Veterans who struggle with a service-connected injury, illness or medical condition may have questions about how to file a disability claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and many questions we receive at VA Benefits Attorneys are about the medical evaluation process. We understand that you most likely have a family doctor that you see and trust and you may not be close to a VA medical facility, so who do you see to get evaluated for a disability? You may ask – do VA disabilities need to be evaluated by a VA doctor – and we may be able to answer your questions.

Can My Doctor Help with My VA Disability Claim?

Yes – your family doctor can evaluate you for a service-related disability. But, it is important that your doctor understands the criteria that must be met to qualify for disability pay and is able to provide the specific medical information needed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To begin with, your doctor must be able to provide medical evidence that shows that you meet the required criteria listed below:

• You have a current physical or mental disability that prevents you from or makes you less able to perform everyday tasks and meaningful work AND
• An event, injury or illness occurred while you were in the military and caused the current disability.

A qualified medical professional or family doctor can evaluate your medical condition for service-connected disability – but may not have the knowledge and understanding of the VA criteria to put you in the best position to receive a VA disability rating and compensation. If you and your doctor do not have all of your i’s dotted and t’s crossed, your disability claim may still be denied.

Can My Family Doctor Diagnose My VA Disability?

Like we mentioned above – your family doctor is qualified to diagnose and treat your disability – but when it comes to receiving VA disability compensation, the process can be complicated. Your family doctor needs to be aware that the Department of Veterans Affairs uses rating schedules to rate your disability and provide you with a disability rating that ties to your monthly compensation.

This means that your disability rating is based on symptom groups that include current symptoms, severity and frequency. All elements must be included in a letter for disability sent to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a part of your claim. A clear understanding of the language and terms used by the VA to evaluate disabilities can help you and your doctor provide the information needed for you to receive a VA disability rating and the financial support you deserve. 

READ MORE: What Documents Do You Need for a VA Disability Claim?

Do you have a family doctor you trust with your medical history? You may want to know – do VA disabilities need to be evaluated by a VA doctor? VA Benefits Attorneys has the information you need to get the benefits you deserve as a disabled veteran. Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for more information on your VA disability claim!