Our firm focuses on three areas of law: Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Veterans Disability. In all three areas, medical evidence is very important to the outcome of the case.
In Social Security, medical evidence can help determine if a person is disabled. In a Personal Injury claim, medical evidence can help determine liability. And medical records for a VA Disability claim are also very important. However, one specific piece of medical evidence is unique to Veterans Disability, and that’s the Compensation and Pension Exam or C&P Exams.
A Compensation and Pension Exam or, also known as a C&P Exam, is a medical examination that the Veterans Administration schedules for you it is simple to understand as VA disability exams.
Most C&P exams are performed by doctors at the VA. However, sometimes these exams are outsourced to third-party medical facilities.
The purpose of a C&P exams is to evaluate conditions claimed by a Veterans on his or her disability application. It’s different from a traditional exam because only specific conditions will be evaluated.
It’s important to note that the doctor you see for your C&P Exam(s) may not be a doctor you’ve seen before. Sometimes the VA uses specialists to evaluate conditions. For instance, if you filed a claim for PTSD, the VA may schedule VA disability exams with a mental health specialist.
One of the most important things to remember about a C&P Exams is that they’re mandatory. If you fail to attend a C&P Exams, the VA will likely deny your claim.
However, if you can’t make it to an exam and let the VA know in advance, they can often reschedule you for a better time.
Being honest at a C&P Exam is important.
It’s also important to be as honest as possible when attending the exam. Though you may not be accustomed to the doctor performing the exam, it’s important to be honest.
Veterans tend to hold back in doctor’s appointments. A C&P Exam is one of the last steps before you receive a decision.
If you don’t explain your condition(s) in detail, the doctor may not agree with the severity of your condition. This can result in a percentage that is lower than you deserve.
Some Veterans wonder what can happen if they receive a poor evaluation at a C&P Exam. It’s not the end of the world.
If a poor evaluation occurs, your claim may be denied. However, this can be appealed and additional evidence can still be submitted. The most powerful tool you can use to negate a bad c&p exam is additional medical evidence.
Our firm has established relationships with a network of doctors that can provide secondary opinions that may help prove your disability.
We understand how frustrating that can be. However, all of these exams are important. Unfortunately, the VA probably won’t schedule all of the exams on the same day.
One thing to remember is that, if you’re unable to make it to a C&P exam, there are several Veteran organizations that provide services to take you to these exams.
You may have a C&P exam and not be present. Sometimes the VA performs chart reviews. A chart review essentially means that the doctor reviews your medical records. This occurs without a physical examination. While it may seem like a chart review won’t prove much, they can be beneficial.
These exams can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you haven’t attended one before. It helps to have guidance from individuals who know how the process works.
That’s why so many Veterans turn to us for help with their claims. If you’d like to know more about the services we provide, call our veterans benefits attorney today for a free consultation. Our number is 1-877-526-3457. If you can’t talk now, fill out this form so we can call you at a better time.
