigh the evidence overall as part of the decision-making process.
Veterans may submit private treatment records or request that VBA obtain those records on their behalf in support of their claims.
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