A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is important to your VA Disability claim because it can be the difference between an award and a denial. It could also mean the difference between a low disability rating and a much higher one. It is a final discovery and assessment of evidence proving you are disabled due to your military service.
In this light, the C&P exam is of the utmost importance. Most, but not all, claims for disability compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) require a C&P medical exam.
A Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims lawyer from Marc Whitehead & Associates can tell you more about Compensation and Pension exams. An attorney can also help you secure the disability benefits you earned through your service.
Your C&P Exam Can Make a Big Difference in Your VA Disability Claim
A VA claim exam (C&P exam) is important to your VA Disability claim because it allows the VA to determine if you have a service-connected disability and to rate the severity of your disability.
The results of your VA claim exam can impact how much disability compensation you get and can even influence your enrollment in the VA health care program.
You can learn more about how a VA claim exam can impact your disability rating and your ability to secure VA Disability benefits from the team at Marc Whitehead & Associates.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Getting Ready for Your C&P Exam
The VA claim exam is part of the VA’s duty to assist you as a veteran. Because it carries so much weight, we cannot stress enough the importance of preparing for a C&P exam ahead of time.
Either a VA doctor or a contracted non-VA doctor will conduct your medical evaluation. You can also have your own doctor perform a medical examination and fill out the appropriate Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) forms.
The VA will use these medical reports, along with your service medical records and other lay evidence, to decide your eligibility for VA benefits and the level of compensation you will receive. The team at Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you prepare for an exam.
What Can You Expect During Your C&P Exam?
The doctor must keep the exam within the bounds stated in the C&P order requested by either the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) or the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). This may include specific remarks, questions, directions, or requested opinions regarding your claimed disability, which the doctor must follow.
You can prepare for the questions the examining doctor will ask. These questions are all part of the disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) and are sorted by condition (e.g., amputations, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, etc.).
You can learn more about what to expect from your exam from the team at Marc Whitehead & Associates. Your attorney can also explain why the C&P exam is important to your VA Disability claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Benefits and C&P Exams
You can get clear, straightforward answers about your C&P Exam from the team at Marc Whitehead & Associates. For example, representatives from the law firm can answer questions like:
When Is a VA Claim Exam Required?
The Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) will review your initial claim. If the RVSR finds that your claim is missing key components or is lacking in some way, the RVSR will request one or more C&P exams.
In general, the VA relies on the C&P exams to:
- Diagnose a condition
- Determine whether your disability is service connected and establish a medical nexus
- Furnish the VA rater with additional medical information about your disability for rating purposes
You can learn more about the uses of C&P exams by reaching out to your attorney.
Who Can Conduct VA Claim Exams?
While using a general physician may be adequate for a fairly straightforward condition, more specialized conditions require physicians with appropriate advanced medical training to perform the exam.
If you are claiming more than one disabling condition, the VA may ask that you attend multiple exams for each impairment.
Can I Get a VA Rating without a C&P Exam?
In some cases, yes. A C&P is not required in every situation. For cost containment, the VA has specific guidelines to determine whether an exam is really needed.
As mentioned, if your initial application for VA Disability compensation contains all of the required medical evidence and lay evidence for a favorable decision and rating, the VA will likely rate your claim without a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination.
How Long Will My C&P Exam Take?
The time it takes to complete your C&P exam depends on your condition and other factors. In some cases, the exam may only take 15 minutes. For other veterans, the exam could take an hour or longer.
Veterans Benefits Lawyers Fighting for You
So, why is a C&P exam important to your VA Disability claim? C&P exams are part of the VA’s duty to assist and can help the agency provide you with the benefits you earned.
When dealing with the VA, it can seem next to impossible to keep track of the VA red tape and evidence required to obtain the VA rating you deserve. You can get help throughout this process from our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates.
If you are a veteran whose claim for disability compensation was denied or underrated, don’t give up. If you need an advocate to fight for your rights, call us today to set up a free consultation. To learn more about the process, download our FREE Veterans Disability eBook.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
