Step 10: What Happens After You File?

Submitting the claim starts the VA's review process.

VA may gather records, review the evidence you submitted, request additional information, and obtain medical examinations or opinions. You can track your claim through VA.gov.

If you realize afterward that you forgot an important document, the VA also allows claimants to upload additional evidence while a disability claim is pending. The VA recommends submitting supporting evidence as soon as possible.

Upload additional evidence or check your claim:

VA.gov: Upload Evidence to Support Your Disability Claim

Step 11: You May Be Scheduled for a C&P Exam

After you file, VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension examination, commonly called a C&P exam or VA claim exam.

A C&P exam is not a normal doctor's appointment. Its purpose is to gather information the VA may use when deciding whether a condition is service connected and, when applicable, how severe the disability is.

Does having a Nexus Letter mean I won't get a C&P exam?

No. Submitting a private medical opinion does not guarantee that the VA will decide the claim without obtaining another examination or medical opinion.

The VA states that not everyone needs a C&P exam. If the VA believes the medical evidence already in the file is sufficient, it may use the Acceptable Clinical Evidence process instead of scheduling an in-person examination.

This is a normal step, a neutral step, and often simply the VA verifying the information and confirming severity to determine the rating percentage.

If the VA schedules an exam, attend it

Do not assume that your Nexus Letter means a scheduled C&P examination can simply be ignored. Follow VA's instructions regarding the examination.

During the exam, answer questions truthfully and describe your condition as it actually exists.

Learn more about C&P exams:

VA.gov: VA Claim Exam / C&P Exam