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Introduction
The transition from active-duty service to civilian life is a significant milestone for any military personnel. One crucial aspect of this transition is addressing the health needs of the service members and evaluating any disability claims they may have. Traditionally, this process has required the service member to attend two different but similar medical exams – one by the Department of Defense (DoD) and another by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, in a significant move towards streamlining this process, these two separate exams are set to become a thing of the past.
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Why Are These Exams Required?
The purpose of these examinations has always been to safeguard the health and well-being of service members transitioning out of active duty. The DoD’s statutory and policy requirements necessitate a Separation Health Assessment to ensure all healthcare needs are addressed before the service member separates. Simultaneously, the VA also requires a similar separation exam for those filing disability claims through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program or the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). This evaluation serves to assess the claimed conditions and make a rating determination.
The Issue of Redundancy
Despite the fundamental importance of these examinations, their striking similarity has long been a point of concern. Conducting two different-but-similar exams can lead to inefficiencies and redundancies in an already complex transition process.
Towards A Unified Approach
Recognizing this issue, the VA and DoD have collaborated in a multi-year effort to develop a single comprehensive exam form to be used by both agencies. The result is a standardized examination that meets the needs of both agencies and, most importantly, eliminates redundancy for the service members.
The new Separation Health Assessment Disability Benefit Questionnaire streamlines the disability claim process, reduces redundant examinations, and ensures that medical assessments for those separating from service are more accurate and complete. It also encourages service members to enroll or participate in additional transition services when needed.
New Form, New Procedure
In a step-by-step approach, service members started providing the Part A self-assessment questionnaire when filing a BDD or IDES claim from April 1. Following this, VA began using the new Separation Health Assessment Disability Benefit Questionnaire (Parts A and B) from May 1. The DoD is expected to begin using the common form later this year.
Behind The Scenes
Creating the new common form was a collaborative effort involving clinicians from both departments. They established content comprising both subjective patient histories and objective clinical evaluations. Clinical subject matter experts and specialty groups across a wide range of fields identified essential elements for inclusion in the common form.
Conclusion
The advent of this new form, which will replace DoD Forms 2807-1, “Report of Medical History,” and 2808, “Report of Medical Exam,” as well as the prior VA Separation Health Assessment (SHA) DBQ, marks a significant improvement in the transition process for active-duty service members. By simplifying the procedure and eliminating redundancy, it promises to make the transition smoother, more efficient, and more aligned with the needs of those who have served their country.
For more information about VA claim exams, visit VA’s website on disability claims exams.
Source: VA News
