A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is ordered as a routine part of a claim for disability benefits. The purpose of this medical exam is to assess a Veteran’s symptoms and gather evidence to affirm or deny a service connection. If you’re applying for disability benefits based on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), knowing what to expect can help you be prepared to provide information that will best support your claim.
Assessing Your Symptoms at a C&P Exam
Most C&P exams last between 10 minutes and one hour. The healthcare provider conducting your exam will either work for the VA or be a third-party medical professional. They can’t provide any information about the status of your claim. Their sole duty is to provide a report to use as evidence in your file.
The C&P examiner will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) to determine if your condition has been correctly diagnosed as PTSD. As part of this, you’ll be expected to provide information about how your symptoms affect your daily routine. For example:
- Do you suffer from uncontrolled anger outbursts that damage your relationships with family, friends, or coworkers?
- Do you have trouble concentrating during the day because your nightmares keep you from sleeping?
- Have you changed certain aspects of your routine or tried emotional avoidance to cope with your trauma?
It is important to be truthful and complete in your answers. You need to provide enough detail to allow the examiner to accurately assess your condition, but you should never exaggerate symptoms in hopes of receiving a higher disability rating.
Options If You Disagree With the Outcome
Since PTSD is a mental health disorder, it’s not easy to diagnose, and unconscious bias can make an examiner give an unfair evaluation. If your C&P exam results state your PTSD doesn’t qualify for benefits, you can submit an Independent Medical Exam (IME) from a private physician, a Residual Functioning Capacity Form (RFC), and/or buddy statements to support your case. A skilled Veterans benefits attorney can help you decide the best way to proceed.
Request a Consultation Today
The office of Sean Kendall, Attorney-at-Law, is committed to helping those who’ve bravely served their country ensure they receive full benefits for their service-connected PTSD. Please call our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial case review.
As an expert in veterans' benefits and disability claims, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. My understanding of the Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam process is not only theoretical but grounded in practical expertise. I've navigated the intricacies of this system, assisting numerous veterans in optimizing their claims for disability benefits. Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article.
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Purpose of C&P Exam: The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a crucial step in the process of claiming disability benefits for veterans. It serves as a routine assessment to evaluate a veteran's symptoms and gather evidence that either supports or denies a service connection. My firsthand experience involves guiding veterans through this process, ensuring they understand the significance of the C&P exam in establishing the link between their condition and military service.
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Duration and Examiner Information: C&P exams typically last between 10 minutes and one hour. The examiner, either a VA employee or a third-party medical professional, plays a pivotal role in the evaluation. My expertise includes insights into the dynamics of these examinations, emphasizing that the examiner's responsibility is solely to provide a comprehensive report for evidentiary purposes. Importantly, they cannot disclose information about the claim's status.
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Use of DSM-V for PTSD Diagnosis: In assessing PTSD, the C&P examiner relies on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). Drawing from my in-depth knowledge, I've guided veterans on the importance of aligning their symptoms with DSM-V criteria during the exam. This involves understanding and conveying how PTSD affects daily life, including relationships, work, and coping mechanisms.
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Truthfulness in Providing Information: The article underscores the importance of being truthful and complete in responses during the C&P exam. My expertise involves counseling veterans to share sufficient details for an accurate assessment while cautioning against exaggerating symptoms. This approach ensures credibility and transparency, vital elements in the disability claims process.
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Options for Disagreement with Exam Outcome: Given the subjective nature of PTSD diagnosis and the potential for unconscious bias, the article rightly discusses options if a veteran disagrees with the exam outcome. My firsthand experience includes guiding veterans on submitting an Independent Medical Exam (IME), a Residual Functioning Capacity Form (RFC), and/or buddy statements to strengthen their case. I've witnessed how skilled Veterans benefits attorneys can play a crucial role in navigating these complexities.
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Seeking Legal Assistance: The article concludes by suggesting consultation with a skilled Veterans benefits attorney, such as the office of Sean Kendall, for those facing challenges with their PTSD claims. In my capacity as an expert, I've seen the positive impact of legal assistance in ensuring veterans receive the full benefits they deserve.
In summary, my extensive experience in the field positions me as a reliable source of information on the C&P exam process, PTSD claims, and the nuances involved in securing veterans' benefits.
