During the review process for a VA disability benefits application, the agency may seek additional information about a veteran’s claimed condition(s). One of the ways that the VA obtains updated medical information for a veteran’s disability includes having the veteran attend a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. Knowing what to expect during a C&P exam and how to prepare for one can help you put the best claim forward for disability benefits.
What is a C&P Exam?
A C&P exam is a medical examination that the VA may ask a veteran to attend to gather more or updated medical information about the veteran’s disability. The results of a C&P exam can help the VA determine whether a veteran’s condition has a service connection or assess the severity of the veteran’s symptoms to assign a disability rating for the veteran’s condition.
When the VA requests a veteran to undergo a C&P exam, a VA-employed or contracted healthcare provider will conduct the exam. The examiner will draft a report for the VA. The examiner’s report does not make a final determination regarding the veteran’s eligibility for VA disability benefits or the disability rating for their condition. Instead, the VA uses the examiner’s report to make these determinations.
What Happens During an Exam?
During a C&P exam, the examiner will review the veteran’s medical and service records. The examiner will also sit down with the veteran to ask questions about their symptoms, physical or mental limitations, and how their condition affects their social and professional life. Examiners may also perform physical tests or conduct psychological assessments to gather objective data about the veteran’s condition.
The exam may take place in a doctor’s office or a hospital, especially if the examiner requires specialized equipment to conduct various tests or scans. The VA may schedule separate exams for each of a veteran’s claimed conditions, allowing the examiner to focus on a specific condition. Examiners may not discuss certain topics with veterans, such as the legal aspects of their disability benefits claim or the veteran’s potential disability rating.
How to Prepare for a C&P Exam
Veterans can prepare for C&P exams by reviewing their medical and service records, as well as their VA disability benefits application, to refresh themselves with the information they have already provided to the VA. Veterans should record their symptoms, including the approximate dates when they first appeared or worsened, the frequency of symptom flare-ups, and how their condition impacts their sleep, mobility, work ability, and social relationships. Veterans should also create a list of medications they take.
A veteran should remain honest and consistent about their condition and its impact on their life. Veterans should refrain from exaggerating, but also should not downplay symptoms to appear tough or avoid discussing embarrassing medical information.
Veterans can best prepare for a C&P exam by getting a good night’s rest and arriving early to help stay composed during the exam.
What Happens After the Exam
After the exam, the examiner will draft and submit their report detailing their findings to the VA. It may take several weeks for the VA to receive the examiner’s report. Veterans can monitor the status of their claim on the VA’s website. The veteran may not automatically receive a copy of the C&P exam report, but can request a copy from the VA.
Contact a VA Disability Lawyer Today
When you receive notice to attend a C&P exam, learn more about what to expect from an experienced VA disability attorney. Contact Veterans Law Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation to get advice about the C&P exam process and learn what an exam may mean for your disability benefits claim.