My child is at a special school that qualifies for the medical deduction. Can I also claim fees paid to a consultant who evaluated my child and recommended the school?

[CherylW]

Looking at the guidance for Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, it doesn't appear that you can deduct those expenses.

This, from Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses:

What Are Medical Expenses?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners. They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes.

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

Here is the full text of the publication, including an alphabetical list of deductible expenses:

Full List of Medical Deductions