Hi, it’s April with the Vocal Veteran. Today, I’m bringing you an informative guide about C&P (Compensation and Pension) exams, outlining what you can expect from your claim submission to exams and the various communications you’ll receive. As a veteran advocate, accredited claims agent, and a veteran myself, I’ve navigated this process firsthand, and I’m here to share my experiences and insights.
Background and Personal Experience
I served in the United States Navy and have made several videos about the fantastic job I had there. Now, as a claims agent working on my own disability claims, I’m in the midst of completing one. I submitted a supplemental claim on October 16th, and here’s what happens next: The VA reviews your claim to ensure the evidence is new and relevant. If it passes, they request new exams to determine if your rating should change.
Receiving the Exam Notification
You’ll likely receive initial communication through a piece of mail from one of the contract companies conducting C&P exams for the VA. It’s rare to have an exam at the VA itself, as contracted examiners typically handle these appointments. Currently, four contract companies exist, including QTC Medical, which is the one that contacted me.
Based on your location, it’s common to deal with different contractors or locations for each claim. For instance, in the New Orleans area, I’ve rarely gone to the same place twice due to the plethora of companies and exam locations.
Scheduling the Exam
After receiving mail indicating an exam is needed, the company will contact you — often quicker than the mail arrives. These companies work under strict guidelines to schedule exams quickly. Typically, they call to ask your availability for morning, afternoon, or evening appointments. While they try to accommodate preferences, in my experience, you may still be scheduled at inconvenient times or locations.
In my case, QTC offered me an appointment 30-45 minutes away, with choices only for Monday at either 8:30 AM or 2:30 PM. Due to family commitments, I chose 2:30 PM, ensuring someone was available to help with my son’s schedule.
Confirmations and Preparations
Following scheduling, expect to receive a FedEx package confirming the appointment and further instructions. This package will include detailed directions to the exam location from your address, sometimes reminiscent of the paper MapQuest directions from decades past. More importantly, the communication will specify the examiner’s name and credentials, which I encourage verifying, especially for mental health exams, ensuring the professionals are appropriately qualified.
Post-Exam Process
Interestingly, my exam report was posted to my profile the day after my exam, reflecting a rare but efficient turnaround. Normally, expect a week or two delay. However, working with a claims agent or anyone with VBMS access, allows you to view the exam report promptly, providing insights into your claim’s potential outcome.
Securing Personal Information
A crucial step upon becoming an accredited agent was obtaining a P.O. box. VA mail often features your full social security number on multiple pages, posing a security risk if not managed correctly. For client and personal safety, I chose a more secure route to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Additionally, informed delivery from the postal service can alert you to incoming VA mail, ensuring you stay proactive.