Handling re-examinations

If VA schedules a re-examination, attend it. Failure to report can result in reduction. Bring all documentation of current severity. The re-examiner has the same obligations as the original C&P examiner (Mitchell/Correia, painful motion, flare-ups).

Pro tip

Re-examinations are most dangerous when symptoms have improved due to medication or treatment. VA may reduce a rating based on improvement. Document that improvement is medication-dependent — if you stopped the medication, the symptoms would return. The rating should reflect symptoms unmitigated by treatment in many cases — see specific diagnostic code criteria.

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