FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Claims

What is a VA claim?

A VA claim is a request for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability compensation or pension. A disability compensation claim is a request for benefits based on a disability that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. The VA provides tax-free monetary benefits to eligible veterans each month for service-connected disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during their active duty military service. 

What qualifies you for a VA disability?

You’re eligible if you were active in the military, naval, or air service and have a mental or physical health condition due to this service. You must also have a discharge that is characterized as other than dishonorable. 

Is it hard to get VA disability?

You deserve compensation if your military service resulted in a mental or physical condition. The VA disability process is detailed and can be long, but an accredited Veteran Service Officer, Claims Agent or Attorney can help you through every step.

How do I file a VA claim? 

You can file a VA claim 

1) online through the VA website at va.gov, 

2) by submitting the VBA Form 21-526EZ by mail, by fax, or in person at a VA regional office or other VA facility.

3) by contacting your local Veteran Services office at either your County, City, or state VA office. 

4) By contacting an accredited service organization such as VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), etc. 

How long does it take to process a VA claim? 

The processing time for a VA claim depends on several factors, such as the type and complexity of the claim, the evidence submitted, and the workload of the VA office handling the claim. The current average processing time for a VA claim is in this link: https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/images/mmwr/mmwr_claims_online.png 

How do I check the status of my VA claim? 

You can check the status of your VA claim online through the VA website (va.gov), by phone at 1-800-827-1000, or by contacting your accredited representative or service organization.

Can I apply for VA disability while I’m still a service member?

Yes. Although you cannot receive benefits while you are enlisted, you can file a pre-discharge claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program.

What is the best way to get to 100% rating? 

There is no easy answer to that one. It all depends on your individual conditions and whether or not they can be service connected. Getting from 80 or 90 % to that 100% mark is even harder, since there is so little to work with. If you are unable to work and maintain gainful employment at over $15,255/year 2023, look at filing for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability).

Why did my date change on eBenefits/va.gov? 

The dates given on eBenefits/va.gov are just an estimate. It will often change and is subject to go back and forth between steps, even back to gathering evidence. The claims process is very complex and often will not follow a strict timeline, even though you are given one. 

When will I get my backpay? 

Again, that is an individual answer and depends on a lot of different factors. If you are retired from the military then DFAS has to do an audit before backpay can be received and that process can take over 6 months. Most of the time backpay is payed within a few weeks after you receive your letter. In most cases, many people will see backpay hit before they ever even see their award letter. 

Award letters? When will I receive it; can it be found anywhere else?

New Feature Has Been Added to Your VA GOV Account Online as of early 2023 where the veteran can view claims decision letters.

Mine go all the way back to 1992. (Yup...I'm old! 😉 )

https://www.va.gov/track-claims/your-claim-letters 

I cant log in to eBenefits/va.gov  or it isn’t working.....

Very, very common. Ebenefits/va.gov both go down a lot for maintenance. It is nothing to be concerned about. It seems to be most often on weekends. If you continue to have a problem logging in than it is an individual account issue and you need to contact technical support for eBenefits at: 

VA/DoD eBenefits Questions and Technical Issues

1-800-983-0937

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm ET. 

What do all the Acronyms and Abbreviations Mean? 

I've gathered many of the multitude of acronyms the VA uses here: Acronyms & Terms

What is an Accredited VSO/ NSO / CSO / Agent? 

Please read my explanation here: Choosing a Representative

Where do I send evidence, forms and documents for my claims? 

Upload on va.gov or send to: Janesville Intake Center either via snail mail, fax, upload or through your Veteran Service Officer or attorney or claims agent. 


Mail to:

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

CLAIMS INTAKE CENTER

PO BOX 4444

JANESVILLE, WI 53547-4444


or Fax to:

TOLL FREE: 844-531-7818 & 248-524-4260 (Utilized for Foreign Claimants)


or Upload here:

https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=quicksubmit 

Are there organizations that can help me with my Claim exam? 

VA recommends you work with an accredited representative, such as a VSO, to help guide you through the entire claims process. These representatives can help you gather evidence in support of your claim, help file your claim and address issues as you move through the claim decision process. You can search for a representative on eBenefits, https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search . 

Plese read my link here on choosing a representative. 

You may, if you desire do a DIY claim (Do it yourself). 

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Any person or company that is charging you for help with initial claims or increases should be reported to the VA especially if they are charging a fee based on future VA pay or benefits such as 5 months of the difference between your original VA pay and the result. 

HOW TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS OR ILLEGAL REPRESENTATIVES

Perhaps most importantly, if a veteran or claimant has concerns about their accredited representative, they may file a complaint with VA’s Office of the General Counsel, in charge of hearing and resolving these concerns. Notably, VA cannot resolve disputes between a veteran and an unaccredited representative. So, in these unfortunate circumstances, veterans are left without recourse at VA. This is why the GUARD Act is so important.

If veterans do encounter unaccredited representatives, there are several actions they can take. These include reporting the individual or company to the state bar for unauthorized practice of law, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and to VA. Additionally, veterans can leave a negative review to prevent others from falling victim to these scammers..  

I just retired and now my new VA disability pay says there is a withholding. What is going on? 

If you retire from the military and recently received your VA ratings, you may notice that your new VA pay may show a withholding from your retired pay. 

The reason is both DFAS and the VA must do an audit to ensure both your VA retro pay and military retro pay are accurate.

DFAS usually takes less than 8 weeks while the VA portion can take up to an additional 4-5 months. 

After each you will receive any retro pay due. 

In the mean time your VA pay will start after the first full month after you receive your notification letter. The VA pays in arrears. 

So, if you retire on 1 JULY and get your VA rating on 15 JULY, your first VA pay will be at the end of AUGUST. 

I filed a Benefits Delivery at Discharge claim (BDD). Why have I not received a decision yet? 

The GOAL of the BDD process is to provide a rating within 60 days after discharge. Only 51% of all BDD claims are completed within 30 days after discharge. Be patient. 

Some may get a PROPOSED RATING prior to discharge or retirement but not all. 

Can I get a Department of Defense (DoD) ID card? I am not a military retiree.

DoD ID Card for retirees, 100% or IU Veterans

▪ The Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID) card is a replacement for the previous version of United States military ID.

▪ DoD ID Card is your option...If you are 100% or IU, P&T status not required. 

▪ The 100% cannot be a temp 100% such as heart attack, cancer, major joint replacement, convalescence or hospitalization. 

▪ Honorable discharge is required. 

▪ If you are retired military this will not replace your retired ID card. 

▪ If only the veteran wants access to the base, this is not required, and your VA Healthcare ID Card will give you access. If you are 100% or IU, and you want your spouse and children over 14 to have access without the veteran being present, then they can also get DoD ID cards. 

▪ On this website, select "Getting the Card (RAPIDS Processing)" to make an appointment for you and your dependents to get a DoD ID card.

▪ Make sure you review the section on the website called "List of Acceptable Identity Documents for DoD ID Card Issuance (PDF)".

https://www.cac.mil/ 

What the heck is P&T?

(That is rhetorical...here is what P&T or Permanent & Total is)

• You can be 100% with or without P&T status.

• You can be IU with or without P&T status.

IU is the same as TDIU and means Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability.

• The T in P&T stands for 'Total'. That is the 100% or IU.

• The P in P&T stands for 'Permanent'. Permanent means the conditions are unlikely to improve in your lifetime. A medical decision.

Permanent does not mean 'forever'. Someone with P&T status can still be reduced. However, P&T status means you will have no Routine Future Exams (RFE). So, unless you decide to open a new claim or file for an increase, you are on the back burner as far as the VA is concerned and they have better things to do than look at your claims.

The 20 year rule

Once your individual percentage is 20 years old, including IU, at that point you cannot be reduced, and your conditions are considered 'protected from reduction' - barring fraud.

Additional benefits

In addition to no future exams your dependents also get additional benefits including medical (CHAMPVA if not Tricare eligible) and Dependents Education Assistance (Chapter 35) - up to $1,488/mo (2024) for up to 36 months for each dependent - children up to age 26 and spouse.

Changes to Chapter 35 DEA - PL 117-328 signed into law on 12/29/2022.

How will I know if I am P&T?

If you are 100% or IU you may already have Permanent & Total (P&T) and don't realize it. Log in to the va.gov website. Look under 'Records'. Click 'Download your benefit letters'. On the next screen click 'Get Your VA Benefit Letters'. Next: View Letters

Select 'Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter'

To see if you are P&T, the statement will say "You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled solely due to your service-connected disabilities." Yes or No

I am 100% or TDIU (Individual Unemployability). I have checked and I am not P&T. Can I file for P&T status?

If you are 100% or TDIU and your ratings are considered static or unlikely to improve then you can request P&T status at any time. The form to request Permanent & Total is the "Statement in Support of Claim" - VA Form 21-4138 along with opening a new claim either online or by also filing a VBA Form 21-526EZ. On the 4138 form you must ask for it in plain English. 

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SUBJECT: Request for Permanent & Total

I request a permanent and total status with respect to my total disability rating. 

In the event the VA determines the evidence referenced above is deficient in supporting a finding of a permanent status, I request to be scheduled for a comprehensive examination in order to ascertain the actual severity of my service connected disabilities in accordance with 38 CFR § 3.159 & § 3.327.

Your assistance with this request is appreciated.  

---

State your reasoning. Submit any doctors letters supporting that your conditions are totally disabling and static and unchanging in the foreseeable future. It helps to already have a 100% rating. You will have to be total, the 'T' part of the P&T and that can be IU (Individual Unemployability) or schedular.

A statement like this will help if you can get a doctor to write it out for you. 

"After examining Mr/Ms Veteran, his/her chart and medical records it is my opinion that Mr/Mrs Veteran is totally and permanently disabled due to the above discussed back condition and his/her rated conditions are unlikely to improve in his/her lifetime." 

(If you are IU, add this part)

"The veteran cannot hold gainful employment as a result of the injury he/she sustained while in the military. It is also my opinion that it is more likely than not the that the physical traumas suffered during the veteran's military service as noted in his/her record (description of events and dates) caused, contributed to and aggravated the totally disabling back condition(s). "

You should start a new claim by filing a VA Form 526EZ and the form above. The same statement will still be required. 

NOTE: Anytime you request a change in status, like P&T status you open up all your current ratings for review. Please be aware of this before you apply for P&T. I am not saying don't apply, but know what you are doing. 😉

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526EZ-ARE.pdf 

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4138-ARE.pdf 

Appeals

What is a VA appeal?

A VA appeal is a request for a higher-level review of a VA decision on a claim or an application for benefits.

What is a Notice of Disagreement (NOD)? 

A Notice of Disagreement (NOD) is a written statement that you disagree with a VA decision on your claim or application for benefits. This is an appeal to the Board pf Veteran's Appeals in Washington, DC. Appeals to the Board often take several years. You must file a NOD within one year from the date of the decision letter to start the appeal process. Use VA Form 10182. 

What is a Board hearing? 

A hearing is an opportunity for you to present oral or written testimony and evidence in support of your appeal before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at the BVA. You can request a hearing when you file your VA Form 10182.

What are the types of Board appeals? 

There are three types of different board appeals, or dockets, you can make directly to the board on the Use VA Form 10182. These are:

How long does it take to get a hearing? 

in 2022, the average wait time for a VA appeal ranges from 18-36 months, from the time you first file an appeal to when the VA issues a decision on your appeal. The type of appeal you choose will greatly impact how long it takes the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to make a decision. 

How do I prepare for a hearing? 

You should review your claim file (C-File) and gather any new evidence that supports your appeal before your hearing date. You should also prepare a brief statement that summarizes your arguments and explains why you disagree with the VA decision. You may also bring witnesses who can testify on your behalf.


This is a good video on preparation: (191) Veterans' Disability Hearing Prep - YouTube 

What happens at a hearing? 

At a hearing, you will have an opportunity to present your testimony and evidence to the VLJ who will decide your appeal. The VLJ may ask you questions about your claim or application for benefits. The VLJ may also allow you to make closing remarks at the end of the hearing.


This is a good video on a MOCK hearing: (191) Veterans' MOCK Hearing before the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) - YouTube 

 What happens after a hearing? 

After a hearing, the VLJ will review your testimony and evidence along with your claim file and issue a written decision on your appeal. The decision will either grant, deny, or remand your appeal. A large majority of appeals will be remaned back to the Regional Office for correction. 


What is a remand? 

A remand is an order from the BVA to send your appeal back to the VA regional office or other VA facility for further action. A remand may occur if there is new evidence that needs to be considered, if there is an error in applying the law or regulations, or if there is additional information that needs to be obtained.

How do I submit new evidence after my hearing? 

You can submit new evidence after your hearing by mailing it to the BVA with a cover letter that identifies your name, claim number, and appeal number. You should also send copies of any new evidence to your accredited representative or service organization and to the VA regional office or other VA facility that has jurisdiction over your claim or application for benefits.

How long does it take to get a decision from the BVA? 

The time it takes to get a decision from the BVA depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your appeal, the number of issues involved, and the workload of the BVA. The average processing time for an appeal at the BVA in fiscal year 2020 was 336 days

How do I check the status of my appeal at the BVA? 

You can check the status of your appeal at the BVA online through the VA website, by phone at 1-800-923-8387, or by contacting your accredited representative or service organization.

Compensation & Pension Exams (C&P)

What is a VA Claim Exam, also known as a Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examination? 

If you’ve filed a claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability compensation or pension benefits, VA may ask you to go to an examination as part of the claim process. For disability compensation, this exam helps VA determine if you have a disability related to your military service or if your condition should receive an increased rating due to it worsening. In the case of pension claims, the exam documents the level of your disability. This is known as a VA claim exam or a compensation & pension (C&P) exam. C&P exams are free and considered part of the Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) 'Duty to Assist' policy.

This exam is different from a regular medical appointment because the examiner won’t prescribe any medicine or treat you – for instance, you won’t receive a referral to a specialist. The examiner will only perform a medical review to identify or confirm any disabilities shared in your claim application. They will record the findings and provide them to a VA claims processor to complete the claim process. 

Is everyone scheduled for a VA Claim Exam?

No, not everyone will be requested to attend a VA exam. After you have applied for disability compensation and/or pension, you may receive a phone call or a letter from VA or a VA partner asking you to come to a claim exam, also known as a C&P exam. If you have claimed benefits based upon several disabilities, you may be asked to report for one or more exams so each disability can be reviewed by an appropriate examiner. This is a routine request. You may be asked to go to a VA medical center or a VA partner to complete the claim exams. Not every application for a benefit will require an exam; it depends on what medical evidence has been included with the application. 

How is the VA Claim Exam or C&P exam Scheduled? 

A VA medical center or a VA partner is responsible for contacting you about scheduling a claim exam. They may either mail you a letter with the date and time of your appointment(s) and/or call you to find a time that fits with your schedule. If you are receiving treatment at a VA medical center, make sure they have your current address, phone number and email information. The wrong information could cause your appointment letter to be delayed and not reach you in time. 

It is a good idea to call and confirm the exam time(s) and locations to make sure you and VA or the VA partner have the correct appointment information. Use the phone number on your appointment letter or if you were called, use the phone number left by VA or the VA partner. If you don’t show up to your exam, you may have a longer wait to get your exam rescheduled; it could delay your claim; and/or your claim could be rated “as-is” (using only the information in your file). 

The Date and/or time of my C&P exam doesn't work for me. Can I reschedule my exam? 

If your scheduled exam date or time does not work with some other life event, immediately call the number provided and try to reschedule. Unless it is an emergency situation, try not to reschedule the exam the day before or on the day of the exam. Not responding to a phone or letter request for scheduling an exam or missing the exam could cause VA to delay its decision on your claim. Not showing up to your exam takes up an appointment time another Veteran could have used, and also could cause your claim to be rated “as-is” based only on the information in your application. Most facilities try to meet your requests (if possible) if you have a good reason for rescheduling your time and you give enough notice. 

How early do I need to get there before the VA Claim Exam?

It is helpful to be at least 15 minutes early to your scheduled exam time, leaving enough time to arrive at the facility location where your exam will take place. Once you check in with the exam staff, they will be able to answer questions on how long you will have to wait. Many examiners will not perform your exam if you are late, as they will not have enough time to complete the required history and exam review and take care of other Veterans on their schedule. 

What will the Claim Exam be like? 

Unlike a typical medical exam or other healthcare appointment you may have with VA, the claim exam will not give you any treatment or prescribe any medicine. The examiner’s job is to review your medical records related to your disability claim, including the claim file, also known as your c-file/e-file. The c-file typically includes medical treatment records from Department of Defense (DoD), your DoD personnel records, treatment records from your health care providers and any other documents submitted. 

The amount of time the examiner spends with you during your exam depends on what conditions you claimed and if VA needs more information to make a decision. Following your exam, the examiner completes a report that includes an analysis of clinical test results, if any were performed. You have the right to request and receive copies of your test results by contacting your VA regional office. If the exam was done at a VA facility the results may be available online at MyHealtheVet website under 'Blue Button' in the 'Notes' section: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/

If the exam was done by a VA partner, you can request a copy of the C&P exam results by filing a VBA form 20-10206, walking into a local VA Regional Office and ask in person, or ask your accredited representative (VSO, Claims Agent or Attorney). 

How long will the claim exam take? 

Each exam is different depending on the information and needs of each Veteran. Exams can range anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more. The examiner may ask you questions, observe you, perform a limited physical exam or simply review your file with you. The time an examiner spends with you during your exam may appear brief, but remember, even if your visit is short, he or she is still carefully reviewing your claim. Examiners often spend an hour or more before or after your appointment reviewing your claim. 

Where does the Claim Exam Fit within the Claim Process? 

VA schedules the claim exam at the end of the “Information Gathering” stage, which is about 60% of the way through the claim decision process. After your exam, the examiner will complete a report that includes a review of the exam and any clinical test results. The examiner submits the report back to the VA regional office so it can be included within your c-file/e-file and they can continue processing your claim. VA will then perform a final review on your whole claim package, and make a decision on your claim. 

The C&P Report is a significant factor in the VA's decision about whether or not to grant you benefits, but the VA will also consider all the medical evidence in your record and any DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) and nexus statements you may have submitted with your claim. DBQs are available online here: Disability Benefits Questionnaires


Can the Person doing my VA Claim Exam tell me the status of my Claim? 

No, the examiner is only involved in performing the exam and providing the results to the claims processor. They are not part of the rating process, and do not make the rating decisions. They will never know the outcome of your pending claim. Only a VA regional office can answer questions regarding rating decisions. 

To get a claim status update, please go to eBenefits.va.gov or, if you are working with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative, contact them for a status update. You may also contact VA at 1-800-827-1000, and a contact representative will be pleased to answer your questions. 

Can I bring new treatment information or other evidence with me that I did not submit as part of the Claim? 

Yes, if you have any medical documents that were not previously sent to VA, you can bring them to your claim exam. However, the examiner may not be able to submit that information on your behalf. All new information can be uploaded through eBenefits.va.gov, submitted to your accredited VSO representative, or mailed to VA using the appropriate address found here - http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/mailingaddresses.asp . Ideally, you should submit all of your medical evidence with your claim application or before of your claim exam so the examiner doing your exam has the most complete picture of your health status. 

Can I bring my Spouse or family member to my Claim Exam? 

Yes, at your request and the approval of the examiner, family members, caregivers, and significant others may be allowed to join you during an exam, but may not participate in and/or interfere with the exam. Service animals are also permitted. The request must come from the Veteran without prompting due to privacy concerns. Family members are part of the PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) for healthcare but not necessarily for benefits and C&P exams. 

I missed my scheduled Claim Exam, what should I do? 

If you were unable to attend your exam and did not contact VA in advance, your appointment will be considered a “no show.” You will have to request a new exam appointment by calling 1-800-827-1000. If you fail to show up to any claim or C&P exam(s), it is likely that your claim decision will be delayed while VA tries to reschedule your exam. Your claim could also be rated “as-is” (using only the current information in your file). It is very helpful to make sure that both the VA regional office and the VA medical center nearest to you have your current address, phone number, and email information. This will help make sure VA can communicate with you about any need for a claim exam appointment. It is also a good idea to call and confirm the exam time(s) and location(s) that you have received to make sure you and VA have the correct appointment information. 

My claim exam is scheduled far away from where I live, can I get help with paying for my travel? 

Yes, if you are scheduled for a claim exam or C&P exam, you can request travel reimbursement. Mileage is calculated at 41.5 cents a mile from your door to the exam facility. If this was a contractor C&P exam, then the travel pay will come from that company.. If you had the exam at a VA facility, your travel pay request will be submitted to the beneficiary travel office. Contact the C&P Office if you need overnight accommodations. 

The Examiner didn't even touch me during the claim exam, is this normal? 

Think of the claim exam, or C&P exam, as a medical review. Unlike a typical medical exam or other healthcare appointment you may have with VA, an examiner will not provide you any treatment, make any referrals to other medical providers or prescribe any medicine. Depending on the information in your claim file, such as medical documents from current providers, and completed Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs), the examiner will determine what additional questions and information are needed to confirm your health status and complete the exam. In some instances, your file may be so complete that only a few follow up questions may be needed. Know that your case is being carefully reviewed and VA’s decision will not depend on the length of your exam visit. 

The in-person part of your claim exam is only one part of what examiners do as part of their evaluation. They also typically spend more than an hour before or after appointments reviewing claims files to ensure they are providing the most complete and accurate reviews possible. All of the supporting documents that you provide to support your claim play an important part in the examiner’s report. 

If you have a question about what is happening during your claim exam, you should feel comfortable asking the examiner about what he or she is doing and what you can expect during your visit. Keep in mind they are medical experts who are following up on the medical information you provided in your claim application. Neither VA examiners nor VA partner examiners are involved in rating your claim. They are not always familiar with the full claim process and cannot tell you when a decision will be made. All claims-related questions should be directed to the VA regional office nearest you. 

I am unhappy with the treatment I received from the person doing my claim exam, what should I do? 

If you attend your claim exam and have a negative experience with a VA examiner or a VA partner examiner, VA encourages you to share feedback immediately. You may go to the C&P exam supervisor within a VA medical center or the supervisor within the VA partner facility, reach out to the VA patient advocate at your closest VA medical facility, or call the number on your original appointment letter. It is helpful to write out a statement of concern that can be submitted as part of your claim file. Share concerns immediately. Do not wait until your claim decision has been made. This will help ensure any issues are handled as quickly as possible. 

My claim was denied without a claim exam or C&P exam, is this a normal event? 

VA awards disability compensation when the claim file shows three things: 

1. Current diagnosis of a disability 

2. Record of an event that happened during military service that could have resulted in the disability 

3. An opinion that the disability is related to military service, also called a “nexus opinion” 

If the first two items are clearly shown in your claim application, that’s when the C&P exam process comes in. If you did not submit enough information with your claim application to show that you have a current diagnosis of a disability or that an event occurred in military service that may have caused the disability, there is no need for VA to schedule a claim exam to get a nexus opinion to tie the two events together. Make sure you submit all relevant military and treatment records as part of your claim application. 

Why is a contractor conducting my claim exam and not a VA examiner? 

VA may use contractors or VA partners who are medical experts with experience working with Veterans to speed up the claim process. They support the timelier scheduling of claim exams and evidence gathering in support of your claim. You may get scheduled for a claim exam with a VA partner. They follow the same HIPAA policies as VA, so you are guaranteed that your privacy is protected. 

The exam is performed at the expense of VA and, just as if the exam was done at a VA medical center, the exam is used in the claim decision process for disability compensation or pension benefits. The medical facilities that work with VA are bound by the same rules and privacy laws as VA, so you can be sure your exam can be trusted and all of your information is secure and will be shared directly with VA. 

How to Answer Questions at the Exam 

Don’t exaggerate your symptoms, but don’t diminish them either. When the doctor asks you questions, be truthful. Explain to the doctor exactly how your symptoms impact your life. This can be uncomfortable, since this will be your first visit with the doctor, but it is important to your claim that you be as open and honest as possible. Even if you feel frustrated by the questions or have a personal dislike of the doctor, be courteous.

If the VA Didn't Send the Doctor Your Records to the examiner.

Usually the VA does send the claims file to the doctor in advance of the exam, but sometimes the agency neglects to. If the VA doctor hasn't received the records, he or she may not even be sure of the reason for your visit. If this happens, tell the doctor you’ve been treated at the VA, and the doctor should be able to pull up your records on the computer. However, the doctor won't have any access to private treatment records if you have seen doctor’s outside the VA. And the doctor won't see any statements about your disability that you have submitted to the VA Regional Office.

Always submit all evidence PRIOR to the C&P exam. In fact, you should have submitted all evidence when you filed your claim. This includes DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaire's), medical opinions (nexus statements), logs (headache, balance issues, blood pressure, etc.), personal statement, spouse’s statement, Social Security Disability exams and determinations and other medical evidence you may have. Having all this submitted will provide the examiner the opportunity to review all pertinent information before the exam itself. 

It is advisable to bring your latest DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaire's), medical opinions (nexus statements), logs (headache, balance issues, blood pressure, etc.), personal statement, spouse’s statement and other medical evidence. The C&P exam may have informed you to not bring anything to the exam. However, sometimes your evidence is not readily available to the examiner and having yours with you may help. 

If you live far away from a VA Medical Center, the VA may send you to a private physician. In that case, if the VA doesn’t send over your records, the doctor will not be able to access your treatment information on the computer at all. The Compensation and Pension exam will then have to be rescheduled. This is because a C&P report is considered inadequate by the VA Regional Office unless the doctor has reviewed the claims file.

Canes, walker, brace and other assistive devices. 

If you need the use of a cane, walker or other assistive device, did you explain that in your personal statement and take that to your C&P exam and every time you see your doctors? Do you use a shopping cart to hold yourself up when shopping? Do you have a brace, TENS unit or eStem and did you wear them for the exam and every time you see your doctors? Did you explain to your doctors and C&P examiner and in your personal statement how you manage your rated conditions...meditation, exercise, acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy (even self administered), Tai Chi? When going to any appointment, remember that the appointment starts at your driveway and ends at your driveway. You do not want a video of you skipping down the road after your exam! 

Survivor's Benefits

Does a veteran need to die in service for a widow or widower to get benefits? 

No, a veteran does not need to die in service for their spouse to qualify for survivor benefits. However, each type of VA survivor benefit has its own requirements and qualifications. For example, some benefits may only be available to survivors if a veteran died due to a service-connected condition or if the veteran had a certain character of discharge from the military.

How do I apply for VA death benefits upon my mom or dad’s death?

Children of veterans can receive several VA survivors benefits in the event of their parent’s death. However, factors including the child’s age and marital status can affect eligibility. 

In order to apply for these benefits, you should first use the VA’s website to determine if you are eligible. Next, you’ll want to gather all the necessary information and documentation the VA requires about yourself and your parent. This information may be slightly different from one benefit to the next, so be sure to read carefully and prepare properly for any benefits you wish to receive. Finally, you can apply online on the VA’s website or through your free County Veteran services office. 

What does the VA pay for when a veteran dies?

In the event of a qualifying veteran’s death, the VA may pay for the burial and memorial service. They may cover grief counseling as well.


The VA also offers pensions, home loan programs and financial assistance, and DIC payments, which are all designed specifically for survivors in the event of a veteran’s death. 


Several other VA benefits are available to children and spouses of both living and deceased veterans.

Can a veteran get both disability benefits and DIC at the same time?

If two married veterans qualify for disability benefits and one dies, the survivor is able to receive both their own disability benefits and DIC for their deceased spouse. 


Because the two are separate claims for different types of compensation benefits, there would be two separate sets of paperwork and two separate claim files to review. The surviving spouse could receive both payments simultaneously. 

Can suicide be considered a service-related cause of death for DIC?

It is possible for a survivor to receive DIC benefits from the VA if their veteran commits suicide. Just like with other requests for benefits, a claim requires lay and medical evidence to support it. If a veteran dies by suicide and had been rated for a service-connected mental health condition at the time of their death, this could be more compelling evidence that the suicide is service connected.


The VA uses 38 CFR § 3.302 when considering service connection for a veteran’s suicide.

How long do you have to be married to a veteran to get benefits?

To be eligible for DIC payments, a surviving spouse must have lived with their veteran without a break throughout their marriage until the veteran’s death, with a couple exceptions. If the couple was ever separated, the survivor may still be eligible if they are not considered at “fault” for the separation. 


A surviving spouse is defined as meeting one of the following conditions:

Who qualifies for VA survivor compensation benefits?

Surviving parents, spouses, and children of veterans may all be eligible for monthly DIC payments. Eligibility is different depending on how you are related to the veteran. 

To qualify, the veteran must have died in the line of duty or from a service-connected condition. The only exceptions are veterans who did not die from a service-connected condition, but were rated for a condition considered totally disabling (100% or TDIU) by the VA for 10 years or more before their death, 5 years if the 100% or TDIU was awarded initially after leaving active duty. 

How much is DIC for surviving spouses?

The standard rate for DIC payments for surviving spouses is $1,562.74 (2023). There are several different circumstances that can increase this amount, including the number of dependent children the surviving spouse has. 

Is VA DIC a lifetime benefit?



Will I lose DIC benefits if I remarry?