The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has released internal guidance explaining when telehealth may be appropriate for a permanent impairment assessment—and when an in-person examination is likely to be necessary.
The guidance is useful for veterans preparing for an assessment because it confirms that the format should depend on the condition being assessed and whether the clinician needs objective findings from a physical examination.
When may telehealth be appropriate?
According to the DVA guidance, telehealth should generally be considered only where a physical examination is not required. The document indicates that telepsychiatry will often be suitable because psychiatric assessment may be conducted through a detailed clinical interview and observation by video.
A general practitioner may also be able to complete some DVA paperwork by telehealth where the doctor already has an established, ongoing clinical relationship with the veteran and sufficient knowledge of their condition.
When is an in-person assessment more likely?
Many permanent impairment assessments require objective clinical findings. These may include measurements of movement, strength, stability, neurological function or other physical signs that cannot be assessed reliably over a telephone or video consultation.
DVA’s guidance says musculoskeletal impairment assessments are rarely suitable for telehealth. In practice, an in-person consultation may therefore be needed for many back, neck, shoulder, knee and other joint conditions.
The correct approach will depend on the condition, the applicable assessment criteria and the evidence already available. A telehealth appointment should not be assumed to be adequate simply because it is more convenient.
Why the assessment format matters
Permanent impairment compensation is determined using medical evidence about the lasting effects of accepted service-related conditions. If the assessment does not capture the veteran’s impairment accurately, important functional limitations may be overlooked or insufficiently documented.
Before an appointment, veterans may wish to confirm:
- whether the consultation will be conducted in person or by telehealth;
- whether a physical examination or measurements will be required;
- which accepted conditions are being assessed;
- whether the assessor has received the relevant medical records and test results; and
- whether any additional specialist evidence should be provided.
What if you are offered a telehealth assessment?
Being offered telehealth does not necessarily mean the assessment is inappropriate. However, if your impairment involves physical restrictions that cannot be demonstrated properly by video or telephone, it is reasonable to ask how the assessor intends to obtain the necessary objective findings.
You can also ask whether an in-person assessment, recent specialist examination or other supporting evidence is required. The goal should be an assessment process that records the full functional impact of each accepted condition.
Getting advice about a DVA permanent impairment claim
Permanent impairment claims can involve complex medical evidence and detailed assessment rules. KSC Law assists current and former ADF members with DVA claims, permanent impairment compensation and reviews of DVA decisions.
If you are unsure whether your assessment was conducted appropriately or whether relevant impairment has been missed, you can seek advice about your position and the available next steps.
Original source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Telehealth policy for permanent impairment assessments, released through DVA’s FOI disclosure log on 19 October 2026.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. The appropriate assessment process depends on the circumstances of each claim.