CVA Disability & Health Assessments for Veterans 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination?

Accepted Answer

To gather medical evidence for VA rating purposes

Answer

A C&P exam gathers medical evidence specifically to assist the VA in making a rating decision on a veteran's disability claim.

Question 2

Which form is most commonly used by VA examiners to document findings during a Compensation & Pension exam?

Accepted Answer

Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)

Answer

Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are standardized forms used by VA and private examiners to document clinical findings relevant to specific conditions.

Question 3

A veteran disagrees with the findings of a VA C&P exam. What is the most effective immediate action a CVA should recommend?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a private nexus opinion from an independent medical examiner

Answer

A private independent medical examination (IME) with a nexus opinion can rebut unfavorable VA C&P findings and is often the strongest counter-evidence available.

Question 4

Under the 'benefit of the doubt' standard in VA claims, how should the VA act when evidence is in approximate balance?

Accepted Answer

Grant the claim in the veteran's favor

Answer

38 U.S.C. § 5107(b) requires VA to give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant when there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a 'nexus letter' in the context of VA disability claims?

Accepted Answer

A physician's statement linking a current disability to military service

Answer

A nexus letter is a medical opinion from a qualified provider establishing the connection (nexus) between a veteran's current condition and their military service.

(CVA) Certified Veterans Advocate Practice Test

(CVA) Certified Veterans Advocate Practice Test

CVA Disability & Health Assessments for Veterans 2