The Role of the C&P Exam in Your VA Claim
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a crucial step in the VA disability claim process. It’s a medical examination ordered by the VA to gather more information about your condition. The examiner, who could be a VA doctor or a contracted physician, will assess your disability, ask questions about your symptoms, and may perform a physical exam or diagnostic tests. Their report is a key piece of evidence that the VA uses to determine if your condition is service-connected and to assign a disability rating.
Immediately After the Exam: The Examiner’s Report
Once your exam is complete, the examiner will write a detailed report and fill out a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). This report summarizes their findings and provides a medical opinion on the severity of your condition and its likely connection to your military service. This report is then sent directly to the VA regional office handling your claim. This all happens within the “Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision” phase of the VA claim timeline.
Returning to Step 3: Evidence Review and Rating Decision
After the VA receives the C&P exam report, your claim goes back to a Veterans Service Representative (VSR). The VSR will review the examiner’s findings along with all the other evidence in your file (service medical records, private treatment notes, buddy letters, etc.). If the VSR determines they have all the necessary information, they will forward your file to a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR), who will make the final decision on your claim.
How Long is the Wait from a C&P Exam to a Final Decision?
This is one of the most common questions veterans have, and unfortunately, there’s no single answer. The wait time after a C&P exam can range from 1 to 4 months, but this is highly variable. Factors that influence the timeline include:
- The complexity of your claim
- The backlog at your specific VA Regional Office
- Whether the examiner’s report is clear and complete
- Whether the VA needs to order additional exams or seek clarification
What if the VA Requests a Second C&P Exam?
Don’t panic. A request for a second exam is not necessarily a bad sign. It often means the first exam report was incomplete, unclear, or insufficient for the rating officer to make a decision. It shows the VA is attempting to fulfill its “Duty to Assist” by gathering all the information needed to make an accurate decision.
FAQ: After Your C&P Exam
What are some top tips for preparing for a C&P exam?
Be honest, be thorough, and don’t downplay your symptoms. Review your medical records beforehand to refresh your memory on the history of your condition. Describe how your disability affects your daily life and ability to work. Do not exaggerate, but also do not have a “tough guy” mentality.
Can I get a copy of my C&P exam results?
Yes. You can request a copy of your C&P exam results by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act request. It is a good idea to do this, as it allows you to see the evidence the VA is using to decide your claim.
What if I disagree with the C&P examiner’s report?
If you receive your results and find inaccuracies or feel the examiner did not capture the full extent of your disability, you can submit a statement pointing out the errors. If your claim is denied based on a poor exam, this can be crucial evidence for an appeal. Learn more about your options by reading our guide on next steps after a VA decision.