How do I pass my C&P Exam?

🎖️ VALOR

How A Silent Disease is Impacting Veterans and the Families Who Love Them

Discover the stories of veterans with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a rare muscular disease, and the profound impact on their caregivers.

These families have fought tirelessly for the benefits and support their loved ones need.

Help spread the word about this movement to secure deserved benefits for veterans with IBM and support the dedicated caregivers behind them.

DON’T MISS OUT: Were you or someone you know located at or near at Camp LeJeune?

If you, a loved one or a veteran or civilian you may know, was residing in or around the Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, the deadline to file a claim for compensation is near.

Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune exposed residents (both military and civilian) to toxic chemicals from 1953 to 1987.

Veterans, families and civilians who worked at or near the base and had health concerns arise, may be eligible to apply for compensation benefits.

Our firm will only be accepting potential cases until this Friday, June 28th, 2024. However, the final deadline for applying is August 10th, 2024.

Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to serious conditions, including:

• Cancer

• Kidney disease

• Birth defects

Don’t miss out! If you believe you or someone you know could benefit, please call us at (855) 494-1298 to learn more.

⚖️ EXPERTS

How Do I Pass My C&P Exam?

If you're filing for VA disability benefits, you’ll likely need to complete a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. 

This exam helps determine if your disability is service-connected, the level of your disability, and whether your rating should change. 

Although the process can be daunting, following some key steps can make it more manageable.

Tips for a Successful C&P Exam

• Prepare Ahead of Time: Keep detailed records of your condition, know what you're being evaluated for, and have all necessary forms ready.

• Be Honest and Detailed: Clearly explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. If you have “bad days,” describe their frequency and impact.

• Bring a Support Person: Someone close to you can provide additional insights and help observe the details of your exam, even if they’re not allowed in the exam room.

• Get a Copy of the Results: Request a copy of your C&P exam results from the VA. This can be helpful if you need to dispute the findings later.

• Multiple Visits May Be Needed: If you file multiple claims, be prepared for multiple exams. Each exam should help support your claim, so approach each one with care.

• Chart Reviews: Sometimes the VA may do a chart review instead of an in-person exam. If you feel a chart review is insufficient, consider seeking a second opinion from an independent medical facility.

Additional Attorney Tips to Ensure Success

Hill & Ponton Attorneys Melanie and Ursula go over some additional C&P tips in a short YouTube video.

Don’t miss information that could help ensure you’re on the right path with this critical piece of your VA disability claim.

What to Expect During the Exam

A C&P exam varies from a regular medical exam. The examiner won’t provide treatment but will ask questions, observe you, and may perform a limited physical exam. 

The goal is to evaluate your condition and review your medical records and claim file (C-File).

Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ): A DBQ is used to evaluate and rate your disabilities.

It’s completed by a medical professional and helps the VA determine your disability rating and compensation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t Exaggerate: Be truthful about your condition. Don’t use aids like braces or walkers unless you regularly do so.

• Don’t Downplay Symptoms: Be honest about your limitations and how your disability affects your life.

After the Exam

The examiner will send a report to the VA, which will review all evidence, including the exam report, to make a decision on your claim. 

Processing time varies based on the complexity of your claim and the number of conditions claimed.

What to Do if Your Claim is Denied?

If your claim is denied despite a favorable exam, take the following steps:

• Request a Copy and Review the Decision Letter: Understand the reasons for the denial. Look for any errors or misunderstandings.

• Seek Assistance: Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or an accredited attorney for guidance.

• File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD): This initiates the appeals process and must be filed within one year of the decision.

• Gather Supporting Evidence: Collect additional documentation to strengthen your case.

• Consider Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim: Depending on your situation, pursue a higher-level review or submit new evidence.

• Request a Decision Review Officer (DRO) Hearing: Present your case directly to a DRO.

• Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA): If necessary, escalate your appeal to the BVA.

🗺️ TACTICS

VA Disability Benefits Trivia

Each week we ask a trivia question across platforms on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, to test your knowledge on VA disability benefits.

Wanting the answer to last weeks question? Let’s recap…

Which program provides educational and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition?

• Montgomery Bill

• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

• Post-9/11 GI Bill

• VA Work-Study Program

The correct answer was (B) Survivors’ and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA).

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

Benefits can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training, with a potential duration of up to 36 months.

Now… take a shot at this weeks question and find out the answer next week! See you then.

One Veteran's Path to Service Connection for PTSD

🦅 SUPPORT

Top Scams Impacting Veterans

Here’s a list of 2024 internet scams to be aware of that have been targeting veterans and their families, and quick tips to protect yourself.

• Benefits Manipulation & Fake Assistance Scams: Scammers offer "secret" programs or expedited benefits for fees. Remember: always go through the VA or VA-accredited sources!

• Impersonation and Phishing Scams: Fraudsters impersonate VA officials or charities to steal personal information. Remember: always verify communication with the VA!

• Financial Loan Scams: Beware of upfront cash offers for disability or pension payments. Remember: verify financial services through reputable sources!

• Healthcare and Insurance Frauds: Fake offers related to Tricare or COVID-19 treatments. Remember: confirm through the VA or reputable medical organizations!

• Housing and Rental Scams: Fake rental ads offering discounts. Remember: always verify rental opportunities through trusted sources.