VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams

Why VA may request an exam

VA may schedule an exam when it needs findings about the condition, its severity, or a possible connection to service. The examiner may review your records, ask questions, perform a focused examination or tests, and complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). The exam may be conducted by a VA clinician or a VA contractor.

The examiner is not your treating clinician and generally will not prescribe medication, make a treatment plan, or provide a copy of the final VA decision. The examiner sends a report to VA; the rating activity decides the claim.

VA: Compensation and Pension claim exam

How to prepare honestly and clearly

VA says you do not need to bring documents to the exam. Submit new private medical records before the appointment through VA's claim-status tool or your accredited representative. You can bring a short symptom list for your own reference, but do not assume the examiner can accept or add paperwork during the visit.

• Read the appointment notice, confirm the location and time, and plan how you will get there.
• Describe symptoms accurately, including how often they happen, how long they last, what triggers them, and what recovery is like.
• Explain both ordinary days and flare-ups or worse days without exaggerating or minimizing.
• Describe concrete effects on sleep, movement, concentration, daily tasks, and work.
• If you need an accommodation, interpreter, or a different appointment time, contact the number on the notice as soon as possible.

VA: Compensation and Pension claim exam · Evidence for a VA claim

DBQs and private medical opinions

A DBQ is a structured questionnaire that records findings relevant to a condition's rating criteria. VA publishes some DBQs for private clinicians, but VA may still request its own exam. A private opinion can be submitted as evidence; its value depends on the clinician's qualifications, the records reviewed, the explanation, and how it addresses the facts—not on a special title or a single phrase.

Be cautious of companies that sell guaranteed ratings or template nexus letters without reviewing your history. A paid opinion does not guarantee service connection or a particular percentage.

VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires · Evidence and nexus opinions

Buddy statements can add context

A family member, coworker, or fellow service member may describe symptoms or limitations they personally observed before, during, or after the condition changed. These statements can add context to the medical record, but they do not replace medical findings when VA needs a clinician's diagnosis or opinion.

VA Form 21-10210: Lay or Witness Statement · Evidence for a VA claim

Do not miss the appointment

If you cannot attend, call the number on the appointment notice promptly and ask to reschedule. VA says to provide at least 48 hours' notice when possible; rescheduling may delay the claim. If you miss an exam without good cause, VA may decide the claim based on the existing record or apply rules that can lead to a denial. Keep a record of calls and follow-up notices.

VA: Compensation and Pension claim exam · VA disability claims process