If you’ve filed a claim for VA disability benefits, you may be scheduled for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. Many veterans find this process confusing or even intimidating, especially because the outcome can significantly affect their rating. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a C&P Exam?
A C&P exam is a medical or psychological evaluation requested by the VA to help determine whether a condition is related to your military service and, if so, how severely it affects your daily functioning. The VA uses the results, along with your service records and medical history, to make decisions about disability ratings and benefits.
The exam is not a treatment appointment. The examiner is not your doctor, and the purpose is evaluation, not care. Understanding this distinction helps you approach the exam with the right mindset.
Who Performs the Exam?
C&P exams may be conducted by VA staff clinicians or by contractors through private companies the VA partners with. The examiner may be a physician, psychologist, nurse practitioner, or other licensed clinician depending on the type of claim.
What Happens During a Mental Health C&P Exam?
For mental health claims, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, the examiner will typically review your records, ask about your symptoms, and assess how your condition affects your ability to work and function socially. They may ask about your military experiences, current living situation, relationships, sleep, and daily activities.
Be honest and thorough. Many veterans unintentionally minimize their symptoms during exams. Describe your worst days, not just your average ones, and explain how your condition affects your life in concrete terms.
What Happens After?
The examiner submits a report, called a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), to the VA. The VA then uses this, along with other evidence, to assign a disability rating. You have the right to request a copy of this report.
What If You Disagree With the Results?
If you believe the exam was inadequate, rushed, or inaccurate, you have options. You can request a new exam, submit a rebuttal, or obtain an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) from a private clinician to counter the VA’s findings.