Missing a scheduled C&P exam can have serious consequences for your claim. If you fail to report for an exam without good cause, VA may deny your claim for an original service connection or may reduce or deny a claim for increased rating based on the evidence already in the file. However, VA must first show that the exam notification was sent to your correct address and that you actually received notice of the appointment. Many veterans miss exams because the notification was sent to an old address or arrived too late. If you missed your exam because you did not receive notice, because you were hospitalized, because of a family emergency, or for any other reason beyond your control, contact VA immediately and request that the exam be rescheduled. VA should reschedule the exam when good cause is shown for missing the original appointment. Good cause generally means any reason that a reasonable person would consider valid, such as illness, transportation problems, or not receiving the notification. Even if you missed the exam without what seems like a strong reason, it is still worth contacting VA to explain the situation. Document everything in writing and keep copies. If your claim was denied due to a missed exam and you believe you had good cause, raise this issue in your 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).