What Is a C&P Exam and How Can It Affect Your PTSD Claim?

If you’ve filed a claim for PTSD with the Department of Veterans Affairs, chances are you’ve received a notice to attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. This appointment is one of the most important stages in your disability claim and how it goes can make or break your chances of approval. Unfortunately, many veterans walk into these exams unprepared, unsure of what to expect or how to advocate for themselves. 

At Sarphie Law, we’ve helped countless veterans in Memphis and across the country navigate the VA claims process. That includes helping them understand what a C&P exam is, what it isn’t, and how to protect their claim during this high-stakes evaluation.

What Exactly Is a C&P Exam?

The Compensation and Pension exam is a medical evaluation ordered by the VA to help determine whether your condition is connected to your military service and how severely it affects your life. In the case of PTSD, this exam typically evaluates:

• Whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD
• Whether the PTSD is linked to a specific service-related stressor
• How the PTSD symptoms impact your daily functioning, work, and relationships

The exam may be conducted by a VA-employed medical professional or by a contracted outside examiner. The results are then written into a report and sent to the VA claims adjudicator, who makes the final decision on your claim.

Why the C&P Exam Matters So Much for PTSD Claims

The VA heavily relies on the C&P exam report when deciding whether to approve or deny your claim. The examiner’s opinion carries significant weight, especially if there is conflicting information elsewhere in your file. Here's why it's so crucial:

• If the examiner states that your PTSD is not linked to service, your claim could be denied.
• If the examiner downplays your symptoms, you may receive a much lower disability rating than you deserve.
• If the examiner suggests you’re exaggerating or malingering, your entire credibility may be questioned.

That’s why preparation matters. Walking into the exam with clarity, confidence, and the right documentation can make all the difference in the outcome.

Our PTSD claim denial attorneys at Sarphie Law can help you understand your C&P exam results and guide you if they’ve negatively affected your claim.

What Happens During a PTSD C&P Exam?

A PTSD C&P exam typically includes a series of questions, mental health screening tools, and a review of your medical and military records. You may be asked about:

• Your specific stressor events during service
• When you began noticing PTSD symptoms
• How your symptoms affect your sleep, concentration, work, and social life
• Any treatment you’ve received, including therapy or medication

The examiner may also use a standard diagnostic tool like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to determine whether you meet the criteria for PTSD. These exams typically last 30 to 90 minutes and are not the same as therapy sessions. The examiner is not there to treat you; they’re there to evaluate your condition for the VA.

How to Prepare for Your C&P Exam

Preparation is key. Here’s how you can get ready for your exam:

• Review your claim. Be familiar with what you’ve submitted, including your stressor statements and supporting documents.
• Be honest and detailed. Don’t downplay your symptoms, and don’t exaggerate either. Be clear about how PTSD affects your daily life.
• Bring a list of symptoms. It’s easy to forget things in the moment. Write down specific symptoms and examples beforehand.
• Stay focused on your worst days. Describe how PTSD affects you at its worst, not just how you feel on the day of the exam.
• Avoid minimizing language. Saying things like “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad” may lead the examiner to conclude your condition isn’t serious.

Your goal is to communicate the full impact of your condition as clearly and accurately as possible.

What If the C&P Exam Goes Poorly?

Unfortunately, not every C&P exam is fair or accurate. Some veterans report that the examiner rushed through the process, was dismissive of symptoms, or made incorrect assumptions. If your claim is denied — or you receive a lower rating than expected — you have the right to challenge the outcome. Steps you can take include:

• Requesting a copy of the C&P exam report to see what the examiner wrote
• Filing a supplemental claim with new medical evidence
• Providing a private medical opinion or Independent Medical Examination (IME)
• Filing a Higher-Level Review if there was a clear error in the original decision
• Filing an appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

An experienced VA disability attorney can help you identify where things went wrong and how to build a stronger case moving forward.

Can You Reschedule or Refuse a C&P Exam?

You should never skip a scheduled C&P exam. If you miss the appointment without good cause, the VA may deny your claim outright. If you absolutely cannot attend the scheduled date, contact the VA immediately to request a reschedule. Document all communication in writing, and make sure you have a valid reason (such as illness or transportation issues). In rare cases, if you feel the examiner was clearly biased or incompetent, you may be able to request a new exam, but this is difficult and requires supporting documentation.

Why Legal Support Matters in PTSD Claims

PTSD claims are some of the most frequently denied disability claims by the VA and the C&P exam plays a huge role in that. If you feel that your exam didn’t fairly reflect your condition or the VA has denied your claim based on a flawed report, you don’t have to accept the decision. Sarphie Law is committed to helping veterans get the benefits they earned through honest, effective legal advocacy. We know how the system works and how to challenge it when it fails.

If your PTSD claim was denied after a C&P exam, or you're worried about an upcoming evaluation, contact Sarphie Law. We’re here to help you fight back, rebuild your case, and get the support you deserve.