Plain-language definitions grounded in the clinical and regulatory literature.
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What it isA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination requested by the VA to evaluate a veteran’s disability claim. C&P examiners review the veteran’s service records, current medical records, and conduct a clinical assessment to produce a nexus opinion and severity rating that guides the VA’s compensation decision.
Why it mattersThe C&P exam is often the single most consequential step in a VA disability claim. A negative or inadequate C&P opinion can sink a well-documented claim. Veterans with sleep disorders should prepare specifically for C&P exams by bringing objective sleep data, a private nexus letter, and a documented history of in-service sleep exposure.
Think of it like thisA C&P exam is the referee’s call on your disability claim. You can influence the quality of that call by presenting your evidence clearly before the examiner makes their assessment.
C&P exams are conducted by VA or contracted medical professionals and generate a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for each claimed condition. The examiner must address whether the condition is at least as likely as not related to service (the nexus question) and rate current severity against VA diagnostic code criteria. C&P opinions are not final determinations — they can be rebutted with independent medical evidence.
Sleep disorders, PTSD, and the invisible wounds of service can feel isolating. If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, help is available right now. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to veterans, service members, and their families.
If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, call the Veterans Crisis Line at