A VA claim exam — formally called a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam — helps VA determine two things: whether your disability is service-connected, and how severe it is. The severity determines your disability rating percentage, which drives your monthly compensation.
The exam is not a treatment visit. According to VA.gov: "The provider won't treat you for any illness or injury, give you referrals to other providers, or prescribe medicine. That's because the purpose of the exam is to gather information that will help us make a decision on your claim."
Not every claim requires an exam. VA uses an Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process — if your file already contains sufficient medical documentation, VA will review your records rather than schedule an in-person exam.
When You'll Be Scheduled for an Exam
VA will schedule an exam when it needs more information than your submitted records provide. Per VA.gov, you may need multiple exams if you:
- ▸Claim several conditions — different examiners handle different body systems
- ▸Need a follow-up “review exam” to assess whether a condition has changed
- ▸File a decision review (supplemental claim, higher-level review, or Board appeal) that requires updated medical evidence
You cannot initiate scheduling yourself — VA or a VA contractor will contact you by mail, phone, or email.
Scheduling — VA Contractors
VA uses four contracted exam providers. They will contact you by email or phone; if they cannot reach you, they mail the appointment details. VA assigns contractors based on your location and availability — you cannot request a specific one. If you receive an unexpected call about scheduling, you can verify your exam is legitimate by calling VA at 1-800-827-1000.
VA Exam Contractors (Source: VA.gov)
VA also sends advance notice via govDelivery email before contractors call. Provide a valid email address on your claim form or update it by calling 1-800-827-1000.
Rescheduling
Give at least 48 hours notice to reschedule. For contractor exams, you get one reschedule — the new appointment must be within 5 days of the original date. Call the number on your appointment letter or VA at 1-800-827-1000 for additional flexibility.
Location & Telehealth
Exams may be conducted by phone or video from home (telehealth) or in-person at a VA medical center or contractor location. VA schedules in-person exams within 50 miles of your home (100 miles for specialist exams — dental, eye, hearing, or mental health). VA asks your permission before scheduling beyond those distances.
Provider Preference
You can request a male or female provider when the exam involves reproductive health, breast, rectal, or mental health conditions, or for claims related to military sexual trauma. Make this request when confirming your appointment.
Travel Reimbursement
VA reimburses travel costs for exams at VA medical centers. Contractor exam travel is reimbursed within 14 days — contact the contractor if payment doesn't arrive. Active duty members and Veterans outside U.S. territories are not eligible.
What the Examiner Is Evaluating
The Two Questions Every Exam Answers
1. Is it service-connected?
Did the condition begin during service, was it caused by service, or was a pre-existing condition aggravated beyond its natural progression by service? The examiner provides a nexus opinion — a medical judgment on whether the condition is "at least as likely as not" related to service.
2. How severe is it?
The examiner documents the current severity of the condition against the criteria in 38 CFR Part 4 (the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities). The rating percentage is assigned based on which rating tier the documented symptoms match.
Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
According to VA.gov, providers ask questions "based on your medical records and Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)." DBQs are structured forms — one per condition or body system — that map directly to the rating criteria in 38 CFR Part 4. The examiner works through the DBQ for each claimed condition, documenting findings that correspond to the rating tiers.
Reviewing the DBQ for your specific condition before your exam is one of the most useful things you can do. It shows you exactly which findings the examiner will be documenting — range of motion measurements, specific symptoms, functional limitations — and lets you ensure your own account is complete.
Browse DBQs by condition →The Examiner Reviews Your Records
The provider reviews your claim file — including your service treatment records, VA medical records, and any private medical evidence you submitted — before and during the exam. Per VA.gov, after the exam the VA "will review all the evidence in your file, including the exam report from the provider" before issuing a rating decision. The examiner's report does not determine your rating alone; the VA rating specialist weighs it alongside all other evidence.
Additional Tests
The provider may order additional tests — X-rays, blood work, or other diagnostic studies — at no cost to you. These are scheduled separately and feed into the examiner's findings.
How to Prepare (Per VA.gov)
Submit new medical records before your appointment
VA.gov states: "If you have any new non-VA medical records (like records from a recent surgery or illness), be sure to submit them before your appointment." Submit through your VA.gov claim status tool, an accredited VSO or representative, or by mail to your nearest VA regional office.
Arrive 15 minutes early
VA.gov is explicit: "Plan to arrive at your appointment 15 minutes early. If you're late, your provider may cancel your exam." A cancelled exam delays your claim.
Wear comfortable clothing
VA.gov advises wearing "comfortable clothing that allows for free movement." Many exams include a physical component — range of motion testing, orthopedic assessments, or other evaluations that require movement.
Review the DBQ for your condition
DBQs are the structured forms the examiner uses. Reviewing the relevant DBQ lets you see exactly which symptoms, measurements, and functional limitations the examiner will document. The VA publishes all public DBQs — see our DBQ Reference for links to each form.
Confirm your appointment
Call the number on your appointment letter to confirm. You can also request provider preference (male/female), transportation assistance, or accommodations at this time.
What Happens During the Exam
Per VA.gov, the exam may take 15 minutes or more than an hour, depending on the conditions you've claimed and how much information VA needs. The provider may:
- ▸Conduct a basic physical exam — with or without physical contact, depending on the condition
- ▸Ask questions based on your medical records and Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
- ▸Order tests like X-rays or blood work at no cost to you
Bringing someone with you
You may bring a caregiver or family member. VA.gov notes they "may be asked to remain outside the exam room." A medical assistant or chaperone may stay during sensitive physical exams. Arrange childcare separately — children should not attend.
VA vs. contractor providers
The exam may be conducted by a VA employee or a contracted provider. Per VA.gov, contractors "follow the same medical training and licensing standards as our VA providers." Your privacy protections are the same either way.
If You Miss Your Exam
Per VA.gov: missing your appointment "delays your claim and may result in a decision based on existing evidence." If you have good cause — defined by VA as an immediate family member's death, homelessness, hospitalization, or terminal illness — VA will reschedule.
To report your missed exam and request rescheduling:
- ▸Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711)
- ▸Upload a letter explaining the reason via your VA.gov claim status tool
- ▸Mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
After the Exam
What happens next
The provider submits their report to VA. VA then reviews all evidence in your file — submitted records, the exam report, test results, your statements, and military records — before issuing a decision letter. Processing time depends on claim complexity and number of conditions claimed. The current average processing time is approximately 71 days (as of June 2026, per VA.gov), though complex claims take longer.
How to get a copy of your exam report
Per VA.gov: "You'll need to request a copy of the final exam report. You can't get the results at your exam or directly from the provider." Submit VA Form 20-10206 (Freedom of Information Act / Privacy Act Request):
- ▸Online via VA.gov Personal Records form
- ▸Mail completed form to the Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- ▸In person at your nearest VA regional office
Reporting problems with your exam
If you experienced issues during your exam, VA.gov says to report your concerns via:
- ▸The contractor's satisfaction survey
- ▸A written letter submitted to your claim file
- ▸Calling the contractor directly or VA at 1-800-827-1000
- ▸Your local VA regional office
Related Tools on This Site
DBQ Reference →
Browse the actual DBQ forms used by examiners — organized by body system
Nexus Letter Guide →
When a nexus letter is needed, what it must contain, and how to get one
General Rating Rules →
How 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteria work — what the examiner is rating against
Secondary Service Connection →
How secondary claims are evaluated and what the nexus must say
Content on this page is sourced directly from VA.gov — VA Claim Exam (last updated August 15, 2025) and benefits.va.gov. For the most current information, visit those pages directly. For claims help, contact an accredited VSO — free assistance is available through the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state Veterans service offices.