Is a Second C&P Exam a Good Sign or a Bad Sign?

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be challenging, and receiving a notice for another Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam can be confusing and stressful. However, understanding why the VA requests a secondary examination and what it means for your claim can help alleviate some of that anxiety.

Why Would the VA Request a Second C&P Exam for the Same Condition?

The VA may request an additional compensation & pension (C&P) medical exam for several reasons:

• Clarification of Initial Findings: If the first exam was inconclusive or lacked sufficient detail, a second exam might be necessary to gather more information.
• Inconsistencies in Medical Records: If there are discrepancies between your medical records and the findings from your first C&P exam, the VA may require a second exam to resolve these issues.
• New Evidence: If new medical evidence has surfaced since your first exam, a second exam might be needed to assess this new information.
• Passage of Time: If several years have passed between the original exam and a grant of service connection, a new exam may be required to assess the current level of disability.
• Quality Control: Sometimes, the VA conducts additional exams to ensure that the initial evaluation was conducted properly and accurately.

Is Being Called Back for a Second C&P Exam Normal?

Being required to attend additional examinations is relatively common for veterans and not necessarily a cause for concern. VA’s goal is to gather the most accurate and comprehensive information about your condition to make a fair decision regarding your claim. Being called back for another C&P exam can be perfectly normal – a sign that VA is being diligent.

While it may feel frustrating, attending an additional examination can actually work in your favor by providing an opportunity to present more detailed evidence of your disability.

Find out more from this video:

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Example: A 2nd C&P Exam for PTSD

Let’s take the case of a veteran with PTSD who is being reexamined. This is commonly due to a few different reasons: 

• Additional Information Needed: VA might require more details about your PTSD symptoms and how they affect your daily life that weren’t fully covered in the first exam.
• Inconsistent or Incomplete Records: If your medical records or initial exam results regarding PTSD were unclear or inconsistent, a second exam can help clarify the diagnosis and severity of your PTSD.
• Appeals Process: If you’ve appealed a previous decision regarding your PTSD rating, a new exam might be necessary to provide updated information for your case.

Secondary exams for PTSD aren’t uncommon or a bad sign – they’re just a part of VA’s process to ensure the veteran receives the correct disability rating.

What to Expect During a Second C&P Exam

During this additional appointment, you can expect a similar process to the first. The examiner will review your medical history, ask questions about your symptoms, and conduct any necessary physical or psychological assessments. 

It’s important to be honest and detailed in your responses to ensure the examiner has all the information needed to evaluate your condition accurately.

How to Prepare for the Exam

Preparation is key to a successful examination. Sometimes having an additional C&P can prove beneficial because you know what to expect and can be more confident the second time around. Here’s some additional tips to help:

• Review Your Medical Records: Familiarize yourself with your medical history and any previous exam results.
• Review the Rating Criteria: VA has specific rating criteria for most diagnosed disabilities.  Be aware of the specific symptoms on which VA bases its ratings so that you can make sure to mention any specific symptoms that might affect you.  Know what the VA is looking for so you don’t forget to mention any relevant symptoms that you are experiencing.
• Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, their frequency, and how they impact your daily life.
• Bring Supporting Evidence: If you have new medical evidence or documentation, bring it to your exam.
• Be Honest and Detailed: Provide honest and detailed answers to the examiner’s questions.

While receiving a notice for a second C&P exam can be daunting, it’s often a normal part of the VA disability claims process. Understanding why the VA requests these additional appointments and educating yourself can help you navigate this step with confidence.

What’s Next?

To learn more about the process for claiming VA disability compensation and benefits, check out our FREE step by step guide.

Content Reviewed by

Shannon Brewer, Senior Attorney

Shannon was born on MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant and a high school English teacher. She was a member of the University of Florida Law Review and published a case note on the Florida Privacy Amendment. She practiced land use and environmental law for several years but felt called to serve our veteran population and changed her practice area to veterans disability law.