top of page
Logo_ White.png
Search

Veterans who provide enough medical evidence to the VA can be exempt from a C&P exam. Here's how

A C&P exam (compensation and pension exam) is also known as the VA Claim Exam. Basically,  it’s a medical evaluation of a veteran’s disability in order to accurately assess their conditions before assigning a rating. Not every single veteran has to do this for their claim process, but it's pretty common. C&P exams occur after claims have been filed, administered by a VA healthcare examiner in-person.


But if you provide enough compelling medical evidence to the VA with your claim, you might not have to do a C&P exam at all. Here's what veterans need to know.


How veterans can get a rating with only medical documentation

As stated in the VA's 38 CFR 3.326, it's possible that medical evidence can be adequate enough for rating purposes, making it a fully developed claim. This means the VA can form a rating without an examination or providing a medical opinion. As the VA puts it, "an examination or medical opinion is necessary only if the evidence of record does not contain sufficient medical evidence to make a decision on the claim." So, the best thing a veteran can do is compile enough convincing evidence to document their condition – the history, and also the present symptoms.


There are several different types of documentation that can be included in a claim:


  • Competent evidence (treatment visits, chiropractic care, etc)

  • Personal statements (a veteran's first-person account of the condition)

  • Lay evidence (statements or testimonies from others who know the veteran)


Three elements that need to be met before a veteran can request a medical opinion or evaluation from the VA

Before you submit a VA disability benefits claim, you have to make sure you meet the three following elements:



**This is NOT a nexus letter! A "medical nexus" simply means a medical connection. With a clear medical connection with your service to the condition, a nexus letter is not needed. To learn more about each element in depth and how to make sure you've satisfied them, read this blog on requesting medical opinions from the VA.


Choosing a private medical evidence provider

When choosing a private medical evidence provider, veterans must make sure they're working with an appropriate source to make sure the claim gets approved. Some conditions have extra requirements – for example, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) require initial diagnosis by physiatrists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, or neurologists. You can read more about other 


We can help with compelling medical documentation

Get the right documentation for a claim that delivers the best results. Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – we help veterans get what they need to be prepared for filing a winning VA disability benefits claim. Sign up for a chart review, and view other services here. Instead of going it alone, work with one of our professional medical experts to get exactly what you need.



 
 
 
bottom of page