VA C&P Exam Lawyer

Compensation and Pension Exams Lawyer Helping Veterans Throughout The U.S.

When veterans apply for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), they may be required to undergo Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams. These exams are an essential part of the claims process, as they help determine the severity of a veteran's service-connected disabilities and their eligibility for benefits.

At The Vet Law Office, we can help veterans understand how to address the issues that may arise when filing claims for VA disability benefits. We can provide guidance on how to respond to the findings of C&P exams and appeal the denial of disability claims or the disability ratings determined by the VA. Attorney Edward Farmer has extensive experience representing veterans in these cases, and he has also gone through the VA disability process as a disabled veteran. He leverages his knowledge and experience to ensure that disabled veterans are treated fairly as they seek the benefits they need and deserve.

When Are C&P Exams Required?

C&P exams are typically required when a veteran submits a claim for disability benefits or when there is insufficient medical evidence to support their claim. The purpose of these exams is to provide an objective evaluation of the veteran's condition(s) by a qualified healthcare professional who has experience evaluating and treating patients with specific disabilities or conditions.

The VA will schedule C&P exams based on the disabilities claimed by the veteran. In some cases, multiple exams may be required to address different conditions. For example, if a veteran is seeking benefits for disabilities related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they may be required to undergo a mental health examination conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience evaluating PTSD cases.

What Happens During a C&P Exam?

A C&P exam consists of various components depending on the nature of the claimed disability. During this exam, veterans can expect:

• Medical history review: The examiner will review medical records related to the claimed conditions and ask questions about symptoms, treatment history, and how disabilities affect a person's daily life.
• Physical examination: If applicable, a veteran may undergo physical tests or examinations that assess range-of-motion limitations, muscle strength, reflexes, or other factors relevant to the claimed conditions.
• Mental health evaluation: For mental health conditions such as PTSD or depression, a veteran may discuss their experiences, symptoms, and any functional impairments caused by their condition.
• Diagnostic tests: In some cases, the examiner may order additional tests or diagnostic procedures to gather more information about a person's disabilities. These can include X-rays, blood tests, or specialized assessments.

The C&P exam is an opportunity for veterans to provide detailed information about their disabilities and how they impact their lives. It is crucial to be honest and thorough during the examination process to ensure an accurate evaluation of all relevant conditions.

How Do C&P Exams Affect Disability Ratings?

The findings from a C&P exam play a significant role in determining disability ratings assigned by the VA. Disability ratings are percentages that reflect the severity of a veteran's service-connected disabilities, and they are used to calculate the amount of compensation a veteran will receive through disability benefits.

The examiner will assess various factors such as medical evidence, test results, treatment records, and statements made during the exam when formulating their opinion on the severity of a disability. This opinion is then used by VA rating personnel who will assign disability ratings based on established criteria outlined in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).

If a veteran disagrees with their assigned disability rating following a C&P exam, they have options for disputing it:

• Higher-Level Review: A review of an evaluation and disability rating may be requested. In these cases, a reviewer may look at whether there were errors during a C&P exam or differences of opinion that led to an incorrect rating or the denial of a claim.
• Supplemental claim: A veteran may submit new, relevant evidence that may play a role in determining their disability rating or whether their claim will be approved.
• Board of Veterans' Appeals: A veteran can request a review of their case by a Veterans Law Judge, and they may present arguments and evidence to support their case.
• Appeals to higher courts: If the Board of Veterans' Appeals denies a claim, veterans have the option to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims or even federal circuit courts.

Disputing disability ratings or the results of C&P exams can be a complex process. Seeking assistance from an experienced VA disability attorney can greatly improve their chances of success during appeals.

Contact Our Experienced VA C&P Exam Lawyer

If you are a veteran who is seeking disability benefits, and you have questions about C&P exams, disability ratings, or appealing denied claims or unfavorable decisions by the VA, the team at The Vet Law Office is here to help. We focus on assisting veterans throughout the United States, and we provide comprehensive legal representation throughout the claims process.

We understand how crucial these benefits are for your well-being and livelihood. Our dedicated attorney will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your service-connected disabilities. Contact us today at 1-800-700-4174 to schedule a complimentary consultation.