Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act
Key claim: HR228 would require separation physical exams for service members with potential disability conditions to be performed or completed by VA-certified providers, with resulting eligibility determinations binding on the VA for disability rating purposes.
Abstract
(HR228 · 118th Congress) Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act This bill addresses the sharing of medical information and disability examination procedures between the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). It requires that if a member of the Armed Forces who is required to receive a physical examination upon separation from active duty has or is believed to have a medical condition that may make the member eligible for veterans’ disability compensation and benefits, the examination must be performed by a VA-certified health care provider. If the condition is discovered during the physical examination and the examining health care provider is not VA-certified, the examination must be completed by a VA-certified provider. An eligibility determination made as part of such an examination shall be binding on the VA and be used as the basis for assigning the member’s disability rating. The VA and DOD shall jointly establish a system to share data and maintain the medical and personnel records of Armed Forces members and veterans. Latest action (2023-02-08): Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Why this matters
HR228 targets a long-standing coordination gap between DOD separation physicals and VA disability rating adjudication, which currently produces duplicative exams and delays in benefits for transitioning service members. For DOD medical providers, the bill would introduce a VA certification requirement and standardize exam procedures; for the VA, it would constrain re-adjudication of the same conditions post-separation. The appearance of a parallel bill alongside HR555 suggests sustained legislative interest in binding DOD-VA medical determinations at the transition point.