SectionB.FailuretoReportforReviewExamination(U.S.Department.doc

Section B. Failure to Report for Review Examination Overview In this Section This section contains the following topics: Topic Topic Name 1 (old 5) General Information on Handling a Veteran’s Failure to Report for a Scheduled Review Examination 2 (old 6) Rating Activity Action After a Veteran Fails to Report for a Scheduled Review Examination 3 (old 7) Award Action Taken After a Veteran Fails to Report for a Review Examination 1. General Information on Handling a Veteran’s Failure to Report for a Scheduled Review Examination Introduction This topic contains information on handling a Veteran’s failure to report for a scheduled review examination. It includes information on the required discontinuation or reduction of payments purpose and elements of a VA disability examination initial review of returned mail, and action to take after attempting to locate a better address. Change Date December 16, 2011 a. Required Discontinuation or Reduction of Payments When a current examination is needed to confirm a Veteran’s continued entitlement to disability benefits, and the Veteran, without adequate reason, fails to report for the examination, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is required under 38 CFR 3.655 to discontinue payment for the disability(ies) for which the examination was scheduled, or reduce payment for the disability(ies) for which the examination was scheduled to a minimum evaluation established under 38 CFR Part 4, or lower protected evaluation under 38 CFR 3.951(b). Note: Reduction or discontinuation of payments under 38 CFR 3.655(c) is not required if the evidence of record is sufficient to justify continuation of a current disability evaluation. Reference: For information on handling a Veteran’s failure to report for an examination scheduled in connection with an original or reopened claim or a claim for increase, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 8.E.16, and 38 CFR 3.655(b). b. Purpose and Elements of a VA Disability Examinati