What is a C&P Exam and How Should Veterans Prepare?

If you have filed a claim for VA disability benefits, you may be asked to attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination. This exam can play an important role in determining whether your condition is connected to military service and how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates your disability.

Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can help you accurately communicate your symptoms and the impact of your condition on daily life.

What Is a C&P Exam?

A C&P exam is a medical examination used to help the VA evaluate a disability benefits claim. It may be conducted by a VA clinician or a third-party, private medical provider contracted by the VA.  

The examiner evaluates relevant medical history, symptoms, and clinical findings and may provide a medical opinion addressing whether a condition is related to military service or another service-connected disability. The resulting report becomes part of the veteran's claims file.

Importantly, the examiner does not make the final decision on your claim. A VA adjudicator considers the examination report alongside the other evidence before deciding whether benefits should be granted.

Why Does the VA Order C&P Exams?

The VA may order an examination when additional medical evidence is needed to decide a claim. Depending on the circumstances, a C&P exam may help determine:

• Service connection: Whether a current disability is related to military service.

• Disability rating: How severe a service-connected condition is.

• Secondary service connection: Whether another condition was caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

Not every claim requires an examination. Whether one is necessary depends on the evidence and the applicable legal requirements, including the VA's duty to assist. The VA makes the decision if an examination is necessary or not for a claim.

What Happens During a C&P Exam?

The examination depends on the condition being evaluated. It may involve a medical interview, physical testing, diagnostic procedures, or a review of existing records.

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