If you’re a veteran pursuing disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the compensation and pension exam will be a critical component of your claim. This evaluation determines whether your condition is service-connected and its severity – which directly affects how much compensation you may receive and whether you qualify for VA health care benefits.
Knowing what to expect can ease your anxiety and prepare you to advocate for yourself throughout the process.
What Is the Purpose of a VA Claim Exam?
The VA claim exam is different from a typical doctor’s appointment. It won’t result in you receiving a prescription, referral, or diagnosis. Instead, the exam helps the VA verify your disability claim by:
- Linking your medical condition to your military service
- Assessing how your symptoms affect your daily life
- Establishing whether an existing disability rating should change due to worsening conditions or additional illnesses
- Providing documentation to support or deny your eligibility for monthly compensation or enrollment in VA health care
It’s crucial to note that you cannot schedule a C&P exam yourself. When you file an initial disability claim, request a rating increase, or reopen a previously denied claim, VA staff or a third-party VA contractor will send you a letter with your exam details.
Understanding the C&P Exam Process for Disability Benefits
Every VA claim exam is different depending on the condition involved. However, your provider may do one or more of the following during your visit:
- Perform a standard examination with or without physical contact
- Ask questions based on your medical records and service history using a standard form called the disability benefits questionnaires
- Recommend additional tests such as X-rays, bloodwork, or imaging, provided at no cost to you
Your exam may be entirely conversational if you’re filing for mental health concerns such as PTSD or anxiety. If you claim physical issues such as chronic pain, mobility problems, or hearing loss, you may undergo range-of-motion tests, audiograms, or other condition-specific evaluations.
The examiner will review your complete claims file in advance and may ask detailed follow-up questions. You should be honest, specific, and thorough about how your condition impacts your quality of life and ability to work.
What the Examiner Can and Can’t Do
Your C&P examiner is there to observe, evaluate, and document – not to advise or advocate. While you are welcome to ask questions about the exam, there are some limitations.
They can:
- Ask questions about your condition
- Conduct an exam and order additional tests if necessary
- Review your VA file and disability benefits questionnaire
They cannot:
- Provide treatment
- Approve or deny your claim on the spot
- Tell you what your rating will be
Stay calm, speak truthfully, and describe your condition on your worst days, not just how you feel at that moment.
Do You Need Help Preparing for Your VA Claim Exam?
At Warrior Vets, we proudly work with qualified health professionals who conduct respectful, thorough veterans disability exams. We understand how personal these evaluations are, and we make every effort to ensure veterans feel heard and valued.
Our mission is to help military veterans access the benefits they’ve earned, while providing rewarding career opportunities for nurse practitioners and other medical providers.
Professionals who join the Warrior Vets team benefit from:
- Flexible hours and travel opportunities that fit any lifestyle
- Competitive compensation
- Zero administrative burden
- A meaningful purpose in helping veterans get the compensation and care they deserve
We understand the VA disability claims process can feel overwhelming. Our team of dedicated professionals will ensure you receive the recognition, care, and compensation you’ve earned through your service. If you’re preparing for a VA claim exam or exploring your options, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about how we support veterans and the providers who care for them.