[ September 28, 2020 ] DULUTH, Ga. ? The VA Southeast Network (VISN 7) announced today that it is conducting a pilot program with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to enhance support and access to Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for Veterans across our region. As part of the pilot program, most C&P claim exams will be transferred from VA medical providers to VBA contract providers. This change to the C&P process is one of several transformational initiatives VISN 7 is undertaking to modernize our system of care and improve Veteran access to the services they have earned.

The process for C&P exams should remain the same for Veterans; either a contract medical provider or the Veteran?s local VA medical facility will contact them to schedule an appointment. Veterans are still able to be seen by their personal provider if they choose.

This change will allow the VA Southeast Network to focus resources and providers on direct patient care, while helping to streamline the VBA?s C&P examination process. VISN 7 providers will still take part in Boards of Veterans Appeals medical advisory opinions, and assist the VBA when needed.

This pilot program with VBA is just a small part of several new initiatives underway across VHA and the VA Southeast Network to modernize care for Veterans. In addition to this pilot, VISN 7 is already taking steps to expand virtual care (e.g., telemedicine) and add new specialty and team-based healthcare services. We are committed to Veteran satisfaction and ensuring every Veteran has access to the premier healthcare quality services VHA offers.

For more information about VISN 7, visit ww.southeast.va.gov. To learn more about C&P claims, visit benefits.va.gov/benefits/.