Claims evidence
What is a VA C&P exam?
A VA compensation and pension exam, commonly called a C&P exam or VA claim exam, is an examination VA may request when it needs more information to decide a disability claim. VA uses the exam to help determine whether a disability is service connected and, when applicable, how severe it is for rating purposes.
Not every claim requires an exam
VA says it requests a claim exam only when more information is needed to decide the claim. If the existing medical evidence is sufficient, VA may use the Acceptable Clinical Evidence process instead of scheduling an in-person exam.
What the examiner is evaluating
The purpose depends on the claim. The examiner may review symptoms, functional impact, medical history, current findings, or questions relevant to service connection and rating criteria. The examiner does not make the final benefit decision; VA adjudicators decide the claim using the complete record.
What should I expect at a C&P exam?
A VA claim exam is not the same as a treatment visit. VA explains that the examiner may review your claim-file records, ask questions that can track the applicable Disability Benefits Questionnaire, perform a physical examination when appropriate, and request tests such as imaging or laboratory work.
The examiner does not decide the claim, set the final rating, or provide the benefit decision. VA adjudicators decide the claim using the full record.
How to prepare
Review the appointment notice, bring information VA or the examiner specifically requests, and be prepared to describe the condition accurately, including how symptoms affect ordinary activities and work when that is relevant. Do not exaggerate or minimize symptoms.
If important evidence is already in the record, make sure you can identify it. If new evidence needs to be submitted, use VA's approved evidence-submission process rather than assuming the examiner will add every document to the claim file.