How to Handle a VA “C&P” Examination

Many veterans are confused and nervous about the all too often dreaded “C&P exam.” This is the Compensation and Pension exam the VA often schedules after a veteran applies for disability benefits. There are several reasons the VA might schedule a C&P exam. One reason is for the VA to confirm a veteran really does have the condition claimed on the benefits application. Another reason is so the VA decide if the condition resulted from service. Sometimes the VA agrees the veteran has the claimed condition and it’s from service, but they need to know how severe the symptoms are so they know what rating to assign (for more on ratings see my previous blog).

C&P exams are extremely important and often the deciding factor in whether the VA grants a veteran the sought-after benefit. Keep these tips in mind for the best possible chance at a favorable exam:

First, if it’s not clear what the examination is about the veteran should call the VA and ask. It can be nerve wracking not to be clear about what the examiner will be, well, examining.  It can be especially helpful to know if the exam will cover a sensitive topic, like a traumatic incident. In-service traumas can be difficult to discuss, especially with a stranger. If the veteran knows the exam is about a traumatic incident, it can be helpful to know this ahead of time and even talk to a treating therapist about how best to prepare.

Second, veterans should bring helpful documents with them to give to the examiner. If the veteran’s treatment provider has written a useful letter, that can encourage the examiner to support the claim as well. If the veteran doesn’t have a supportive letter from their doctor, if they find out what the exam is about they might have time to get one.

Third, focus only on what the examination is about. For example, if the exam is to determine if a mental health condition is from service, the veteran should not complain about how much their back hurts from a car accident that happened after service. 

Fourth, veterans need to let their guards down. Unless veterans explain what happened in service or show the examiner how bad their symptoms are, the examiner won’t know. The examiners are supposed to review the VA records before every exam but really the best way for them to truly understand how serious the veteran’s condition is or what caused it is to show and tell them. It can be hard to open up to a stranger about symptoms or incidents in service but this is a must for a C&P exam.

Fifth, veterans should attend the exam or the VA might deny a claim for that reason. Examinations can be rescheduled if the day or time isn’t workable. And to do this, the veteran should call the VA, NOT the contractor conducting the exam.  

Sixth, veterans should remember that it’s normal be nervous about these exams. Many of my clients say they’re anxious before a C&P exam because they don’t know what to expect or if they can explain everything well enough. The best advice is to be honest and open about everything related to a claimed condition. And if there is a problem with the exam or the examiner, tell your attorney so they can alert the VA that there’s an issue with the exam.

Questions? Reach out to Attorney Catherine Cornell at the Veterans Practice. 708.668.6996.