Is a C&P Exam Good or Bad for Your VA Disability Claim?
CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law
Short answer: A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is neither good nor bad. It simply means VA needs more evidence before deciding the claim. It can help or hurt depending on the examiner’s findings, the adequacy of the exam, and how VA weighs that evidence against the rest of the record.
This article explains why veterans get C&P exams, how exam results influence ratings, what red flags to watch for, and what steps improve outcomes, based on CCK Law’s decades of experience handling complex claims and appeals.
Join CCK Law partners and advocates on YouTube as they discuss the Dos and Don’ts of VA C&P exams.
What Is a C&P Exam?
A C&P exam is a medical evaluation ordered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to gather evidence needed to decide a disability claim. Exams may address service connection, severity, or both.
VA is required to provide an exam when the McLendon standard is met: (1) evidence of a current disability or symptoms; (2) evidence of an in-service event; (3) indication of a potential nexus; and (4) insufficient evidence to decide the claim. See McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006). McLendon describes a low threshold for the “indication” element, and VA may decline an exam only when the existing evidence is sufficient to decide the claim.
Key purposes of a C&P exam:
- Clarify whether a disability is “at least as likely as not” related to service
- Evaluate severity to assign an accurate disability rating
- Fill gaps when available medical evidence is insufficient
- Document symptoms under VA’s rating criteria (e.g., frequency, duration, functional loss)
Does Getting a C&P Exam Suggest a VA Claim Will Be Approved?
No. A C&P exam does not signal approval or denial. It only means VA needs more information.
Why VA orders an exam:
- Evidence already suggests the claim might be granted, but needs confirmation
- Evidence is incomplete or ambiguous
- VA needs an independent examiner to describe the current severity
- VA has a duty to assist by developing the claim further
Does a C&P Exam Mean VA Found Something Wrong with the Claim?
No. Ordering an exam is routine and does not mean VA doubts the claim.
Sometimes an exam indicates that VA believes the veteran may meet service-connection requirements but lacks a medical nexus opinion. Other times, VA simply needs updated severity information to issue an accurate rating.
How Much Do C&P Exams Affect Claim Outcomes?
C&P exams often carry significant weight because VA adjudicators rely heavily on examiner findings.
VA examiners complete Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) that contain standardized measurements (range of motion, diagnostic criteria, symptom frequency, functional limitations).
These factors frequently impact outcomes:
- Clarity of the examiner’s rationale
- Consistency between reported symptoms, medical records, and lay evidence
- Compliance with VA’s requirements (e.g., pain on motion testing per Correia v. McDonald, flare-up analysis under Sharp v. Shulkin)
- Whether the exam is adequate under Barr v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 303 (2007)
An inadequate exam can be challenged on appeal and often leads to remands or reversals at the Board or CAVC.
When Is a C&P Exam a “Good Sign”?
A C&P exam can be positive for a veteran when:
- VA is developing the claim rather than denying it outright
- The examiner documents symptoms that meet rating-schedule criteria
- The exam provides a strong medical nexus opinion supporting service connection
- The exam confirms the increased severity needed for a higher rating
- Lay evidence is thoroughly considered
Examples of favorable indicators:
- Examiner explicitly states a condition is “at least as likely as not” related to service
- DBQ shows functional loss consistent with a higher rating (e.g., unstable knee, reduced ROM)
- Mental health DBQ documents impairment in reliability, productivity, or social functioning
- For TDIU, the examiner notes the inability to sustain competitive employment
When Is a C&P Exam a “Bad Sign”?
A C&P exam may negatively impact the claim when:
- The examiner relies on an incorrect factual basis
- Symptoms are under-reported or mischaracterized
- Examiner fails to consider flare-ups, contrary to Sharp
- Examiner uses an incorrect legal standard (e.g., “not due to service” instead of “at least as likely as not”)
- The exam conflicts with credible medical or lay evidence
- The exam is extremely short or superficial
Red flags in exam reports:
- Statements like: “Veteran is not a reliable historian,” without explanation
- Failure to review the file or discuss prior treatment records
- Copy-paste sections that do not match the veteran’s circumstances
- Conclusions with no rationale (“No nexus because no nexus”)
CCK Law frequently finds that an appeal is necessary in cases where inadequate exams resulted in denial.
CCK Law explains 5 red flags in C&P exams that veterans should be aware of.
How Should a Veteran Prepare for a C&P Exam?
Preparation helps ensure exam accuracy. Veterans should never exaggerate or minimize symptoms. Accuracy and consistency are key. Learn more about what to expect at a VA C&P exam.
Checklist: What to Do Before the Exam
- Review symptoms and how they affect daily life and work
- Bring a list of medications and relevant medical history
- Prepare to describe flare-ups and functional limitations
- Bring mobility aids, braces, or devices normally used
- Be ready to explain the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms
What to Do During the Exam
- Be honest and thorough
- Do not downplay pain, limitations, or mental health symptoms
- Clarify when the exam does not capture flare-ups or typical bad days
- Ensure the examiner observes actual functional limitations
What to Do After the Exam
- Request a copy of the exam once available
- Review for factual errors
- Document discrepancies immediately
If an exam contains errors, veterans can submit lay statements or request correction through appeals.
CCK Law partners and advocates discuss “How Do I Know if My C&P Exam Went Well?” on YouTube.
Can a Veteran Request a New C&P Exam?
Yes. A veteran can challenge an exam that is inadequate or based on incorrect facts.
Common bases for requesting a new exam:
- The examiner failed to provide a rationale
- Range-of-motion testing is inconsistent with Correia requirements
- The examiner did not evaluate flare-ups under Sharp
- The exam overlooked key medical records
- The veteran was rushed, interrupted, or misquoted
On appeal, the Board often orders a new exam when an exam is legally inadequate.
How Do C&P Exams Affect Increased-Rating Claims?
C&P exams are critical in increased-rating claims because VA must assess current severity.
Exams typically review:
- Range of motion
- Pain and functional loss
- Frequency of symptoms
- Hospitalizations or exacerbations
- Impact on work (important for TDIU)
How Does a C&P Exam Affect TDIU?
A C&P exam alone cannot determine Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), but exam findings often help show functional limitations affecting employability.
CAVC has held that school attendance does not prove employability and that veterans may be able to study but not maintain competitive work due to stress, productivity demands, or deadlines (Gleicher v. Derwinski, Moore v. Derwinski, and related cases).
Exams addressing work limitations are especially important when combined with vocational evidence.
What if VA Denies a Claim After a C&P Exam?
A denial after a C&P exam does not end the case. Veterans have multiple options:
- Supplemental Claim
Submit new and relevant evidence, including:
- Private medical opinions
- Lay statements
- Updated medical records
- Independent DBQs
- Higher-Level Review
A more senior adjudicator reviews the claim for errors.
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Veterans can request:
- Evidence submission lane
- Hearing lane
- Direct review
CCK frequently represents veterans at this stage and challenges inadequate exams under precedents like Barr, Sharp, and Correia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a second C&P exam a good sign?
Not necessarily, but it doesn’t mean anything is wrong, either. VA often orders new exams to update severity, correct deficiencies, or comply with remand instructions.
What happens if I miss a C&P exam?
VA may deny the claim for failure to cooperate. Veterans should reschedule immediately if they cannot attend.
Are C&P examiners VA employees?
Sometimes. Many are contractors from companies such as LHI, VES, or QTC.
Can I record my C&P exam?
Policies vary by facility. Veterans should always ask in advance.
When Should a Veteran Contact a VA-Accredited Advocate or Attorney for Assistance?
Veterans should consider seeking VA-accredited representation when:
- An examiner provided a negative nexus opinion
- VA denied the claim after a questionable or inadequate exam
- Symptoms were misrepresented
- A rating seems too low
- The case is going before the Board or CAVC
CCK Law’s advocates challenge inadequate exams daily and have argued many precedential cases involving exam requirements and deficiencies.
Need Help After a C&P Exam?
A C&P exam can strongly affect claim or appeal outcomes. If VA relied on an inadequate exam or denied a claim despite strong evidence, CCK Law may be able to help. Veterans can request a free case evaluation to discuss next steps. Contact us online or at (800) 544-9144.
