How Much Weight Does a C&P Exam Have for VA Claims?

[@daveb2280]

I've had four C&P Exams. Veterans need to understand that each exam is for different reasons and not a reflection for a lack of medical evidence. I only had two claims that didn't require a C&P (Presumptive Claims). My first PTSD claim triggered a C&P and the only thing the VA wanted to know was that, "Was the PTSD more likely or less likely caused by time served in combat zones." My final C&P came three years after that when the contracted psychiatrist spoke to me for 10 minutes. He told me that he wasn't going to make me re-live my trauma and pain and only asked me how my current employment and social situations were going. After that and within two weeks I was made 100% P&T. Don't give up fellow veterans!

[@Slow_Hand_Luke]

. Man, you don’t know how lucky you are ! Have had PTSD for over 50 years and VA will neither diagnose nor will send to the correct C&P Examiner ! Finally filed for Insomnia, go to quickly scheduled C&P and it’s for Depression ! At the end Dr says “don’t have enough info” ! Need you to come back for PTSD because they can overlap. 7 months go by and get one an hour and a half away in January. Spends time going back over the previous exam to “see if things are still the same?” Then it’s all PTSD which then goes into MST ! Takes TWO Hours total… Get “decision” in 22 calendar days, of course it’s denied but now on VA.gov shows 100% for depression yet doesn’t say Svc Conn or Not Svc Conn ! VSOs opinion doesn’t jive with what lawyers have on their websites and have yet to find one of the big firms who will appeal all the ‘rapid fire’ denials for exams that should have been ‘slam dunks’ given the outside treatment records they looked at or should have looked at ! .

[@lindalav1477]

You got lucky!

[@LawDogg01]

I had 18 C and P exams in a 3 year period before they granted me 100% P and T with two SMCs.

[@Cnotesforyou]

Thank you very much. Very informative!

[@daveb2280]

@@Slow_Hand_Luke Trust me on this...I know I am blessed. But don't give up. I'm not a big fan of these law firms who make money off of veterans. Then again, they are a real solution and option for some veterans that get trapped in the government's red tape machine.

[@donalddodson7365]

Thank you for illuminating this unpleasant reality of dealing with the VA (aka Viperous Aggrevators).

[@karlnordinger5968]

Dealing with VBA has given me a bad attitude.

[@turtlew1019]

My case was remanded from the BVA back to my regional office with instructions to do a C&P Exam again because they felt the nurse practitioner wasn't qualified in that area of medicine and she didnt use proper VA standard. The VA doc put that my condition more likely than not began while I was active duty with a nexus. The regional office literally used their own medical logic to disagree with the C&P Exam results so it was sent back up to the BVA where it's pending.

[@casuallevelexpert3112]

5:33 What is a method to obtain a copy of the exam findings in an timely enough manner as to see it before the claim is rated? To give the veteran enough time to declare it was an insufficient C&P exam before it’s too late.

[@spec46971]

You spoke of make sure that the C%P examiner is a specialist on the claim you have filed and I can tell you I have been to 2 C%P exams to the same person and she is a general practioner the last exam lasted 5 minutes for a Pes Planus exam and the exam was take off your socks and shoes and stand up and face left and then face right

[@dionmcelvain1550]

I have a 40% rating that was basically granted shortly after ETS in 2007. Rating is for feet and right leg. In 2018 it was recommended that I file for a lifestyle impact claim because dealing with the constant pain and limitations of my leg injury and foot pain can take a toll on you. I had already received prior diagnosis and treatment for anxiety and depression and was currently having sessions with a doctor to help me deal with survivors guilt and possible PTSD but I don't believe I could be fully diagnosed with PTSD and never tried, but survivors guilt can shut you down at times. Anyway, main point of story is that the C and P doctor that seen me concerning lifestyle impact claim said I'd never even been diagnosed or treated for any form of anxiety and depression even though I actually had and by a VA doctor which means that information is in my VA medical file. Pretty sure her comments which some seemed to actually be quite rude, played a huge part in.the decision to deny my claim. Of course I appealed it. Now, more than 3 years later the board of appeals sent my case back for remand. It was actually quite nice to read because it read as a bit of a scolding to the C and P examiner as the board pointed out that she obviously made her comments and opinions without looking over all the readily available evidence and it needs to be done over. Not holding my breath on it, but obviously would be helpful. And it would have been helpful back in 2018 as well. I understand that if granted I will be paid from the date claim was initially filed, but I can't get over how messed up it was for her to make those comments and possibly been a big part of me being denied which resulted in a 3 almost 4 year delay of some extra income which could have been very helpful. Still makes me so mad thinking about it. How does a C and P examiner make such bold statements when the evidence was right there in my VA file.

[@Bryancalhoun-uo4ts]

I had a C&P exam for PTSD for several incidents that took place on the KOREAN DMZ many years ago I have been treated and am having ongoing treatment for PTSD as well as medicine, I submitted a buddy statement, Medals, and dd214 to show the deployment I also described in detail at least one critical incident where I almost lost my life. I've had work issues and relationship issues ever since. including divorce. now I did recently have a C&P for PTSD but that was about 16 days ago so I haven't heard anything in relation to a result i guess i gotta wait longer it's been years of dealing with this issue. my claim was denied then Appealed then deferred.. then C&P ordered now I am waiting for an answer. I guess it takes a long time before the V.A. makes a final decision because I'm still waiting and I filed years ago.

[@juleskinkead4604]

granny had an inadequate ptsd exam and complained to to VBA. VBA said either ask for another exam or wait for the decision and go from their. Granny had a video exam because she can travel more than 20 minutes round trip without taking an ostomy supply kit which will require private area to clean up and change her appliance. the contract psychologist could not accommodate granny medical needs so it went video. the examiner ate up almost the entire hour with her questions and then when she asked granny to tell her story of going into service, in service and after service, the examiner cut her off and granny did not even get in half of the stressors causing her anxiety and depression saying there is no time left..

[@nancilfilsaime]

A lot of veterans have the same disability title but everyone has a different reaction of that disability! I’m not 100% I’m 90% and I have a lot of disability from my deployment in Iraq! I’ve tried everything but I’ve been at 90% for several years! The disabilities I have several of my friends have what I have and they are 100% total and permanent! So I’m frustrated! It’s crap to me because we fight to defend freedom but have to go through shit just to get what’s owed to us! We fight harder for our permanent disabilities more than the actual deployment! SMDH that’s the government for yeah!

[@JJLTACTICALSOLUTIONS]

I served over 30 years ago and I am just now going through the hoops. My 1sr C&P exam was a private doctor for hearing loss and ringing in the ears. Believe it or not but the C&P doctor stated that the hearing loss and ringing in my ears were more likely then not service linked and related. The VA awarded me 20%. Now 2 years later I filed for hypertension and thyroid issues. I was shocked to see the VA schedule a C&P exam a few weeks after filing the claim. The C&P exam went VERY well and now the wait begins. My question is if the C&P doctor states that my high blood pressure is more than likely, than not will the VA examiner automatically award me a percentage? Or can they disagree with the C&P doctor and deny me?

[@kendellbrown4420]

I have a C&P exam for my migraines with the Veterans Evaluation Service. They told me I didn't have to attend this C&P exam. I'm very concerned about this exam since I don't have to be there.

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you very much for your time.

[@kerriemacon5494]

My claim was denied without me ever being allowed to have a C&P EXAM

[@JazzyMarineVet]

Qualifications? That's a big laugh. I was asking for an increase for Flat feet and planar fasciitis and I was assigned a GERONTOLOGIST!!! Not a NP with ortho experience, feet or ankles, but someone who trained to be a elderly persons doctor. Plus I was only in there for C P less than 5 minutes. Still waiting on the final rating decision, as the C & P exam was 2 weeks ago. Requested a copy of the NP exam and notes.

[@sgt.frazier5243]

That's ridiculous for the VA.

[@Rainissick]

What was your rating ?

[@Bryancalhoun-uo4ts]

I'm going through a similar scenario was your exam favorable in the end?

[@danielledavis9876]

The C & P people work on behalf of the VA not the veterans. I asked for an increase on my knees and back. The doctor lie and the VA went on the only exams. The reason I know because I had prior medical evidence on this and they did even consider it. Then stated the basis it on my last two C & P exam, but my last one was n't even about my knee and back

[@JimboJones2022]

Hello I just had a c&p exam for vestibular disorder or vertigo the provider asked me if I ever had a cochlear MRI and I said no but I have had an MRI of the brain twice but I forgot to tell him that should I reach out to the VA and tell them?

[@army96261]

Why do I need a C&P exam for presumptive sinusitis? I included documentation showing my base in Iraq was listed as a burn site and I included VA medical records relating to my condition and even wrote buddy letters to make the evidence more concise!

[@bruceayers512]

Is the phrase "Probably Aggravated" the same as "More likely than not"?. My C & P examiner in 2011 stated that for a Genetic condition I have. He stated that it was Probably Aggravated by service in the Marine Corps (1991-2004). My Family had No previous knowledge of the condition until the V.A. diagnosed me with it in 2008. Should I try to claim it as Service Connection via Aggravation? The condition is Ankylosing Spondylitis, think of it as Rheumatoid Arthritis X10.

[@thegoat3109]

What about a c&p doctor not showing up for appoinment..... trying to say it was me that didnt show.. good thing it was a tele phone exam, and it was recorded I was logged on.

[@JazzyMarineVet]

WHAT THE HELL?? dang

[@VocabuLarry85]

Does a C&P examiner have more weight than VA doctors IMO?

[@viralviamanda9345]

I’ve had a c&p exam I believe it well she told me it sounds like I had an injury to my rotator cuff and over time can cause tare to my rotator cuff but how long does it take to get ratings e benefits

[@imveryhungry112]

Did you eventually get a rating? How long did it take?

[@kerriemacon5494]

Can you get a decision without c&p exam?

[@SincerelyMartin]

Should you bring your medical records with you to your C&P exam? And if so how should they be presented? Via USB? Disc? Printed? Just in case you do run into a examiner who has no clue or backstory on you?

[@Slow_Hand_Luke]

Really a question for an attorney as am aware they sometimes advise against it, re strategy! My experience is to ask the examiner at the end of the C&P Exam if and which “records” they reviewed! At own last exam she answered “Only reviewed your VA Records.” I knew most of my treatment records were from ‘outside’ providers. When received negative decision, it has right on it how far back the VBA provided the examiner your VA records ! (Own was only a couple of years ! ) Be sure to get the examiner’s report and your C-File. Don’t recall but one has to be requested via a FOIA Request (Freedom of Information Act) and has to be a specific VA Form. If you’re close to a VBA Regional Office supposedly you can go there and at least look at it as have called the records Center in St. Louis and was told at least a year as they just started back in the office in early March and are 300 to 600K requests behind. But… that’s for ALL “requests” as they keep many more than Military Service records. (Don’t let anyone BS you about the Fires 🔥 they’ve had their as they know pretty much down to the month of the year whose/which service records were lost ! Pretty sure one attorney said if they don’t have them the advantage automatically goes to the Veteran ! ) .

[@anthonybuttofucco7973]

I had virtual C&P exam today for PTSD(non combat). For anyone who has had one, is it normal for them to not even ask about the event the stressor is related to? The Dr. didn't say a single word for 17 plus mins of the exam, he said he was reading my statement , my statement was only a 1 page letter.

[@franceswalker2627]

But where do you get a copy of the C&P exam results?

[@CCK_Law]

You can find more information here: cck-law.com/blog/how-get-copy-va-c-p-exam/

[@lisawheeler6488]

I wish you people would speak louder. It is hard to hear you sometimes.

[@MakeWay4CJ]

Turn up your volume on your laptop or phone.

[@johncolacchio231]

DUTY TO ASSIST !!!!!!!!!! BS...