So, you logged into your VA.gov account to check the status of your VA claim and you see a statement that says, “we closed the notice for exam request” or “exam request processing no longer needed.”
What the heck does that mean?
First, you do not need to do anything if you see this message (they are internal notes between VBA employees and private contracted C&P exam companies).
Second, do not panic; it simply means your VA claim is moving toward completion.
Okay, let’s dig a bit deeper into these VBA notes about the status of your VA claim.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The phrases “we closed the notice for exam request” or “exam request processing no longer needed” are internal VA notes indicating the status of a veteran’s C&P exam request.
- The VA may have completed, canceled, or determined no further need for a C&P exam based on existing evidence. These messages typically mean the claim is progressing and do not require any action from the veteran.
- If the VA requires additional information, they will directly contact the veteran or their accredited representative. The veteran can also call 1-800-827-1000 and speak to a VA representative.
What Does “We Closed the Notice for Exam Request” Mean for My VA Claim?
The phrase “We closed the notice for exam request” is an internal note used by the Veterans Service Representative (VSR) in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to communicate with the VA Rater (RVSR).
These notes usually indicate one of three things:
- The VSR initiated a request for a new Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, and you may be contacted to schedule it.
- The VSR canceled a previously requested C&P exam, possibly because it was completed or deemed unnecessary.
- The VSR reviewed the completed C&P exam results and determined no further exams or information are required, so the request is closed and the claim moves forward.
You do not need to do anything if you see these types of requests – they are internal communications between VBA employees.
If the VA needs something from you, they will let you know by sending you a letter in the mail and/or communicating with your accredited representative.
What Does “VA Exam Request Processing No Longer Needed” Mean for My VA Disability Claim?
The message “VA exam request processing no longer needed” typically means that the Veterans Service Representative (VSR) has determined that no additional C&P exam is required for your VA disability claim.
This could be due to one of the following reasons:
- The required information has already been obtained from a previous exam.
- The existing medical evidence is sufficient for the claim’s evaluation.
- The claim has been processed and is ready for review or a decision without further examination.
Again, if you see these types of internal requests, there’s no action required from you.
They are communications between VBA employees.
The VA will inform you if they need anything from you by sending a letter or contacting your accredited representative.
What is the Meaning of VA C&P Exam No Longer Needed?
The phrase “VA C&P exam no longer needed” indicates that the VA has determined that a C&P exam is no longer required for the veteran’s disability claim.
This decision might be based on the availability of sufficient existing medical evidence or the completion of any necessary exams.
For example, you might have already had a C&P exam for the condition in question, so the VSR will indicate in the notes that an exam is no longer needed.
Essentially, it means that the VA has enough information to move forward with processing the claim, and the veteran does not need to undergo any additional exams for that specific claim.
What Happens After VA Exam Request No Longer Needed?
After the “VA exam request processing no longer needed” status appears, the typical next steps include:
- VA Claim Review: The VSR reviews all the gathered evidence, including any completed C&P exam results to ensure your claim is ready for an RVSR.
- Analysis and Decision: The RVSR evaluates the evidence of record to make a decision on your claim.
- Veteran Notification: The veteran will receive a notification of the decision by mail, detailing the outcome and any awarded benefits. You’ll see a change in your VA.gov account as soon as a final claim decision is made. However, you won’t know the why until your VA decision letter is sent via mail.
- Potential Further Steps: If additional information or clarification is needed, the VA may reach out for further evidence or schedule another C&P exam. Be ready for anything!
Internal VBA Claims Processing Notes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “We closed the notice for exam request” mean for my VA claim?
This phrase indicates that the VSR has updated the status of your C&P exam request. It could mean they initiated, canceled, or completed a request, and no further exams are needed.
Do I need to do anything if I see this message?
No, these are internal notes between VA employees and do not require any action from you. If the VA needs something from you, they will contact you directly.
What if I see “VA exam request processing no longer needed?”
This usually means the VSR has determined that no additional C&P exam is required for your claim. The claim may proceed based on existing information.
Will these updates delay my claim?
These updates are part of the normal VA claim process and generally do not cause delays. They help the VA track the progress of your claim through the system.
How will I know if there’s an issue with my VA claim?
If there are any issues or additional information needed, the VA will notify you by mail or through your accredited representative.
Who can I contact if I have concerns or questions?
You can reach out to your accredited representative or the VA directly for clarification or assistance regarding your claim’s status. You can also call 1-800-827-1000 and speak to a VA representative about your claim.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
