Question:

Jim, I was recently notified of a VA exam a year after my claim has been closed. I was upgraded to 100%, based off of my thyroid condition being caused by being given anthrax vaccine from a bad lot number. Also,  I never received the VA package from the VA explaining the findings,  just a letter stating that I was increased. I had the VA email me the package last Friday and I found out I was getting special compensation based of being homebound.  I didn't know I was classified as homebound and I've been working full time as a federal employee for over a year since the findings of homebound was assigned.  Do you  think that is why they have asked for another exam?  I haven't received any notification or letter from the VA,  just the contractor who is supposed to perform the exam.

Jim's Reply:

I can't speculate as to why you've been called for an exam. Often enough exams will happen years after a claim is closed and nobody can ever answer exactly why that happened. That happened to me over 20 years after a claim was closed and not even the examiner understood why I was there. I never received follow up and TBH, I didn't pursue it.

No matter why, any time we're notified of an exam we have to go. Otherwise VA is likely to default to some draconian measure like lowering a rating or eliminating it entirely. I advise that we never try to reschedule an exam...just go, it's a lot simpler.

That you receive the housebound benefit isn't because you're "housebound".  Veterans will receive that benefit when they have disabilities that add up to 100% and then another 60% and that raises the severity of the conditions to the Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) level. Like you, there are plenty of vets who receive the housebound benefit but are still able to work.

I'd be interested in knowing how the exam goes. If you have time, follow up and let us know.