The Better Examiner Standards and Transparency for Veterans Act, or the BEST for Vets Act, would ensure that only licensed health care professionals furnish disability examinations under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Disability Examination Office.
The BEST for Vets Act states that, “no examination as part of this program will be conducted by any health care professional other than a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, audiologist, or psychologist that has a current unrestricted license to practice that health care profession.” Additionally, the bill would require the VA to provide an annual report to the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
VA compensation and pension exams are vital to the disability claims process in determining the existence of current conditions and whether or not a veteran’s illness or injury is related to their military service. In many cases, these exams are the linchpin to establish or deny a claimed benefit making it incredibly important that the appropriate licensed health care professional conduct these exams.
In accordance with DAV Resolution No. 220, DAV strongly supports S. 280 and H.R. 7434—the BEST for Vets Act, which will ensure our nation’s veterans are afforded professional opinions in the development of their disability claims.
Please urge your Senators and Representative to co-sponsor the BEST for Vets Act. Thank you for supporting service-disabled veterans, their families and survivors.