Practice Test Geeks(CVA) Certified Veterans Advocate Practice Test
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Advocacy & Counseling Techniques Flashcards

7 cards from real CVA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Advocacy & Counseling Techniques flashcards as text

  1. A veteran with a 70% PTSD rating is unemployable due to the disability. What benefit should the advocate explore?

    Answer: Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which can provide compensation at the 100% rate

    TDIU (38 C.F.R. § 4.16) allows veterans with at least a 70% rating in a single disability (or 60% combined) who are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment to receive compensation at the 100% rate.

  2. During intake, a veteran reveals they were the victim of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). How should the advocate adjust their approach?

    Answer: Use a trauma-informed approach, allow the veteran to control the pace, and explain that MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards

    MST claims benefit from trauma-informed interviewing and relaxed evidentiary standards under VA regulations that allow alternative markers (behavioral changes, performance records) to corroborate the assault.

  3. What is the significance of a 'nexus letter' in a VA disability claim?

    Answer: It is a medical opinion linking a current diagnosis to a service-connected event or condition

    A nexus letter is a physician's written opinion establishing the medical connection between the veteran's current disability and their military service, addressing the 'at least as likely as not' standard.

  4. A veteran's claim was denied due to a flawed C&P examination described as 'inadequate.' What is the proper advocacy response?

    Answer: Challenge the adequacy of the examination in the appeal and request a new, adequate C&P exam

    Advocates can argue that a C&P examination is inadequate (e.g., did not consider all conditions, was cursory) on appeal, triggering the VA's duty to assist to obtain a new, thorough examination.

  5. Which of the following best describes the role of a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)?

    Answer: A locally funded advocate who assists veterans with claims and connects them to state and local benefits

    CVSOs are typically county-funded, accredited veterans advocates who help veterans file claims, navigate VA systems, and access state and local veterans benefits.

  6. When a veteran disagrees with a VA rating decision issued after February 19, 2019, what are the three AMA appeal lanes available?

    Answer: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board of Veterans' Appeals

    The AMA established three appeal lanes: Supplemental Claim (new evidence), Higher-Level Review (de novo review), and Board of Veterans' Appeals (direct review, evidence submission, or hearing).

  7. A veteran requests that their claim information be shared with their spouse. Under what condition may an advocate do this?

    Answer: Only with the veteran's written authorization, such as a VA Form 21-0845

    The Privacy Act requires written authorization (VA Form 21-0845) before claim information can be released to a third party, including family members, to protect the veteran's privacy.