Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a VA disability?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives VA disability benefits to all disabled veterans with service-connected medical conditions.

Each separating or retiring member of the armed services is required to have a one-time evaluation to determine if there are any service-related medical condition. Follow-up examinations are occasionally required to update the status of previously documented medical condition. Determination of veteran’s disability rating will be made by Veterans Benefit Administration based upon your medical report.

The examination is to determine the existence and/or status of a condition(s) for rating purposes. It does not involve a traditional clinician-patient relationship where you act as a biased advocate of the claimant, but rather you should act as an unbiased expert simply describing the condition and any disabilities. The Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) will outline exactly how to conduct and report each examination. The provider is required to review pertinent medical records, obtain claimant history info during the exam, perform/review diagnostic results and obtain and complete the DBQ forms during the exam.
DBQs are forms that were developed by the VA to reflect the information that is required for rating disabilities. Following the DBQs ensures that you provide all the information required and reduces the likelihood that the exam will be returned as insufficient.
You are only asked to evaluate the conditions specifically documented on the veteran’s Disability Benefit Questionnaire. No treatment is required unless in an emergent situation.
Credentialing can usually be done in a couple weeks. You will also be asked to complete a telephonic QTC orientation and online Compensation Pension Examination Program (CPEP) modules with an 80% pass rate. Up to 2 CME credit hours are offered for completing the training process. Once completed you may start to receive scheduling requests.
  • You must have a clear/active medical license with no current adverse actions from the state where you will be providing exams.
  • Clear/Criminal History Background Check.
  • Must not be excluded from any federal programs.
  • Current CV with satisfactory explanation for any gap in work history within the 5 years greater than 30 days.
  • Current NPI number
Exams can be performed at your practice location or at one of QTC’s regional clinics.
Veterans submit their Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQ) to the VA. QTC will then contact you directly to schedule a time for the exam.
While a significant number of veterans are applying for disability benefits, it is not possible to predict the volume of referrals.
Once you submit your evaluation findings to QTC we will issue payment. There are no claims that are required in order to receive payment. The turnaround time for payment is 30-60 days from the time the provider completes and submits the exam findings. Payments are issued bi-weekly.
Monterey can accommodate availability to best meet your practice needs.