Compensation and Pension Examinations (C&Ps)
- C&P exams determine your disability rating — they assess how severe your condition is
- Be honest, but explain your worst days — don't downplay symptoms
- The exam is FREE — you'll even get mileage reimbursement
- Prepare by reading the DBQ for your condition — know what they'll ask
C&P exams are medical examinations that help the VA determine:
- The severity of your disability (primary purpose)
- Whether your condition is service-connected (secondary purpose)
C&P exams are conducted by trained medical professionals, be it at a VA facility or through a contractor such as Veterans Evaluation Services (VES), Optum Serve Health Solutions (OSHS) AKA Optum Health -formerly Logistics Health Incorporated (LHI)-, Loyal Source (LS), or Quality Timeliness Customer service (QTC).
Keep your contact info current! Make sure your mailing address, email, and phone number are up-to-date with the VA. Missing an exam notice can derail your claim.
Pregnant? Call VA (1-800-827-1000) before exams requiring X-rays, Lung Function Tests (PFTs), range of motion testing, lab work, or other tests that may be harmful to you or your baby.
Preparing for a C&P exam
Here are a few important things to do before the day of the exam.
Personal Safety
If your exam might bring up difficult emotions, have a plan. Bring a trusted friend or family member, know where you'll go afterward, and arrange pet care if needed.
Plan Ahead
Know your route and leave early. Being late could mean a rushed exam or being turned away. Complete any paperwork before exam day.
Transportation Options
If you don't have reliable transportation, consider: friends/family, public transit, local VSOs (some offer rides), or VetRide.
Know Your Exam Type
If claiming multiple disabilities, know what each exam covers:
- Separate exams: Mental health, TBI, Vision, Hearing, Dental
- Combined exam: Musculoskeletal and most other physical conditions
- You may also have follow-ups for lab work or x-rays
Not sure? Call the exam provider and ask.
Review the DBQ
Examiners often ask questions directly from the DBQ. View current DBQs.
Review the Rating Schedule
Understanding how your condition is rated helps you know what to expect. View the rating schedule.
During the C&P Exam
Be HONEST. Do NOT lie to the examiners! Fraud is a serious crime. This is not the examiner's first rodeo — if you embellish, they'll know and may mark you as a suspected malingerer, which could result in denial.
During range of motion tests, SAY when pain begins or worsens. STOP when pain gets too bad.
Be CAREFUL — if you appear to not be trying, the examiner CAN mark it as such and invalidate the exam.
If you're not having a flare-up during the exam, EXPLAIN what your range of motion is like on bad days.
For mental health claims: If today isn't your worst day, describe your worst day within the past month so the examiner understands your downswings.
Tell them how your disability affects your social life, relationships, and work — especially during flare-ups.
After the Exam
Once you've attended your exam, your part in the claims process is mostly complete. Unless you have additional evidence to submit, your job is done.
We here at r/VeteransBenefits wish you the best and hope that you receive the highest level of compensation under the law that you are entitled to.
If the VA determines that your claims are not service-connected or if you disagree with the severity rating, you can Appeal the decision. Just be sure to do so within one year of the decision. Otherwise you will forfeit any accrued back pay!
Reexaminations
If a Veteran's disabilities are not determined to be static then the Veteran will receive regularly scheduled reexaminations (RFR) in the future.
Unlike the Veteran's first exam. Reexaminations are NOT concerned with service-connection. Their purpose is to help determine the Veteran's current degree of disability. Usually the examiner will ask the Veteran what treatment(s) they have tried since their last exam as well their current symptoms.
Currently, the VA is making MOST conditions static out the gate. However, there are still some circumstances in which the Veteran may have a reexamination. Such as:
Active cancer; and
When Mandated by the Rating schedule or other VA regulations.
Check Your Static Status
You can check which of your conditions are static online. Learn how.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scheduling & Attendance
When will I get scheduled for my exam?
Could be as early as 2 weeks or up to several months. Within 1 month is common.
Do I have to attend my C&P exam?
I can't make my scheduled exam. What do I do?
Call to reschedule ASAP! The sooner the better.
I missed my exam. What now?
Call immediately to reschedule. Explain the situation — they may still accommodate you.
What does "Exam request no longer needed" mean on VA.gov?
Confusing wording! It means the VA's request is complete because a contractor accepted the assignment. You'll hear from them soon to schedule.
The Exam Itself
How long will my exam take?
Anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on:
- How many conditions you're being evaluated for
- Whether it's initial or reexam
- The examiner's process (some complete paperwork with you present, others after)
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, though an examiner may refuse. If allowed, they should not answer questions for you or participate in the exam.
Can I record my exam?
The VA won't accept your recording as evidence. However, they're very willing to give you a new exam if you request one and explain why.
What is an ACE exam?
An Acceptable Clinical Evidence exam is a records review — you won't be physically present. Important: The examiner may call you for clarification, so answer your phone that day!
Can I give the examiner additional evidence?
You can try, but they may refuse it. Always upload evidence yourself to your claim — don't rely on the examiner.
Costs & Logistics
How much does the exam cost?
Nothing. C&P exams are completely free.
Will the VA pay for my mileage?
Yes (for veterans) — you'll get a check in the mail a few weeks after.
Exceptions: Veterans overseas and Active Duty members don't receive mileage.
I got a bill after my exam!
Contact the contractor (QTC, VES, etc.) — this is usually a billing error with diagnostic tests. If they don't resolve it, call VA at 1-800-827-1000.
I'm overseas. Do I have to return to the US?
No. The VA will send a contractor to your country, use a local doctor, or arrange an exam at a US Embassy. Note: Travel expenses are not reimbursed for overseas exams.
Results & Records
I never got a C&P exam and my claim closed. Was it denied?
Not necessarily! If you submitted sufficient evidence (extensive records or a completed DBQ), an exam may not have been needed.
How do I get a copy of my C&P exam results?
VA facility exam: Available 30 days after completion via Blue Button.
Contractor exam: Request your C-file.
BDD claimants: May access reports via MHS Genesis.
I had a bad examiner. What can I do?
Learn your options: Dealing with a Bad Examiner
Preferences & Requests
Can I request a specific contractor or VA facility?
Yes. Upload a personal statement with your preference.
Can I request to NOT use a specific contractor?
Yes. Upload a personal statement explaining your request.
Should I click "Decide my claim now"?
Only if you have no more evidence to submit. Learn more: The "Decide My Claim" Button