VA needs more information.
Not every disability claim requires an exam. VA may request one when it needs additional medical information to decide the claim.
THE VETERAN FILE GUIDE
VA C&P exam? Know what to expect before you walk in.
A Compensation & Pension exam is not a normal doctor's appointment. Here's what the exam is for, how to prepare, what may happen during it, and what comes next.
Don't miss a scheduled exam.If you can't attend, contact VA or the contractor that scheduled the exam as soon as possible. Missing an exam can affect how VA decides your claim.
C&P EXAM 101
What is a C&P exam?
VA calls it a claim exam. You may also hear “Compensation & Pension exam” or simply “C&P.”
An evidence-gathering exam.
The provider may examine you, ask questions based on your records and a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), or request additional testing.
It isn't treatment.
The examiner isn't there to treat the condition, prescribe medication, or provide referrals. Their job in the C&P exam is to gather information for the claim.
BEFORE THE EXAM
Prepare to explain your condition clearly.
You don't need a performance. You need an accurate picture of what your condition is actually like.
Know what conditions are being examined.
Review the appointment information so you know which claimed conditions the exam is addressing.
Think about symptoms and functional impact.
Be ready to describe what happens, how often it happens, how severe it is, and how it affects work and ordinary daily activities.
Be accurate about good days and bad days.
Describe your normal disability picture honestly. Don't exaggerate symptoms, but don't minimize them because you happen to feel better on exam day.
Review the important history.
Know the relevant history of the condition, including onset, treatment, medications, procedures, and significant changes.
Confirm the appointment details.
Check the date, time, location or telehealth instructions, and which VA contractor or facility is conducting the exam.
DURING THE EXAM
This may feel different from a normal medical appointment.
The exam is focused on collecting the information VA requested. Some exams may be brief while others can take an hour or longer.
Plain English
A short exam does not automatically mean a bad exam. The provider may also spend time outside the appointment reviewing your records and completing the requested report.
Questions
The examiner may ask about your medical history, symptoms, onset, treatment, and how the condition affects you. Questions may track the DBQ for the condition being examined.
Physical examination
Depending on the claimed condition, the provider may perform a physical exam. Some exams may involve physical contact; others may not.
Additional testing
The examiner may request tests such as imaging or blood work when needed. Required claim-exam testing is provided at no cost to you.
The examiner can't give you the decision.
You can ask questions about what is happening during the exam, but the examiner can't decide your claim or tell you what disability rating VA will assign.
DBQs
Why does the exam feel like a checklist?
The examiner may use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire to document information VA needs about a specific condition.
Different conditions have different DBQs.
The information needed for a musculoskeletal condition can be very different from what VA needs for migraines, hearing conditions, or mental health.
Explain what your symptoms actually do.
When asked about functional impact, give accurate real-world information about how the condition affects ordinary activities and work.
Your own provider may complete a DBQ.
VA allows Veterans to have their own health care provider complete certain DBQs. VA does not reimburse the cost of having a private provider complete one.
COMMON QUESTIONS
A few things Veterans often wonder about.
Does every claim get a C&P exam?
No. VA requests an exam when it needs more information to decide the claim. In some cases, VA can use the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process and review existing medical evidence instead.
Can I bring a family member or caregiver?
You can discuss this with the provider. The provider may ask a family member or caregiver to remain outside the exam room. For sensitive physical exams, you can ask for a medical assistant or chaperone who works with the provider.
Can I request a male or female examiner?
VA says you can request a male or female provider for certain reproductive health, breast, rectal, or mental health exams, and for claims related to a mental or physical health condition resulting from military sexual trauma.
What if I can't make the appointment?
Don't simply skip it. Contact the scheduling facility or contractor as soon as possible and follow the instructions for rescheduling.
AFTER THE EXAM
The examiner sends a report to VA.
The C&P exam is one piece of the claim. VA reviews the exam report together with the other evidence in your file before making a decision.
VA reviews the whole file.
VA may consider medical records, the C&P report, test results, statements from you or others, and relevant military medical and personnel records.
The examiner doesn't hand you your results.
VA says you can't get the final report directly from the examiner at the appointment. You can request a copy of the final exam report using VA Form 20-10206.
Then the claim continues.
VA uses the evidence to continue processing the claim and eventually issues a decision letter.
QUICK REMINDERS
What to remember on exam day.
Be honest and specific.
Describe the condition as it actually affects you. Don't exaggerate it and don't minimize it.
↓
Answer the question being asked.
Give useful details about symptoms, frequency, severity, history, and functional impact when relevant.
↓
Remember what the exam is for.
The examiner gathers medical information. VA makes the benefits decision after reviewing the evidence.
Educational information only.
This guide explains the VA claim-exam process. It does not tell you what symptoms to report or how to obtain a particular disability rating. Your answers should accurately reflect your own condition and experience.
Find VA-accredited help ↗
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Verify directly with VA.
Last reviewed against VA guidance: August 14, 2026.