The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination ordered by the VA to evaluate your claimed disability. It is one of the most important steps in the claims process because the examiner's findings often determine your rating. The exam is not a treatment appointment — the examiner's job is to document your current condition and provide medical opinions that the VA rater uses to make a decision.
C&P exams may be conducted by VA staff physicians, contract examiners (through companies like VES, OptumServe (formerly LHI), QTC, or Loyal Source), or sometimes VA nurse practitioners. You will receive a notification letter or phone call scheduling the exam — do not miss it. A missed exam can result in a denial of your claim.
During the exam, the examiner reviews your claims file, asks about your medical history and current symptoms, and performs a physical or psychological examination relevant to your claimed condition. For musculoskeletal conditions, expect range of motion measurements. For mental health conditions, expect a detailed interview about symptoms and functioning. For internal conditions, expect relevant lab work or diagnostic testing.
Preparation tips: bring a list of your current symptoms and how they affect daily life. Be specific and honest — describe your worst days, not just your best. If you have relevant medical records the VA may not have (private treatment), bring copies. Do not downplay your condition, but do not exaggerate either. Arrive early and be prepared for the exam to take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours depending on the condition.
After the exam, the examiner prepares a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) that goes to the VA rater. You can request a copy of the DBQ through your VA.gov account or by contacting the VA. Reviewing the DBQ allows you to identify errors or omissions that could be addressed through a supplemental claim or appeal.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).