[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 38, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 38CFR4.42]

[Page 381]
 
            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 Veterans 
Affairs in doubt as to the presence or absence of disabling conditions 
at the time of the examination.