Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
If the VA has scheduled you for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, you may be wondering what it means for your VA disability claim.
Is a C&P exam a good sign—or a red flag?
The truth is, the exam itself isn’t good or bad. It’s a critical step the VA uses to confirm your diagnosis, determine service connection, and decide your disability rating.
In this guide, we’ll answer the top questions veterans ask about C&P exams so you know exactly what to expect.
-
Looking for Exam Tips? See our post 10 Expert Tips to Dominate Your C&P Exam!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- C&P exams allow the VA to confirm your current diagnosis, determine its connection to your service, and measure how severe your symptoms are.
- The VA may schedule an additional C&P exam if they need updated information, clarification on previous findings, or more evidence to decide your claim.
- If the VA doesn’t schedule you a C&P exam, it usually means they already have enough medical evidence in your records to decide your claim.
What is a C&P Exam?
A C&P exam is a medical evaluation scheduled by a VA provider or a VA-approved contract examiner.
The exam is designed to determine:
- Whether you have the condition you claimed, and whether it’s accurately diagnosed.
- If the condition is connected to your military service, another service-connected disability, or is presumptive.
- How severe your symptoms are (their frequency, intensity, and duration) and how they affect your daily life, work, and social activities.
The results of your C&P exam play a significant role in deciding your VA disability rating, which directly impacts your monthly compensation.
Whether your claim is approved, denied, or your disability rating is adjusted, the outcome often depends on what the C&P exam reveals.
Is a C&P Exam a Good Sign?
A C&P exam isn’t automatically a good or bad sign.
It means the VA needs more information to decide about your claim. The exam helps confirm your condition, its connection to service, and how severe it is.
Whether your claim is approved, denied, or if your rating is adjusted will depend on the results, not just the fact that you had an exam.
However, if the VA schedules a C&P exam, it’s crucial to attend; otherwise, they’ll decide your claim using only the evidence on file.
Is No C&P Exam a Good Sign?
Not necessarily. The VA only schedules a C&P exam if they need more information to make a decision about your claim.
If your file already has enough medical evidence, the VA uses the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process.
That means they review your records and may ask you to submit additional evidence (i.e., doctor reports and test results) instead of requiring an exam. While this can be good news—because it suggests your evidence is strong—it doesn’t automatically mean your claim will be approved. The VA could still deny a claim if they determine your evidence doesn’t meet the requirements.
What if the VA Schedules Multiple C&P Exams?
It’s not uncommon for veterans to have more than one C&P exam. In fact, the VA may schedule a second or even third exam if:
- You filed claims for multiple conditions that require separate evaluations
- The VA needs updated medical evidence to confirm the severity of your condition
- Previous exams were unclear, incomplete, or didn’t fully answer the VA’s questions
- You requested a decision review or appeal, which sometimes triggers another exam
A second exam isn’t automatically good or bad—it just means the VA needs more information. Similarly, a third exam usually indicates the VA is being thorough and wants to ensure your claim is fully supported before making a decision.
For a detailed breakdown, see our related guides:
What Does VA C&P Exam No Longer Needed Mean?
The term “VA C&P exam no longer needed” means the VA has decided that no additional C&P exam is required for your disability claim.
This typically occurs when sufficient medical evidence is already on file or when all necessary exams have been completed.
For instance, if you’ve already had a C&P exam for the condition, the Veterans Service Representative (VSR) will note that no further exam is needed.
In short, it indicates the VA has the information needed to move your claim forward, and you don’t have to attend any more exams for that specific claim.
Learn More: We Closed the Notice for Exam Request Meaning
How Long After a C&P Exam Will I Get a Decision?
The time it takes to receive a decision after your C&P exam depends on your individual case.
For example, some claims can take longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the VA’s current backlog.
While waiting can be frustrating, you can track your claim status through VA.gov.
Note: As of August 2025, it takes the VA an average of 94.8 days to make a decision on a disability-related claim.
Conclusion
A VA C&P exam is one of the most important steps in the disability claims process, but it’s not automatically good or bad news. It simply gives the VA the medical evidence it needs to decide your claim, establish service connection, and determine your VA disability rating.
Whether you’re scheduled for your first exam or called back for additional exams, the key is preparation: know your symptoms, document your history, and be honest with your examiner.
For more, check out our related resources:
10 Expert Tips to Dominate Your C&P Exam
How Much Weight Does a C&P Exam Have
Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference in winning the VA rating and benefits you’ve earned.
Want Expert-Level Support for Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you through the claims process.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Is a C&P exam always required?
No. The VA only orders a C&P exam if more medical evidence is needed to decide your claim. If your file already has enough documentation, they may use the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process instead.
Is a C&P exam a good sign?
It’s neither good nor bad on its own. A C&P exam simply means the VA needs additional information about your diagnosis, its connection to your service, or the severity of your symptoms.
Can I refuse or skip a C&P exam?
You can, but it almost always hurts your claim. If you miss the exam, the VA will decide your case based only on the records on file.
Why would the VA schedule multiple C&P exams?
You may need more than one exam if you file claims for multiple conditions, if the VA needs updated evidence, or if you’ve requested a review or appeal.
What does “C&P exam no longer needed” mean?
This means the VA has enough evidence in your record and doesn’t need further exams to decide your claim.
How long after a C&P exam will I get a decision?
On average, about 95 days (in total to decide) as of 2025, though the exact timing depends on your case and the VA’s backlog.
Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
