What Is a C&P Exam?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination scheduled by the VA to evaluate your disability claim. It is one of the most important events in your claims process.
The VA contracts with outside providers — most commonly QTC, LHI (now Optum Serve), or VES — to conduct these exams. The examiner will review your records and examine you, then submit a report to the VA rater.
This exam can make or break your claim. A negative C&P opinion is one of the most common reasons for denials and low ratings.
When Does the VA Schedule a C&P Exam?
The VA schedules a C&P exam when they need to:
- Establish service connection (is your condition related to service?)
- Determine the severity of your disability (for rating purposes)
- Evaluate whether your condition has changed since the last exam
You will receive a letter or phone call with the exam date, time, and location. You may also be given the option for an in-home exam or a telehealth exam for certain conditions.
Rule #1: Always Attend Your Exam
Missing a C&P exam without rescheduling is one of the fastest ways to have your claim denied. If you cannot make the scheduled date:
- Call the examiner immediately to reschedule
- Reschedule at least 24 hours in advance if possible
- Contact your VSO for help if you are having difficulty
If you have a legitimate reason for missing, document it and contact the VA.
Before the Exam: How to Prepare
Review Your Service Records
Know the specifics of your claim:
- What condition(s) are you claiming?
- What in-service event or exposure caused it?
- When did symptoms start?
- How have symptoms changed over time?
Know Your Worst Day
The C&P exam captures a snapshot of your condition. But the VA should consider how your condition affects you on your worst days, not just how you feel on the day of the exam.
When describing symptoms, give examples of your worst days:
- "On bad days, my back pain keeps me in bed and I can't walk more than a few feet."
- "I have nightmares 3-4 times a week on average, sometimes every night."
Bring Documentation
Consider bringing:
- A copy of your service records (relevant portions)
- Your private medical records related to the condition
- A list of your medications
- Notes on your symptoms (dates, frequency, severity)
During the Exam: What to Expect
The exam usually lasts 20–60 minutes depending on the condition. The examiner will:
- Review your records beforehand
- Ask you about your condition, symptoms, and how it affects your daily life
- Conduct a physical examination (for physical conditions)
- Complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) — a standardized VA form
Answer Honestly and Completely
Many veterans minimize their symptoms out of pride or habit ("I'm fine, I manage"). This is one of the most common mistakes. Do not minimize your symptoms.
- Describe your symptoms on your worst days, not your average or best
- Do not exaggerate, but do not downplay
- If you are in pain, say so — and rate it
- Describe how your condition limits your daily activities, work, sleep, and relationships
Questions You Will Likely Be Asked
- When did your symptoms start?
- How often do you have symptoms?
- What makes them worse?
- How do they affect your ability to work?
- Can you walk, stand, lift, sleep normally?
- (For mental health) Do you have nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, anger issues?
What the Examiner Is Looking For
The examiner must complete a DBQ that captures:
- Your current diagnosis
- The severity of your condition (range of motion, functional limitations, etc.)
- Whether your condition is "at least as likely as not" related to your service
- Whether your condition has worsened, stabilized, or improved
The examiner should not make a rating decision — that is the VA rater's job. But their opinion directly influences it.
After the Exam
- Request a copy of the DBQ — you are entitled to receive a copy. Ask the examiner or request it through VA.gov.
- Review the report carefully — check for errors or omissions in how your symptoms were recorded
- If the report is inaccurate or unfair:
- Submit a letter of disagreement with your own statement
- Get a private DBQ or IMO (Independent Medical Opinion) from your own doctor to counter it
- File a Supplemental Claim with the private opinion as new evidence
Red Flags in a C&P Exam
Be cautious if:
- The exam is extremely brief (under 10 minutes for a complex condition)
- The examiner seems dismissive or does not let you fully describe your symptoms
- The report does not match what you described
- The examiner uses phrases like "condition is not related to service" without explanation
A negative C&P opinion can be challenged. You are not required to accept it as the final word.