Demystifying VA C&P Exams: Your Top 10 Questions Answered

[@donlombard9693]

both my mh c&p exam 's happened within 4 days of filing went to them and was awarded 50% the 1st time and 70% for my increase got the paper work after my c & p examinations both times and it took on average 15 days to be rated

[@ddem3150]

Service connections can be easily established by stating when symptoms started.

[@dlawso23]

I'm going to my second C&P exam for Allergic Rhinitis/Sinusitis (presumptive claim/Gulf War/OIF) within 90 days. The last examiner did not conduct the examination correctly and she reviewed my medical file before I arrived. I was also asked to bring a list of medications related to the claim. Don't dress like you are going to a job interview, my examiner for mental health claim made a comment about the shoes I had on, how "nice" they looked. These doctors will size you up. I did receive a 70% rating with PTSD (Loss of Sleep).

[@inked_icons]

I have my Rhinitis C&P coming up as well. It’s my first claim. Let me know how it goes for you and good luck!

[@dlawso23]

@@inked_icons Thanks, I will post the update.

[@MASTERING-SSA-BENS]

Awesome…Thank you!

[@ddem3150]

Remember. Secondary is king.

[@michaelerickson3626]

Secondary rocks!

[@sm14852]

Hey Craig, I'm a Combat Craig member, but I don't know how to ask this question in the member's section. You stated in the video that we should try to give a DBQ to the C&P Examiner. Please clarify what you meant? Do I fill out the DBQ and give it to the C&P examiner, or were you stating to bring your medical evidence (medical record, etc...) because the VA probably didn't send them to the C&P Examiner?

[@brandytharp2145]

With the cuts is the VA looking at lowering 100% p&t?

[@OmANnIe]

What cuts?

[@jasonproctor9896]

You can't lower someone that is 100% p&t. That's the whole point of being rated 100% permanent and total. The only way is you committed fraud or they made a mistake and found it in an audit, which is a slim chance. Or if you file another claim being already 100% p&t and they observe some other conditions. VA staff are not just sitting there looking at ways to reduce veterans. The only way you're getting reduced is you do it to yourself by trying to file more claims, or you just stop going to the doctor

[@brandytharp2145]

If I file a claim for dependency is that going to risk my 100% p&t?

[@brandytharp2145]

@@OmANnIe Sorry I don’t mean cuts just the talk of lowering ratings.

[@jasonproctor9896]

@brandytharp2145 Whether you're 100%, 50%, or 10%, you're not going to get a rating reduction for adding a dependent. You technically have to file a claim, but all they do is verify that the information you submitted is correct and legal. Most are processed in a week. My cousin is 100% and has 5 kids if that makes you feel any better. Of course, there's always the unknown, but there's nothing out there that indicates the probability of that. If you've been going to the doctor like you're supposed to, then there shouldn't even be a reason for a reduction

[@carlsonwolf138]

HLR informal conference is Monday. They denied my service connection migraines secondary to tinnitus because their doctor had a difference of opinion, even with my doctors. I had a current diagnosis, a nexus, a personal statement and buddy letter referencing to migraines in service. I suffer from these every week, and it’s like they said no because they wanted to. They just filled out all the paperwork without asking me any questions or scheduling appointments.

[@ddem3150]

When in cp exam...act totally unaware and just answer questions as If you're having a bad day as usual.

[@ddem3150]

Ha ha. Craig. If u were a clam, you'd be a bearded clam.

[@gadget_hack]

My appointment got reschedule today for no reason.

[@evanalmighty9754]

I hope my 100 p&t don't get reduced

[@jasonproctor9896]

You'd have to either file another claim which is a terrible decision for you to make, which would open up your file or get caught for fraud. But if you go to the doctor regularly and have medical evidence, then don't get reduced. You're 100% p&t for a reason.

[@robturner7853]

@@jasonproctor9896 great point , let me add this caviat tho lol,, 100% p&t and filing for SMC - L

[@jasonproctor9896]

@robturner7853 you're right. That is about the only reason you should be filing for something new after being 100% p&t

[@robturner7853]

@@jasonproctor9896 Im looking into it now Brother! And for the Va caregiver program for the wife....Let them chips fall where they will. have a good one

[@jeffrey501green]

​@@robturner7853I waited till I was p&t for 20 years, THEN I filed for SMC-L. Which I was awarded...

[@ddem3150]

Clue the troops Craig. If a doc already diagnosed veteran, then cp exam has no weight.

[@richnbeautyme2813]

what does that mean?

[@ddem3150]

If civilian doc already diagnosed your sleep apnea...then you just need service connection.