As you recently learned, the Request for Examination form gives you details about whom you will examine and what information is needed from the disability exam. Along with the conditions claimed by the Veteran or Servicemember, the Request for Examination will generally indicate one or more documentation protocols to use.

Each documentation protocol will be specific to a body system or condition. You will use documentation protocols to report evidence used to adjudicate the Veteran's or Servicemember's claim. VBA needs specific legal information required by the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), often referred to as the Rating Schedule.

Examiners review requested documentation protocols before the examination to identify:

• findings that need to be documented
• formats for documenting examination findings
• required tests such as range of motion for joints

VHA examiners can access documentation protocols in the Compensation and Pension Record Interchange (CAPRI) computerized system and contract examiners can access documentation protocols in their proprietary system.

Current versions of all documentation protocols (currently called Disability Benefits Questionnaires or DBQs) can be viewed by VHA examiners on the Disability Benefits Questionnaires Switchboard intranet site.