When a veteran files a claim for disability benefits, whether for service-connection or for rating increase, eventually the VA is going to schedule a C&P examination. Because of the VA's backlog, a lot of these examinations are now handled by private contractors, such as QTC or LHI, instead of being conducted by VA.
In a new report, the Government Accountability Office found that VA lacks the data to determine whether the private-sector providers are meeting standards for quality, timeliness and accuracy. "VBA reported that the vast majority of contractors’ quality scores fell well below VBA’s target—92 percent of exam reports with no errors—for the first half of 2017."
If a veteran is scheduled for a contractor examination, there is not a lot a Veteran can do to avoid it, under certain circumstances VA is permitted to deny a claim for failure to show. However, make sure that contracting doctor has the right information. Moreover, get a copy of the examination as soon as possible, before the VA makes a decision. It is possible to get a private doctor, or an expert witness, such as Mediscope or Dr. Bash, to provide a rebuttal report. Be sure to talk to your representative about hiring an expert or getting a copy of the private contractor report. We can review your case and take action in response to a private contract doctors medical findings against your claim, call us at 877-629-1712 or send and email at [email protected], and we can go over your case with you.
