The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is one of the most important steps in the VA disability claim process—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood and, often, the most mishandled. Many Veterans walk into these exams without knowing what to expect or how critical the outcome is to their claim. In 2025, as the VA continues to rely heavily on these evaluations, understanding their impact and how to prepare is more important than ever.
What Is the C&P Exam?
The C&P exam is not a typical medical appointment. It’s a formal evaluation conducted by a VA healthcare provider (or a contracted physician) to determine whether your condition is connected to your military service and how severe it is. The examiner will review your records, ask about your symptoms, and may perform a physical exam or psychological assessment depending on the nature of your claim.
The doctor is not treating you—they are reporting to the VA.
Why These Exams Matter So Much
The VA uses the findings from your C&P exam to make decisions on:
Whether your condition is service-connected
What disability rating (percentage) you should receive
Whether your condition has worsened (in cases of increase claims)
This means that a poorly conducted exam—or a misunderstood one—can lead to a denial or a lower rating than you deserve.
Common Problems with C&P Exams
Examiners rush the appointment and fail to document all symptoms
Exams rely too heavily on the doctor’s opinion without considering your full history or existing records
Examiners may not be specialists in your condition, especially in mental health cases
You don’t explain your symptoms in enough detail or minimize your condition out of habit or pride
How to Protect Yourself
Prepare in advance. Review your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and your service history. Be honest and thorough.
Bring a written statement. This helps ensure your key points are not forgotten or overlooked.
Request a copy of the exam report (DBQ or exam summary). Review it for errors or omissions.
Consider submitting an independent medical opinion. If the VA exam was inadequate or biased, this could help offset the damage.
What to Do If Your Exam Hurts Your Claim
If your claim is denied or underrated based on a flawed C&P exam, you have the right to request a Higher-Level Review or appeal to the Board. But first, you may need to submit additional evidence, such as a second opinion or a rebuttal to the exam findings.
We Can Help You Challenge a Bad C&P Exam
At Veterans Valor, we work with Veterans every day who’ve been unfairly judged based on weak or inaccurate C&P exams. We help you identify what went wrong, collect stronger evidence, and make your case the right way on appeal.
Don’t let one flawed exam dictate your future. We’re here to help you fight back with confidence and clarity.
