VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exams: What Veterans Need to Know

VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exams: What Veterans Need to Know

One of the key pieces of evidence the VA uses when deciding a claim is the Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination report. The form that is completed by the examiner is referred to as a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). This is why it is important to watch for exam correspondence and to try to attend all exams when possible.

The VA schedules these exams, usually through third-party providers (see below), and requires attendance. Failure to attend a scheduled exam without good cause may result in denial of the claim or, occasionally, in a proposal to reduce benefits. During the exam, the medical examiner may provide an opinion regarding service connection and will also evaluate the severity of symptoms.

The examination may be held in several different ways.  It may be in-person or it may be held virtually.  Occasionally, the VA obtains a records review medical opinion, for which the veteran is not involved personally but may still receive a notice.  When the veteran does attend examinations in-person or virtually, the examiners may be extremely thorough or spend a few minutes only with the veteran. 

Our goal is to help veterans understand this process every step of the way.

When Will the VA Schedule a C&P Exam?

The VA may schedule a C&P exam for:

• New claims
• Supplemental claims
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals remands
• Re-evaluations

You may attend more than one exam for a condition during the course of your claim.  If you are scheduled for another examination on the same condition, this is often because the VA failed to capture the fully needed information on the first examination, leading to a new exam inquiry created by the VA. This can be very frustrating for veterans.

The VA, unfortunately, does not notify our office when an exam is scheduled. If you are contacted about an exam, please notify your team at Veterans Help Group as soon as possible so we may review your file and provide guidance.

How VA C&P Exams Are Scheduled

The VA may contract with a third-party contractor or schedule the exam through a local VA Medical Center (VAMC). You may receive scheduling communication by phone, text, mail, or email. Please monitor all communication channels daily, including voicemails, spam, and junk folders. You may request a male or female examiner if you have a preference.

Keep in mind the scheduler is not the front desk at the examination location; they are separate entities.

Approved Third-Party C&P Exam Providers

• Leidos QTC Health Services
• Veterans Evaluation Services (VES)
• OptumServe (formerly LHI)
• Loyal Source Government Services (LSGS)

If you have questions as to the legitimacy of a company that has reached out to you for an examination, feel free to call us to confirm at 855-855-8992.

Preparing for Your C&P Exam

After your exam is confirmed, your Case Manager will schedule a preparation call to review your claim details and help you understand what to expect during the exam. Our VA-accredited advocates oversee and guide our case management team. Together, they help you understand what to expect during the exam and ensure you are prepared to clearly and accurately describe your symptoms and medical history.

If you are unable to attend a scheduled exam, contact the scheduler immediately to request rescheduling and notify your Case Manager.

Understanding Your C&P Exam Results

The VA decision-maker considers all evidence in your file when making a determination. The C&P exam report is often an important part of that review.  The examination report is uploaded to your VA file, and this may take days or weeks. 

After the examination is complete, if you have any feedback, including the preparedness or thoroughness of the examiner, be sure to let your Case Manager know.  At times, the examination, through no fault of the veteran, is simply inadequate, and we must fight to establish that to obtain your maximum benefit.

Need Help With Your VA Claim or C&P Exam?

If you’re a veteran navigating a C&P exam or need guidance on your VA disability claim, Veterans Help Group is here to help.

Our VA-accredited experts provide free case evaluations and work with you every step of the way to ensure your claim is fully supported.

Call us today at 855-855-8992 or CLICK HERE to get started.

This article was written and fact-checked by Jennifer Mitchell and Caroline Temple of Veterans Help Group. As experienced advocates working with veterans nationwide, they help guide clients through the VA disability claims process, including preparing for Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams and understanding VA decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam?

A VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination requested by the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate a veteran’s disability claim. The exam helps the VA determine whether a condition is connected to military service and how severe the disability is, so they can assign the appropriate rating.

Do I have to attend my scheduled C&P exam?

Yes. If the VA schedules a C&P exam, it is very important to attend. Missing an exam without a valid reason may lead to a denial of your claim or, in some cases, a proposal to reduce existing benefits. If you cannot attend the scheduled date, contact the exam scheduler as soon as possible to request a reschedule.

How should I prepare for a VA C&P exam?

Before your exam, review your medical history and be prepared to clearly explain your symptoms, how often they occur, and how they impact your daily life and ability to work. It is important to be honest and thorough when answering the examiner’s questions so the VA receives an accurate picture of your condition.

Learn more:

• What Is A VA DBQ?
• What Are The VA DBQs For A C&P Exam?