After you file your disability benefits claim, the VA may ask you to attend an in-person C&P (claim) exam. This exam helps the VA rate your disability and determine whether or not your disability is service-connected. If it is determined that your disability is service-connected, the VA will assign you a percentage rating based on the severity of your disability. In this blog, we will go over why the VA may call for a C&P exam, what to expect during it, and tips for the exam.
Does Everyone Who Files a Claim Need a C&P Exam?
Not everyone who files a claim needs a C&P exam.
Here are some examples of when a C&P exam might be needed by the VA:
Lack of Medical Evidence
If the VA does not feel like you submitted enough medical evidence to support your claim, they may call you in to do a C&P to assist with making a decision.
Secondary Conditions
When a veteran claims a secondary condition related to a service-connected disability, a C&P exam can assess how the primary disability impacts the secondary condition.
Re-examinations
Periodically, the VA may require re-evaluation for certain conditions. A C&P exam helps determine if there have been changes in the veteran’s condition that warrant an adjustment in benefits.
Read More: Top Reasons the VA Might Deny Your Disability Claim
Preparing for Your C&P Exam
For in-person exams, you’ll need to travel to your local VA medical center or a contractor location. Contractors will schedule exams as close to your home as possible. You are not required to bring anything to your C&P exam, but If you have any new non-VA medical records, be sure to submit them before your appointment. You want to ensure your medical records are up-to-date and accurately reflect your current health status. Additionally, it is recommended to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment and wear comfortable clothing.
What to Expect During the Exam
A VA provider or a VA contract provider performs the exam. Contractors follow the same medical training and licensing standards as VA providers. A C&P exam is not like a typical medical exam. The purpose of the exam is to gather information that will help the VA decide on your claim, not provide treatments for your disability. Exams can range from as short as 15 minutes to as long as an hour. The examiner may ask you questions, perform a physical exam, or just discuss your file with you. Every exam is different depending on the information and needs of each veteran. You can feel free to ask your provider questions during the exam but be aware that they cannot answer questions about the claims process, tell you the exam results, or make decisions about your claim.
After the Exam
After the C&P exam, the examiner will present an exam report to a claims processor to complete the claims process. The VA will then review all the evidence in your file, including the exam report from the provider, decide on your claim, and send you a decision letter. The processing time for your claim depends on how complex your claim is and how many conditions you’ve claimed.
Read More: 5 Common VA Disability Rules That You Need to Know
Need Help Getting VA Benefits?
If you need help getting the VA benefits you deserve, whether you are applying for benefits or a rate increase, Tabak Law is here to help. We have years of experience in the field and have helped many veterans get additional benefits, especially after rejection. We can provide free consultation. Reach out to us today!
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