🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode, Leah Bucholz explains what to expect during a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam — one of the most important steps in your VA disability claim.

Many Veterans feel anxious about their C&P exam, especially when they’re unsure what the examiner is looking for or how it impacts their claim. Leah breaks down what a C&P exam is, what happens during the evaluation, how to prepare, and what to do after the exam to ensure your medical evidence is clear and accurate.

If you’re a Veteran waiting for your C&P exam or recently completed one, this episode will help you understand the process and advocate for yourself with confidence.

🩺 Key Topics Covered

[00:00] — Welcome & Introduction
Leah introduces herself and Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. She explains why the C&P exam is one of the most critical parts of the VA disability process.

[01:00] — What Is a C&P Exam?
A clear explanation of what a Compensation and Pension exam is — and what it is not.
Leah clarifies that this is not a treatment appointment but a medical evaluation designed to help the VA determine service connection and severity.

[02:00] — Who Performs the Exam?
Overview of VA and contracted exam providers such as LHI, QTC, and VES, and how their reports are used by the VA to make rating decisions.

[03:00] — What to Expect During the Exam
Leah walks through each step of the process:

1. Identity verification and paperwork
2. Review of medical and service records
3. Discussion of medical history and symptoms
4. Physical or mental health examination
5. Questions about daily functioning and work limitations
6. Examiner’s report submission to the VA

[06:30] — How to Prepare for Your C&P Exam
Practical tips for Veterans to approach the exam confidently:

• Be honest and consistent with your symptoms
• Explain how your condition affects daily life and employment
• Bring documentation or symptom notes if helpful
• Talk about bad days, not just good ones
• Be respectful and stay calm, even if the process feels frustrating

[09:00] — After the Exam
Leah explains what happens once your exam is complete, how to access your DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire), and what to do if your report contains errors or omissions.

[10:00] — The Role of Accredited Legal Professionals
Why it’s important to work with VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, or Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) when reviewing exam results or appealing unfavorable decisions.
Leah shares where to find accredited representatives and how they can help interpret exam findings and advocate effectively.

💡 Key Takeaways

• A C&P exam is an evaluation used to determine service connection and severity — not a treatment visit.
• Examiners collect data for the VA; they do not decide your rating.
• Be honest, thorough, and consistent about your symptoms and limitations.
• Review your DBQ afterward and seek help if something seems inaccurate.
• Working with accredited professionals can help you correct or supplement your exam evidence if needed.

🧭 Resources Mentioned

• VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs): https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_publicdbqs.asp

• VA Accreditation Search Tool: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/

• Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting: https://prestigeveteranmctx.com/
• My HealtheVet: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/

📞 Connect with Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting

Visit https://prestigeveteranmctx.com/ to learn more about independent medical opinions and record reviews that support accurate and fair VA disability decisions.