Navigating Your VA CMP Exam: Top 5 Tips for Success

 Posted on October 22, 2024 in Uncategorized

 When it comes to VA disability claims, a pivotal step in the process is the Compensation and Pension (CMP) exam. This assessment can significantly influence the outcome of your claim, determining the VA benefits you might receive. In this blog, we'll break down five essential tips to help you navigate your CMP exam successfully.

Understand the Scope of Your Exam 

First and foremost, it's vital to know what specific condition the exam is addressing. Whether it's for one disability or multiple conditions you've claimed, being clear about the focus of the examination helps you prepare adequately. Ed Farmer, a seasoned VA disability appeals attorney, emphasizes that knowing this detail is fundamental. "If you don't know what disability is being examined, how can you prepare?" Ed advises.

Proactively inquire from the examiners' call or by contacting third-party contractors like QTc or LHI. Veterans with VA representatives can also get this information through the VA's electronic filing system. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for a prepared and confident consultation with your examiner.

Commit to Showing Up 

As straightforward as it might sound, ensuring you attend your scheduled exam is crucial. Life happens – emergencies, work conflicts, and other unforeseen events. If something comes up, promptly reschedule by contacting QTc or LHI. Not showing up without notice can lead to an automatic denial of your claim and could thrust you into a lengthy appeals process just to get another exam scheduled.

With the advent of telehealth, some CMP exams are now conducted via video. Should you be scheduled for such, ensure you have the necessary equipment – a smartphone or a laptop with stable internet access. Video exams offer a convenient alternative but are contingent on your preparedness.

Educate Your Examiner 

Don't assume the examiner has thoroughly reviewed your medical records, buddy statements, or your service treatment records. This exam is your opportunity to elucidate your medical history and how your condition relates to your service. Be ready to recount specific incidents, exercises, or duties that contributed to or worsened your condition. Whether it's describing the physical strain of parachute jumps or detailed examples of your daily struggles, providing a vivid narrative can make a significant difference in your examiner's understanding and documentation of your disability.

Accurate and thorough communication is key. Be detailed and precise about your experiences and symptoms, ensuring the examiner fully grasps the extent and origin of your condition.

Express All Symptoms 

Veterans often downplay their symptoms, either out of habit or because they've grown accustomed to dealing with them. However, this is the time to be completely honest and thorough. Detail how your condition impacts your daily life, socially, occupationally, and physically. If you minimize your symptoms, you risk an inaccurate assessment, potentially leading to a denial of your claim. Remember, as Ed points out, "This is not a trial; more information here is better."

Nevertheless, striking a balance is essential. Exaggerating symptoms can backfire, resulting in being labeled as a malingerer (someone faking symptoms), which can complicate your claim further. Honesty coupled with precision is your best approach.

Bring Support to Your Exam 

Having a support person, like a spouse or a close friend, can be immensely beneficial. They can offer additional insights into how your condition affects your day-to-day life, especially in ways you might overlook. Spouses, for instance, can provide detailed accounts of your struggles and how your condition affects your family life. This additional perspective can enrich the examiner's understanding and contribute to a more comprehensive report.

However, remember that allowing a support person into the exam room is at the examiner’s discretion. If not allowed, getting a written statement from them to submit with your claim is a viable alternative.

Bonus Tip: Review Your Exam Report Once you've completed your CMP exam, it’s not the end of the road. Request a copy of the exam report using VA form 21-1, two, six. Reviewing this report allows you to verify that all facts and symptoms were accurately recorded. If you notice discrepancies or inaccuracies, consider appealing, arguing that the exam did not accurately reflect your condition.