C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension Exam)
A medical appointment ordered by the VA to evaluate the severity of a veteran’s disability and determine if it is service-connected.
C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension Exam)
What is a C&P Exam?
The Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam is a specialized medical appointment used by the VA to gather evidence for your disability claim. Unlike a regular doctor’s visit, the purpose is not to treat you or prescribe medication. Instead, the examiner’s sole job is to document the severity of your condition and answer specific legal questions for the VA Rater (such as whether the condition is linked to your service).
Does everyone get a C&P exam?
No. You will only be scheduled for an exam if the VA needs more information to decide your claim. In some cases, the VA uses the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process. This means a doctor reviews your medical records to form an opinion without requiring you to attend an in-person appointment. If you receive an ACE notice, do not show up to a facility; the review happens internally.
Who performs the exam?
While some exams are performed at VA Medical Centers, the majority are now outsourced to private contractors. You will likely be contacted by one of the following vendors:
- QTC Medical Services
- Veterans Evaluation Services (VES)
- OptumServe (formerly LHI)
- Loyal Source Government Services
What happens during the exam?
The examiner will follow a specific script called a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). They will:
- Ask about your history and current symptoms.
- Perform a physical evaluation (e.g., measuring range of motion for a knee injury).
- Review your medical file.
Important: This is a legal evaluation, not a therapy session. Be honest about your symptoms on your worst days. If you are having a “good day” during the exam, make sure the doctor documents the frequency and severity of your bad days.
How do I get my exam results?
You generally cannot get the results from the doctor on the day of the exam. The report is sent directly to the VA.
- If the exam was at a VA Hospital: The results should appear in your “Blue Button” report on MyHealtheVet within 30 days.
- If the exam was with a Contractor: The results are not automatically uploaded to your portal. To see them, you must file a FOIA request (VA Form 20-10206) to request your C-File.
What if I miss my exam?
Missing a C&P exam is one of the most common reasons for a claim denial. If you cannot make the appointment, you must call the vendor (QTC, VES, etc.) immediately to reschedule. If you miss it without notice, the VA will likely rate your claim based only on the evidence currently in your file, which usually leads to a denial.
Will I be reimbursed for travel?
Yes. The VA (or the contractor) provides mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the appointment. If you do not receive a check or deposit within 14 days of the exam, contact the vendor directly.
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