When filing a VA disability claim, most veterans will undergo a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, which plays a major role in whether their claim is approved or denied. But what happens when that exam is rushed, inaccurate, or performed by someone unfamiliar with your condition? Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d expect—and it can seriously impact your benefits.
The good news is: you don’t have to accept a bad C&P exam. You can challenge it, and there are steps you can take to strengthen your case.
Why the C&P Exam Matters So Much
The VA relies heavily on C&P exams to make decisions. These exams evaluate:
Whether your condition is service-connected
The severity of your condition
How your condition affects your ability to work and function
Even if your medical records are strong, a poorly conducted C&P exam can lead to a denial or an unfairly low rating.
Signs of a Faulty C&P Exam
Here are some common red flags that the exam may have been inadequate:
The provider barely examined you or rushed the appointment
They downplayed or ignored your reported symptoms
You were misdiagnosed or not asked about key symptoms
The examiner lacked expertise in the type of condition being evaluated
The final report contains mistakes, contradictions, or vague language
If any of these apply to your situation, you may have grounds to dispute the results.
What You Can Do About It
Request a Copy of the C&P Exam Report
After the exam, request the full report (called a DBQ or exam notes) through the VA or your MyHealtheVet account. Read it carefully to check for inaccuracies or omissions.
Write a Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138)
If there are errors, write a Statement in Support of Claim explaining what was wrong with the exam. Be clear and specific.
Submit Alternative Medical Evidence
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by your private physician can serve as an alternative. You can also submit additional medical records, test results, or buddy statements to support your case.
Request a New Exam or a Higher-Level Review
You can request a Higher-Level Review (HLR) if you believe the C&P exam was faulty. In this process, a more senior VA adjudicator reviews your claim. You can request an informal conference to explain your concerns directly.
Appeal the Decision
If the claim is denied or rated too low based on a bad exam, you can appeal. Depending on the stage of your claim, you may file a Supplemental Claim or take your appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Final Thoughts
A flawed C&P exam doesn’t have to derail your entire claim. By staying informed, gathering alternative evidence, and challenging the VA’s decision through the proper channels, you have a real chance at getting the benefits you deserve.
