Frequently Asked Questions About The VA Claim Exam (C&P)

Most disability claims need you to take a C&P (compensation and pension) examination at a certain point. This exam is also often known as a VA claim exam. The VA uses a C&P exam to determine the severity of a veteran’s health condition.

A C&P exam is crucial because the VA evaluate the veteran’s severity to determine their final disability ratings and, therefore, the amount of their disability benefits. As this stage is critical to the VA disability rating, this article can help you get useful information regarding the C&P exam.

After you've submitted your disability benefits claim, VA may ask you to take a Compensation and Pension or C&P exam.

Get answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the VA Claim Exam.

Why May You Need A VA Claim Exam?

This exam will help VA to assess your disability. Your classification depends on how severe your disability is and will affect the disability benefit you receive.

The VA compensation you’ll get can include monthly payments and enrollment in the VA health program.

Does Every Veteran Who Files A Claim Need To Take The VA Claim Exam?

No, VA will only ask you to complete a claim application if they need more information to decide on your disability claim.

VA will not ask you to take a claims exam if your file contains sufficient medical evidence to support your claim. Medical evidence can include doctor and hospital reports, test results, and other documents.

What Must You Bring To Your VA Claim Exam?

You do not have to bring anything with you to the exam. If you have recent medical records that are non-VA (such as recent surgery or medical records), you must submit them before your appointment. Your provider cannot send these records to the VA for you.

You may submit new non-VA medical records in any of the following ways:

• Upload medical records online with the claim status tool.
• Submit all medical records through your accredited representative or Veterans Service Officer (VSO). 
• Find an Accredited Agent or VSO.
• Send medical records to your nearest VA regional office.
• Find a VA regional office near you to submit your documents.

What Happens In A VA Claim Exam?

A VA claim exam is unlike a regular medical exam or other VA health visit. The provider will not treat you for any illness or injury, refer you to another provider, or prescribe medication because the exam aims to gather the information that will help VA decide on your request.

Each exam is different depending on what information the VA needs.

During your exam, the provider may do some or all of the following:

• Check your claim file with you.
• Ask questions based on the medical records in your claim file. It may include questions from the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for each service-related condition you request. 
• Review of Disability Benefit Surveys (DBQs).
• Conduct a basic physical exam.
• Ask you to have other tests, such as x-rays or blood tests, if needed.

Don't hesitate to ask the provider if you have any questions about what happened during your exam.

However, remember that it is their job to investigate you and not make any decisions about your claim. They cannot answer all your questions about the claim application process.

After your review, the provider will write a report and send it to a VA claims handler for inclusion in your claims file.