[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 38, Volume 1]

[Revised as of July 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 38CFR4.42]



[Page 375-376]

 

            TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF

 

                CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

 

PART 4_SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--Table of Contents

 

                      Subpart B_Disability Ratings

 

Sec. 4.42  Complete medical examination of injury cases.



    The importance of complete medical examination of injury cases at 

the time of first medical examination by the Department of Veterans 

Affairs cannot be overemphasized. When possible, this should include 

complete neurological and psychiatric examination, and other special 

examinations indicated by the physical condition, in addition to the 

required general and orthopedic or surgical examinations. When complete 

examinations are not conducted covering all systems of the body affected 

by disease or injury, it is impossible to visualize the nature and 

extent of the service connected disability. Incomplete examination is a 

common cause of incorrect diagnosis, especially in the neurological and 

psychiatric fields, and frequently leaves the Department of



[[Page 376]]



Veterans Affairs in doubt as to the presence or absence of disabling 

conditions at the time of the examination.