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Comp & Pen FAQs

1. Who do I call if I have a question about my C&P appointment, want to change my appointment or need transportation?

       

Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call the C&P unit at your local VARO and ask to speak to a C&P staff member.

    

2. Who do I call if I have a question about my pending disability claim?

   
Call the Veterans Benefits Administration at (800) 827-1000 and speak to a Veterans 

Service Representative.

    

3. I just saw my doctor recently. Why do I have to have another exam?

   
A C&P exam is designed to specifically answer all questions required by the Veterans Benefits Administration in order to make a decision on your claim. Often, a medical exam that is done for treatment purposes does not provide all the answers.

  

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

    

4. Should I bring outside medical information to my exam appointment?

   
It may be helpful if it applies directly to the claimed disability, especially if it is diagnostic testing (x-rays, echocardiograms, MRI's, lab work, etc.).  Please be sure to also bring a complete list of your medications including any over-the-counter medication or vitamin/herbal supplements.

   

5. Why is a C&P exam different from a regular medical exam?

   
A regular medical exam is used to treat your medical condition. The C&P exam is designed to answer specific legal questions pertinent to your claim. The C&P exam provides a picture of your current disability status and is used for evaluation only.

   

6. Is there a cost for any C&P exam?

   
No. The C&P exam as well as all testing associated with the exam is free of charge for all veterans.

    

7. What travel and transportation benefits are available?

    

If you use your own transportation, you may be eligible for travel reimbursement, if you file within 30 days of the C&P appointment.

      

8. What happens to the C&P exam once it is done?

    
Once you have completed your C&P exam, it will be reviewed and signed by the examiner. On completion, it is sent to the Regional Office of the Veterans Benefit Administration. Your local VA Regional Office will review the exam along with other evidence that may have been requested. After a review of all of the evidence, they will make a decision on your claim. You will receive the rating decision in the mail.

  

9. Is there anything that I should do once I receive my rating decision?

   
When you receive your award letter along with the rating decision, please review it carefully. If the decision establishes service connection for your disability or an increase in your current rating, make sure Patient Eligibility Department at your local VAMC gets a copy.  This will help to update your medical file and keep an accurate record of your percentage of service connection to avoid any unnecessary billing.

   

10.   How can I find out if I am eligible for medical care at the VA?

    

The VA provides medical care for Veterans based on active duty in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The character of service at discharge must be Honorable or General. Those discharged after September 1980 must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months of active duty. Those charged prior to September 1980 have no time requirement. Your level of service-connected disability and financial means are also considered in determining VA health care benefits. 

If you have a question about benefits, compensation, pension or VA related issues please submit here.