What kinds of questions can the VA examiner ask?

Question:

Recently just got my PTSD C& P exam. Examiner ask me about my family , how many siblings do I have?  Is this normal ? and how long did I lived with my parents?  I am puzzled with this type of questions . Would this type of questions be illegal since its personal?? Please advise Jim...

Jim's Reply:

You've experienced a mental health exam for disability benefits so I'd have to think those are routine sorts of questions. There aren't any "illegal" questions I'm aware of...if we don't like the line of questioning during an exam, we don't answer.