What to expect during your
Musculoskeletal or Rheumatology claim exam.
If you're a veteran who has a
disability due to your military service,
you may decide to submit
a disability claim with VA.
Musculoskeletal and Rheumatological disabilities
are two common claims.
A musculoskeletal disability is one
where muscle strain, pain, and bone damage
may interfere with performing normal tasks.
A rheumatological disability is one that
causes chronic and often recurring pain
in your joints or connective tissues.
If you've submitted a claim to VA for one
of these types of disabilities, you may
be asked to come in for a claim exam,
also sometimes called a Compensation and
Pension, or C&P exam.
Claim exams help VA gather or confirm
medical information needed to
make a decision on your claim.
What happens during your exam will
depend on what medical evidence is
already included in your claim application,
such as your medical records.
Exams can be different for everyone.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your
exam in case you need to move around.
Don't be afraid to ask the examiner what
will happen during your exam.
For the most part, the examiner may ask you a
series of questions about your condition,
like how it affects your daily life and job,
and any treatments you've had.
The examiner is asking you specific
questions for a reason: they relate to
what's in your file, and VA's rating criteria.
Answer the questions as best you can.
The examiner may also need to do a
physical exam or perform a few tests.
If needed, a separate appointment may be
scheduled for some of the tests.
For both musculoskeletal and rheumatology exams,
be prepared for the examiner to potentially
bend and measure related body parts.
They're testing your range of motion to
evaluate how bad your condition is.
You may also be asked to perform everyday
tasks, like taking your socks off and
putting them back on. But be sure to let
the examiner know if you feel
uncomfortable, or are in more pain than usual.
Your safety comes first.
Your exam could last a few minutes, or an
hour or more. But no matter how long or
short it is, the examiner is getting
exactly the information they need.
Once your exam report is complete, it is
sent to a VA rating specialist who will
use it, along with other information you've
submitted in your application to rate your claim.
Don't forget: examiners do not make a
decision on your claim. They're one part of
a larger VA team working with you to
process your claim.
Any specific questions about your claim should be
directed to your local VA regional office,
or accredited Veteran's Service Officer.
VA is committed to ensuring you
know what happens during the claim
process and your VA Claim experience
goes as smoothly as possible.
Have more questions about the VA claim exam?
Go to the website listed below,
or search "VA Claim Exam" on VA's website.
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