
In 2007, the VA decided that all TBI exams for disability
compensation had to be performed by either a psychiatrist, a physiatrist, a
neurologist, or a neurosurgeon since these specialists have the most experience
diagnosing and treating TBI. In so doing, however, thousands of veterans whose
TBI exams were not conducted by one of these specialists had their claims
denied or where not fully compensated.
After reviewing all the TBI examinations performed between
2007 and 2015, the VA has determined that the 24,000+ veterans whose exams did
not meet requirements should be given the opportunity to have their cases re-evaluated
and re-adjudicated in order for them to receive the fair compensation they
deserve.
The VA will contact the affected veterans identified by this
review directly and offer them a chance for a new exam and to have their claims
reprocessed. The VA will review a veteran’s disability claim based on the new
exam without the veteran having to file a new claim. If the veteran is due any
additional benefits, the VA will set an effective date as early as the date of
the veteran’s first TBI claim.
“Providing
support for Veterans suffering from a TBI is a priority and a privilege, and we
must make certain they receive a just and fair rating for their disabilities,” said
Secretary McDonald. “We let these Veterans down. That is why we are taking
every step necessary to grant equitable relief to those affected to ensure they
receive the full benefits to which they are entitled.”
Very glad to hear this for all those concerned have suffered long enough.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see this... I was rated 0% based on no residuals after it was noted by the speech pathologist that I had difficulty coming to certain words. I teach so it impacts me. The intermittent memory difficulties were noted as well. Now, a year after retirement, a head CT reflected an old CVA in my basal ganglia.
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