One of the most challenging and stressful parts of getting your disability rating from the VA is going through the compensation and pension (C&P) exam. This exam forms the basis for the VA’s assessment of your disability. They’ll use the findings to determine how much you’re eligible to receive in benefits. While you’re free to appeal their decision and rating with help from an Ohio veterans disability attorney, there are things you can do to set yourself up for success in the initial C&P exam.
What Is the Compensation and Pension Exam?
The C&P exam is a medical exam performed by VA doctors that’s designed to give them a better understanding of your service-related conditions so they can assign an appropriate disability rating to your case. The appointment itself can last as little as 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of your disability and conditions.
This exam is mandatory if you’re trying to claim disability benefits. If you don’t attend the exam, the VA won’t be able to assign a disability rating and continue processing your claim.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Exam
Since this exam is important, it’s normal to feel nervous going into the appointment. Here are a few simple things you can do to help the exam go smoothly and to increase your chances of getting a fair disability rating.
Get Your Documentation Together
Before your appointment, gather your documentation. This may involve information like:
- Relevant medical records
- Your treatment history
- Letters, emails, and other communication about your condition
When in doubt, having more documentation on hand is typically better and can make your appointment go more smoothly.
Know Which Condition(s) You Have
Take some time to review any previous diagnoses you’ve received from other healthcare providers, whether they’re with the VA or not. It’s important that you understand which conditions you have that are related to your service before going to your C&P exam.
By understanding your diagnosis, you’ll be better able to communicate concerns to the physician during your exam. This may even help you get a better rating.
Speak With an Ohio Veterans Disability Attorney
It’s a good idea to speak with an Ohio veterans disability attorney before going to your C&P appointment, even if that’s right after you leave service. They’ll be able to review your claim and help you know what to expect from the process. If the initial rating you receive is too low for your actual condition, your attorney will be able to represent your interest and help you file an appeal with the VA.
Keep Track of Your Symptoms
Leading up to the exam, try to keep track of your symptoms and any complications you experience because of your condition. Consider tracking your symptoms in your smartphone or in a journal so you can easily share those symptoms with the VA physician.
Not sure what to track? Make a note of any complications you’re experiencing. These can be minor like watering eyes or sever like excruciating pain when you move a certain way. The more information you can provide with the doctor during the exam, the better.
Be Honest During the Exam
During the exam, be honest with the doctor. Try not to exaggerate your symptoms or your experiences. Answer their questions to the best of your ability and don’t be afraid to take your time to think about their questions. The more honest you are, the better your experience will likely be.
Let Veterans Law Attorneys Help
If you have a C&P exam scheduled, know that you don’t have to go through the VA disability claims process alone. Instead, you can and should work with an Ohio VA disability attorney from the very beginning. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
