10 Tips to Help You Keep the VA C and P Exam in Perspective
The Gist:
- The C&P exam is an evidence‑gathering step — not your one shot to argue the whole claim.
- Answer what’s asked, keep it short, and let the examiner rely on the record.
- Know what’s “at issue” (nexus or rating) and focus on symptoms/functional loss.
- Be courteous, take notes, and request a copy of the exam afterward.
Reprinted with permission from Veterans Law Blog. We’ve added a short 2025 context note below. The article content that follows remains unchanged from the original.
A C&P exam is a medical examination of a veteran’s disability, performed by a VA healthcare provider, or a VA‑contracted provider. VA uses C&P exams to gather more evidence before issuing a decision and assigning a rating. Most commonly, C&P exams are used to (1) confirm or deny service connection and/or (2) establish the severity of a disability. Before the exam, the examiner reviews your claims file. Exams typically last 15–20 minutes but can vary.
Source: CCKLaw.com
What is that Perspective?
Honestly, it comes down to recognizing that the purpose of the VA C&P Exam is not to convince the doctor that your injury is service‑connected, but to let them conduct their exam and draw their conclusion. Ultimately, your current disability is or is not related to military service. Regardless of what the doctor says or what the VA Rater says, the limitations or symptoms are either related or not to your time in service.” — Chris Attig, Veterans Law Blog
A doctor’s opinion can’t change what is or is not. It’s just another piece in the puzzle of proof. And the C&P Exam is just another piece of that puzzle. It is not the only piece — but if we view it as such, we often make our claims harder than they should be and certainly more stressful.
Reprinted here with permission from Veterans Law Blog
1) Every C&P Exam has 2 Goals ▶
The first goal is to have the doctor confirm that your injury, disability, or limitations are related to your military service — to prove the Nexus Pillar — and/or to establish the degree you are disabled — the Impairment Pillar.
The second goal is to draw out the “evidentiary gap” in your claim through a C&P exam…
2) Answer only the questions the examiner asks ▶
Keep answers concise and on‑point… follow Tip #3.
3) Keep it Simple and Basic ▶
Limit what you say to symptoms/limitations or a brief nexus statement…
4) Be polite and understand the examiner’s constraints ▶
Smile, be courteous, and take good notes. If the opinion is adverse, there are ways to address it, including independent medical opinions or DBQs.
5) Don’t act like a “Professional Claimant” ▶
- Speak plainly; avoid legal jargon.
- Describe symptoms and limitations.
- Have a one‑sentence nexus summary if asked.
6) Don’t argue ▶
The examiner’s report is an opinion with sway, but it’s not the final word. Keep advocacy for written submissions; keep the exam focused on symptoms, limitations, and nudging the examiner back to your records.
7) Know what is “at issue” ▶
Most exams center on nexus or the impairment rating. Review criteria in 38 CFR Part 4 before the exam.
8) If you talk about your condition, paint a picture ▶
Describe how symptoms affect daily life and work with concrete examples; avoid embellishment.
9) Get the examiner’s name and your report ▶
Note the examiner’s name and request the report. If adverse, you may challenge credentials or methodology. Here’s how to request your report via FOIA: get a copy of the C&P exam.
10) After the exam — write down your notes ▶
Capture what was tested, measured, discussed, time in/out, and anything unusual while it’s fresh.
2025 C&P Exam Notes
- Contractor exams are common: OptumServe/LHI, QTC, VES. Watch for scheduling outreach and confirm quickly.
- Telehealth used in some cases: Prepare a quiet space, charged device, webcam, and reliable internet.
- Focus on what’s “at issue”: For rating reviews, describe functional loss; for nexus, give a one‑sentence summary and defer to the file.
- Request your exam copy: Via VA health record portal or FOIA.
- Bring/know your meds & devices: Prescriptions, CPAP, braces, key treatment dates.
Helpful links: VA.gov – VA claim exam | 38 CFR Part 4
More from HadIt.com: VA Claims Process | How to Write a VA Personal Statement | How to Write a Buddy Letter | VA C&P Exam – Do’s & Don’ts
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