{"id":7248,"date":"2020-04-29T17:51:13","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T21:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinklaw.com\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-your-compensation-and-pension-exam\/"},"modified":"2024-05-08T00:01:15","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T04:01:15","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-your-compensation-and-pension-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sinklaw.com\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-your-compensation-and-pension-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Prepare For Your C&P Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"

The VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is sometimes referred to as your VA claim exam<\/a>. Not everyone who files for VA disability has to attend an exam\u2026but VA can<\/em><\/strong> request the exam to assess your disability and needs.<\/p>\n

Sometimes you may be required to attend a C&P exam on a regular basis, say once every two<\/em> to five<\/em> years to see if your service connected disability has improved or worsened. If you have a claim or appeal pending in which you are seeking to establish that your disability is service connected, your examiner may assess if your condition is related to your military service. After your examination is completed, it will be uploaded to your VA claim file for a VA adjudicator to review.<\/p>\n

You must get ready for a C&P exam to get all the compensation you DESERVE for serving our country. At George Sink Injury Lawyers, someone from our experienced team can help veterans like you build a strong appeal, prepare for the exam, and assist with other evidence development.<\/p>\n

What Should I Bring to My Exam?<\/h2>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

If you have any service records or private medical records for the condition that is being examined, and which have not yet been provided to the VA, you may want to bring them to the examination with you. Keep in mind, however, that if you also want the VA to have these records as part of your file, they will also need to be separately submitted to the VA.<\/p>\n

If you have a log<\/em><\/strong> of symptoms and limitations it can sometimes be helpful to bring it with you for the examiner to review. Again, if you also want the VA to have your log as part of your file, it will also need to be separately submitted to the VA.<\/p>\n

Service Connection<\/h3>\n

Sometimes the C&P exam will show the link between your disability and your military service. This is important for establishing your eligibility for VA disability benefits<\/a>. If you have copies of your service records, you MIGHT want to bring them with you so your examiner can match the time of your injury with your service.<\/p>\n

Disability Rating<\/h3>\n

A VA Examination will report on the severity of your condition so that the VA decision maker can match your disability with the appropriate VA disability ratings<\/a>. For this reason, it is important to explain to the examiner how your symptoms affect your ability to function, both at home, with family and friends, and at work.<\/p>\n

How to Prepare for the Exam<\/h2>\n

If you have kids, you may want to get a babysitter so they\u2019re not at the exam: The C&P exam can delve into private, VERY personal questions, so you may not feel comfortable explaining the severity of your condition with children into the room.You might want to bring your spouse or someone else close to you but keep in mind that the VA examiner might not let anyone in the room with you.<\/p>\n

What to Wear<\/h3>\n

If you are being examined for a physical condition, wear comfortable clothing that lets you move around easily. If you are being examined for a mental health condition, you can wear the same clothes you would wear any other day.<\/p>\n

At Your ExamHere are tips on how to interact with the doctor:<\/p>\n