A C&P exam (Compensation & Pension exam) is a medical evaluation the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs uses to collect evidence for your disability compensation or pension claim. It is one of the most important steps in your VA claim, and one of the most misunderstood.
This guide explains what happens during a C&P exam, how to prepare honestly and completely, and what to do afterward. Test what you know with our free C&P exam readiness quiz.
Key takeaways
- The examiner collects evidence; a VA rater makes the decision.
- Never skip the exam. If you can’t go, call to reschedule right away.
- Describe how often your symptoms happen, how bad they get, and what your worst days are like.
- You can request a copy of your exam report.
USA C&P Exam: Quick Facts
- Run by
- VA clinicians or VA-contracted exam vendors
- Purpose
- Medical evidence for disability compensation or pension claims
- Length
- 15 minutes to 1+ hour (initial mental-health exams can be longer)
- Cost to veteran
- $0
- Forms used
- Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
- Ratings
- 0%–100% in 10% steps
What Is a C&P Exam?
After you file a VA disability claim, VA may schedule a C&P exam to get the medical information it needs to decide the claim. The examiner may be a VA provider or work for a VA-contracted vendor. The examiner reviews your records, asks about your symptoms, may perform tests, and fills out condition-specific Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) that match the VA rating schedule.
The examiner does not decide your claim and doesn’t treat you. They record findings and may give a medical opinion, for example whether your condition is “at least as likely as not” connected to your service. A VA rater then decides using your whole file.
In some cases VA uses Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE), which means a clinician completes the DBQ from your existing records without an in-person exam.
More on What Is a C&P Exam →How to Prepare for Your C&P Exam
- Review your claim. Know exactly which conditions the exam covers. The appointment letter or VA.gov will tell you.
- Write a symptom list. Include how often symptoms happen, how bad they are, how long flare-ups last, and your worst days.
- Describe how it affects your life. Include missed work, trouble sleeping, and things you can no longer do at home or socially.
- Bring a medication list and any private medical records VA may not have.
- Consider a lay statement from a spouse or friend who sees your symptoms (VA Form 21-10210), submitted with your claim.
Important
Be honest and specific. Don’t minimize (“I’m fine”) and don’t exaggerate. Examiners are trained to spot both, and your credibility matters.
What Happens During a C&P Exam?
Most exams include an interview about your history and symptoms, then a physical or mental-health evaluation depending on the claim. For joint and back conditions, expect range-of-motion measurements. The examiner may ask about pain at the end of the motion and after repeated use. For hearing loss and tinnitus, expect an audiology test. For PTSD and other mental-health conditions, expect a detailed clinical interview.
| Claim type | What to expect | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal (back, knees) | Range of motion, flare-up questions, strength | 15–45 min |
| Hearing / tinnitus | Audiogram and speech recognition test | 30–60 min |
| PTSD / mental health (initial) | Structured clinical interview by a psychologist or psychiatrist | 1–3 hours |
| General medical | History, vitals, focused physical exam | 20–60 min |
Common C&P Exam Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the exam. Under 38 CFR 3.655, VA can decide on the existing record, which often leads to a denial. Reschedule instead.
- Describing only today. If your pain flares, explain what a flare-up looks like and how often it happens.
- Pushing through pain during range-of-motion tests. Stop where the pain starts and say so.
- Leaving out the impact. Ratings depend on how your condition affects work and daily life.
- Not reading the report. Request it so you can respond if it contains errors.
After Your C&P Exam: Results and Next Steps
The examiner sends the report to VA, usually within a few days to a few weeks. Your claim then moves to review and decision. Track progress on VA.gov. If the report has factual errors, you can submit a statement or evidence addressing them before VA decides.
If you disagree with the decision, the Appeals Modernization Act gives you three options: a Supplemental Claim (new evidence), a Higher-Level Review (a senior reviewer looks at the same evidence), or a Board Appeal. An accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help for free.
Many veterans also use their Medicare or VA preventive visits to keep their health records current. See our annual wellness exam guide. If you drive commercially, service-connected conditions can also matter at your DOT physical exam.
More on After Your C&P Exam: Results and Next Steps →Free practice test
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Go to the USA C&P Exam practice test →USA C&P Exam FAQs
How long does a C&P exam take?
Most C&P exams take 15 minutes to an hour. Initial PTSD and mental-health exams often take one to three hours.
Full answer →Does the C&P examiner decide my rating?
No. The examiner documents findings and may give a medical opinion, but a VA rating decision-maker assigns the rating using all the evidence.
Full answer →What happens if I miss my C&P exam?
VA may decide the claim on the evidence already in your file, which can lead to a denial. If you can’t attend, call the number on your appointment letter to reschedule. Good cause, such as illness, can be accepted.
Full answer →Can I bring someone to my C&P exam?
You can usually bring a spouse, friend or caregiver to the appointment. Whether they can stay in the exam room is up to the examiner.
Full answer →How do I get a copy of my C&P exam results?
You can request your C&P exam report from VA (for example, through VA.gov, by phone or with a Privacy Act request). VA-performed exams may also show up in your VA health records.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.