How Much Weight Does a C&P Exam Have?

In this blog, we’ll break down the critical role of the C&P exam, how to tell if your exam went well, what could go wrong during the process, and how to access your C&P exam results.  

If you are a veteran navigating the VA disability claims process, you’ve likely encountered or heard about the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam.

While many veterans know the C&P exam is crucial, not everyone understands just how much weight this exam carries in determining the outcome of their claim.  

The results of your C&P exam are one of the most significant factors in the VA’s decision-making process. But what makes a successful C&P exam, and how can you ensure it helps rather than hinders your claim? 

Understanding how much weight a C&P exam has can make a huge difference in the outcome of your VA disability claim.

Key Takeaways

• An accurate and complete Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is the most important consideration when the VA determines a veteran’s disability rating.  

• Veterans won’t know for sure how thorough their C&P examination was until they see the results. 

• There are several tell-tale signs that indicate whether a C&P exam went well. 

• Two methods are available for veterans to view their exam results, including an expedited method. 

How Much Weight Does a C&P Exam Have?

Your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam holds significant weight with the VA; in fact, the exam results can literally make or break your VA disability claim. The C&P exam is the number one, most important event in the entire disability VA claims process.    

The VA reviewers (i.e., claim adjudicators) place significant importance on your exam results. Several factors come into play with your C&P exam submission, including:  

• The details of your condition-specific DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) 

• The C&P examiner’s findings, conclusions, and other notes 

• The healthcare provider’s medical opinion on your condition’s service connection 

How Do I Know if My C&P Exam Went Well?

Your C&P exam results will tell you just how effective your exam really is. Sometimes the examiner will show you the results or provide a verbal overview of the exam; this is a good sign that the exam went well. Other signs of a favorable outcome include: 

• You had an opportunity to see your claim and it appeared accurate and complete. 

• Your claim was completed by a C&P examiner who displayed a positive attitude toward you and your exam results.  

• The examiner asked the pertinent questions listed on the DBQ form about your condition. 

• A favorable medical opinion is provided by the examiner, including the phrase “at least as likely as not.” 

• The examiner asked if you have anything to add to your claim before it’s submitted. 

7 Scenarios of Ineffective C&P Exams

Not only can an “ineffective” C&P exam result in a denied claim, but it can also lead to getting a lower disability rating than you deserve. Here are seven scenarios that may indicate your exam will be ineffective toward your claim: 

Unqualified C&P Examiners

Complex medical conditions often require medical specialists, such as neurologists for traumatic brain injuries, mental health professionals for veterans with PTSD, etc. Examiners who lack the necessary expertise may be unable to provide the accurate reporting and assessment needed for an effective exam.  

Inaccurate Assessments

Often, the provider doesn’t understand the severity of symptoms, particularly those that come and go; they may not get an accurate understanding of how severe your symptoms are on your worst days.  

Rushed Evaluations

When an examiner doesn’t take the time required to gather the details needed to paint a clear picture of your symptoms, condition, or service connection, it can easily result in missed information and incomplete medical data.  

Evaluator Bias

Like anyone else, C&P evaluators can have biases surrounding certain situations; examples include conditions that could easily be dismissed as illusive, such as chronic pain or certain mental health symptoms.  

Private Medical Evidence Dismissal

When independent doctors provide medical evidence for a fee, some examiners may disregard or devalue their expertise. Despite VA guidelines requiring equal consideration of all competent evidence, when this bias occurs, it may negatively impact your claim. 

Lack of Evidence for Medical Opinion

Sometimes, the examiner gives a medical opinion while overlooking clear evidence, such as documented examples that show service connection. This lack of evidence can lead to a service connection denial, even with a definitive nexus. 

Providing Speculation (instead of a medical opinion)

Examiners who claim they cannot provide an opinion without “resorting to speculation” can delay or derail a claim. Speculation can happen when additional medical evidence is needed or if the examiner lacks the experience and knowledge required in condition-specific claims.  

Where Can I View My C&P Exam Results?

There are two main ways to view your C&P exam results. 

1. Federal agencies are required to release records to the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). You can obtain your C&P exam results by filing an FOIA request for your C-file. The C-file includes records the VA obtains on your behalf, such as your C&P exam. 

2. The fastest way to get your C&P exam results is to have an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) download a copy of your results from the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS). The VBMS is a web-based system, designed to help streamline the disability claims process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the C&P exam holds significant weight in determining the outcome of your VA disability claim. While a positive and thorough exam can propel your claim toward success, an ineffective or incomplete exam can lead to delays or denials. If you believe your C&P exam didn’t go well, it’s important to take immediate action to correct any issues. 

You can contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to discuss concerns about an inaccurate or incomplete exam. Additionally, documenting the issues in a Memorandum for Record (MFR) and requesting a new exam can help you resolve the problem. 

Don’t let a flawed C&P exam derail your claim. With the right knowledge and action, you can protect your rights and work toward the benefits you’ve earned. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?   

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims. 

Schedule your FREE 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.