Not all C&P exams are conducted properly, and an inadequate exam can result in an incorrect rating decision. An exam may be inadequate if the examiner did not review your claims file, did not consider your reported history, performed an incomplete physical examination, or provided an opinion without a supporting rationale. VA has a duty to ensure that exams are adequate before relying on them to make decisions. Common signs of an inadequate exam include an examiner who spent very little time with you, a report that contains factual errors about your history, an opinion that contradicts the examiner own findings, or a report that fails to address all the conditions you claimed. If the examiner did not use the correct disability questionnaire for your condition, that may also indicate a problem. When you receive your exam results, review them carefully. You can request a copy of the exam report through your VA regional office or through your online VA account. If you find errors or believe the exam was inadequate, you can submit a statement identifying the specific problems and request that VA obtain a new exam or addendum opinion. You can also submit a private medical opinion that addresses the shortcomings of the VA exam. Raising the issue of exam adequacy in an appeal is a recognized and effective strategy.
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).