A Practical Guide to Conducting VA Compensation and Pension Exams for PTSD and Other Mental Disorders

摘要: Despite being one of the most common forensic mental health evaluations, no article has ever appeared in a peer-reviewed journal describing how to conduct US Department Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and pension examinations. This rectifies that paucity information. We outline legal framework, ethical considerations, administrative challenges inherent these evaluations. provide separate guidelines for private practice clinicians VA staff or contractors. pay special attention multiple sources collateral information available exams access relevant records. The alerts examiners possibility they might face resistance from officials if screen assess symptom exaggeration feigning could encounter VA-imposed restrictions on time allotted exams. Specific suggestions are made different types exams: Initial Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), PTSD Review, Mental Disorder, Review.