Claims help · C&P exams
Your C&P Exam Questions, Answered
Quad Cities veterans may be sent to the Iowa City VA Medical Center, the Quad Cities VA Clinic in Davenport, or a contract examiner’s office. Wherever yours is, these are the questions that come up most, answered plainly.
- Who examines you
- What gets measured
- What to say
- What if it goes badly
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Who Will Examine Me, and What Are They Doing?
Either a VA clinician or an examiner working for a VA contractor. They go through your file, ask about your history and symptoms, and may take measurements or order tests. For most conditions they fill out a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) that tracks the rating criteria point by point. Some exams, mental health in particular, may happen by video.
What Should I Actually Say?
Be honest and specific. Describe your worst days, how often flare-ups come and how long they last, and what the condition does to your job, your sleep and your family life. If a test causes pain, stop and tell the examiner. If something important doesn’t come up, raise it. Bringing a one-page summary of your symptoms keeps you focused. Our rating guides explain what the examiner is checking for.
What If I Can’t Make It, or It Goes Badly?
Can’t attend? Call and reschedule right away. If you miss an exam without good cause, the VA can rate the claim on what’s already in the file, and an increase claim can be denied outright.
Exam went poorly? Ask the VA for a copy of the report. Mistakes in it can support a Higher-Level Review, and a private medical opinion can go in with a Supplemental Claim.
C&P Exam Questions, Answered: Common Questions
What should I bring to the exam?
A photo ID, the exam notice, your list of medications, a brief symptom summary, and any recent private records the VA may not have yet.
Does the examiner choose my rating?
No. The examiner documents the medical findings. A VA rater sets the percentage after reviewing the report along with everything else in your file.
Is rescheduling allowed?
Yes. Reach out to whoever scheduled the exam as early as you can. A rescheduled exam is far better than a missed one.
Can I read the examiner’s report?
Yes. Ask the VA for a copy so you can check it for errors or missing information.
Illinois Veterans: Get the Rating You Earned
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