Each separating/retiring military veteran is afforded the right to have an exam to evaluate the status of any service related injury, behavioral health issue or medical condition. As a Veteran-owned company, we are honored to be able to serve our fellow Veterans by facilitating timely access to the quality care they deserve.
Under the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Medical Disability Examinations (MDE) program, Federal Guardian assists the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in providing quality compensation and pension examinations to Veterans seeking benefits for service-connected health issues. Clinical findings from our network providers are delivered to the Government to enable prompt disability award determinations.
Additionally, Federal Guardian now supports the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) by providing examination services to help ensure Military Applicants are are medically suitable to join our nation’s Armed Forces.
Our Process
For USMEPCOM, independent consultations are only requested by the government if a Military Applicant’s initial entrance examination warrants further testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Scheduling and Payments
Scheduling is extremely flexible and designed to meet your availability, so you can work as much or as little as you want with no follow-up treatment required. However, we do expect providers we credential to maintain regular availability when they are not on vacation or sick.
Time Commitment and Examination Details
We start by providing you with a short training module that includes credentialing and on boarding (we handle all of the details). From there we work strictly within your schedule to accommodate local veterans on an ad hoc basis.
What is a "Service-Connected" VA Disability?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards disability compensation to a veteran because of physical injuries, psychological trauma or diseases that were sustained while or made worse by active-duty military service.
Why Are These Exams and Evaluations Required?
Each separating, retiring member or veteran of the armed forces is eligible to have a one-time evaluation to determine if there are any service-related medical conditions. Follow-up examinations are occasionally required to update the status of previously documented medical or psychological conditions. Determination of veteran’s disability rating will be made by Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) based upon your medical report or psychological evaluation.
What is a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)?
Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are standard government forms used by the VA to document the required information that is necessary to properly rate a disabled veteran’s conditions. You will not be writing reports – only completing these questionnaires within our online portal.
Will I be providing treatment?
You are only asked to evaluate the conditions specifically documented on the veteran’s Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ). No treatment is required unless in an emergent situation.
How long does it take to join Federal Guardian's network and begin seeing patients?
Onboarding and credentialing can usually be completed within a few weeks.
What are the requirements to join Federal Guardian's network?
• You must have an active medical license with no adverse actions.
• No criminal history (confirmed by a background check).
• Must not be excluded from any federal programs.
• Current resume with satisfactory explanation for any gaps in work history.
• Current NPI number.
Where do these exams take place?
Exams must be performed at your practice location or in the case of Psychological Evaluations only – via Telehealth (subject to current VA policies).
How are exam appointments scheduled?
Once the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has processed a Veteran initiated Disability Benefit Claim in your area, we will contact you directly to schedule a time for an examination.
How many referrals should I expect to receive?
Patient volume fluctuates as orders are generally pulled from within a 50-mile radius of your physical address, so major metros may have much steadier volume than rural areas or smaller cities with fewer Veteran residents.
While a significant number of veterans are applying for disability compensation benefits nationwide, it is not possible to predict the volume of referrals at any given time.
As such, we will work closely with your office to ensure scheduling is as efficient and fair as possible. Additionally, “No Shows” are reimbursed at your approved rate.
How do I receive payment for examinations I provide?
There are no billing requirements or invoices you need to send in order to receive payment as completed exams are automatically tracked and viewable within our online portal.
Once you submit your evaluation findings and they are accepted, we will process your payment promptly by direct deposit (ACH) or paper check (your preference).
What is the minimum time I can commit to providing exams?
There are no specific time requirements, and each case will depend on practitioner availability and patient volume. We will work with you to assess volume and ensure we are requesting an appropriate amount of your time each month.
Email Us
Additional information can be obtained by contacting us directly at: providers@federalguardian.com