Getting your private medical evidence is an important part of the VA disability benefits claim process. What's even more important, however, is getting that evidence from an appropriate source to ensure that your claim will be approved. But is it possible to get a diagnosis from your general practitioner? The answer is that it depends on whether or not you have unique and special circumstances.
The VA has outlined qualification requirements for private medical evidence providers in the M21-1, split up by various body systems so that veterans know what is required when choosing a medical provider. Before you go scrolling through the many pages of the M21-1, bookmark this blog instead – we've condensed the information you need to know about specific areas where the VA is particular about diagnosing providers.
If you're looking for a private medical evidence provider for VA disability benefits in one of these areas below, you'll need to be familiar with the extra requirements:
TBI examinations
In order to prove service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the VA requires the initial diagnosis to be made by one of the following medical specialists:
Physiatrists
Psychiatrists
Neurosurgeons
Neurologists
These types of specialists are required, because for TBI diagnosis, there is a different set of testing and requirements that most general practitioners are not familiar with.
Hearing loss and tinnitus examinations
In order for medical evidence to qualify for benefits regarding hearing loss and tinnitus examinations, it must be completed by a state-licensed audiologist. For tinnitus, the examination can be conducted by an audiologist OR a non-audiologist clinician – assuming the hearing loss examination is already on record.
Psychological examinations*
Veterans seeking medical documentation for a mental health condition (such as PTSD, which is common among veterans) need to choose a private medical evidence provider who is one of the following credentialed mental health professionals:
Board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrist
Licensed doctorate-level psychologist
Or, under the supervision of a board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrist or licensed doctorate-level psychologist, any of these three:
Non-licensed doctorate-level psychologists working toward licensure
Clinical / counseling psychologists completing a one-year internship or residency.
Psychiatry residents
** At MRPY Professional Services, we do not provide medical evidence for mental health conditions – only physical conditions.
Work with a medical expert at MRPY Professional Services
At MRPY Professional Services, our friendly medical evidence providers are skilled in documenting service-connected conditions. We fulfill all of the VA's requirements for private medical evidence providers, no matter what your condition is.
A strong VA disability benefits claim starts with proper documentation. Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – we can help you get what you need to be prepared. Sign up for a chart review, and view other services here. Don't let your medical evidence prevent you from getting the VA disability benefits you need.
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