What is a C&P exam?

After you file a disability claim, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may ask you to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. VA also calls this a VA claim exam.

Many Veterans feel uneasy about this appointment. That is understandable. This guide explains what the exam is for and what generally happens, so you can walk in prepared.

What the exam is for

The C&P exam gives VA medical information it needs to decide your claim. VA says the exam helps it determine whether you have a service-connected disability and, if you do, how to rate it.

Not every claim needs an exam. VA decides whether one is needed based on the evidence it already has.

Who does the exam

Your exam may be done by a VA provider or by a VA contract provider. VA uses contractors to help process claims more quickly. Either way, the exam serves the same purpose.

VA or the contractor will usually mail you a letter with the date, time and place. Some exams are with specialists, such as for hearing, vision, dental or mental health conditions.

What happens during the exam

Every exam is different. VA says an exam may take only 15 minutes, or it may last an hour or more. Depending on your condition, the examiner may:

• Do a physical exam.
• Ask questions about your symptoms, your history and how the condition affects your daily life and work.
• Ask questions based on your records and on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for each condition you claimed.
• Order tests, such as X-rays or blood work, at no cost to you.

Definition

Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ): A standard VA form for a specific condition. It lists the medical information VA needs to rate that condition. Examiners often use DBQs during C&P exams. Your own provider can also fill out a public DBQ for you.

Afterward, the examiner writes a report and sends it to VA. The examiner does not decide your claim or your rating. A VA rater reviews the report along with all the other evidence in your file.

How to prepare

VA says you do not need to bring anything to your exam. Still, a little preparation can help you give clear and complete answers.

• Send new records first. If you have new non-VA medical records, such as from a recent surgery or illness, VA asks you to submit them before your appointment.
• Review your claim. Know which conditions you claimed and when your symptoms started.
• Write down your symptoms. Note how often they happen, how long they last and what they keep you from doing.
• Think about bad days, not just good ones. Describe how the condition affects you on a typical day and during flare-ups.
• Be honest and specific. Do not downplay or overstate. Accurate answers give VA an accurate picture.

Arrive a little early, and bring your exam letter and a photo ID in case you are asked for them.

If you can't make it, and after the exam

If you need to change your appointment, contact whoever scheduled it, either the VA medical center or the contractor. VA asks for at least 48 hours notice when possible.

After the exam, VA continues reviewing your claim. You can track its status on VA.gov. If you want a copy of your exam report, VA says you can request it using VA Form 20-10206, a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request.

If you think the exam report missed something important, you will have options once VA makes a decision. Those include adding new evidence or asking for a review. Our guide What happens after filing a VA disability claim? explains each one.

A C&P exam is one step in a longer process. If you have one coming up and want to talk through what to expect, you can talk with our team about your situation.