When applying for VA disability benefits, you might be asked to attend more than just the initial Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. In fact, sometimes veterans may need to go for third or fourth exams. Understanding why VA might request this will help you be prepared if it happens and know just what to do to be successful.  Why Would VA Request a Third or Fourth C&P Exam? VA may request multiple C&P exams for several reasons. Complex or multifaceted conditions often require additional exams to gather sufficient information.  To ensure the consistency and severity of yo ..read more

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be challenging, and receiving a notice for another Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam can be confusing and stressful. However, understanding why the VA requests a secondary examination and what it means for your claim can help alleviate some of that anxiety. Why Would the VA Request a Second C&P Exam for the Same Condition? The VA may request an additional compensation & pension (C&P) medical exam for several reasons: Clarification of Initial Findings: If the first exam was inconclusive or lacked sufficient detail, a second ..read more

A static disability is a condition that is considered permanent and not expected to improve over time. VA recognizes certain disabilities as permanent in nature because they are stable and unlikely to show significant improvement or deterioration. These disabilities typically result in a fixed disability rating that is not subject to routine reexaminations or reductions. Is There a VA Static Disability List? VA does not provide an official list that documents these disabilities, but certain conditions (see below) are commonly recognized due to their permanent nature. Understanding whether a di ..read more

Navigating the VA disability claims system can be frustrating and challenging for any veteran. One of the more confusing aspects is trying to understand why the VA may reexamine your disability, especially if you believe your condition is static.  However, there are a few reasons the VA may do this, including if they believe your medical condition has improved or if there were inaccuracies in the initial rating. Learn how to identify the reasons why you might be subjected to another C&P exam and how to handle it effectively.  Understanding VA Reexaminations These periodic reviews ..read more

Wondering if the child of a veteran who has reached adult age is still eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)? The answer is yes, a grown child of a veteran can get benefits under certain conditions. Here is how to determine if you qualify. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Adult Children DIC is a benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line or duty or veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. While DIC is primarily reserved for spouses, young children and, in some cases, parents of deceased veterans, a ..read more

Mefloquine, commonly known by its brand name Lariam, is an antimalarial drug that has been used by the U.S. military since 1989. It was frequently prescribed to service members deployed in regions like Africa and the Middle East to help prevent malaria. However, over time, significant concerns have arisen regarding the drug’s severe side effects, leading to its classification as a drug of “last resort” by the military in 2013. The Symptoms of Mefloquine Toxicity The FDA began issuing warnings about severe neuropsychiatric side effects and toxicity symptoms in 2002, and by 2013, the drug was la ..read more

Gulf War veterans often face numerous health challenges after their service and skin conditions are among the most common. Understanding the presumptive skin conditions recognized by the VA is important for Gulf War veterans seeking support, treatment and wanting to file claims for disability benefits.  Gulf War Presumptive Skin Conditions  The VA recognizes certain skin conditions as presumptive for Gulf War veterans. This means that veterans do not need to prove a direct service connection between their time in military service and the condition.  The skin conditions that qual ..read more

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination that is often requested by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to gather information and evidence about conditions a veteran is wanting benefits for. These exams are a critical (and often frustrating) part of a VA disability claim, helping determine both service connection and severity of the condition, which directly impacts the disability rating and benefits that are awarded. The Purpose of C&P Exams for TDIU Claims Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows veterans who do not meet the ..read more

Crying during a C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam is not only okay, but it can also be an important part of conveying the impact of your condition to the examiner.  It’s natural to experience strong emotions, especially when discussing traumatic events or mental health issues. And expressing your emotions, including crying, can be beneficial for your VA claim. Why Crying During a C&P Exam is Normal Many veterans feel a wave of emotions during their C&P exam. The process of recounting traumatic experiences or discussing deeply personal issues can be overwhelming.  Crying ..read more

Getting a favorable C&P exam only to have your VA disability claim denied can be a really frustrating and confusing experience for a veteran, and it is a more common occurrence than you’d think. Here’s what to do if your claim was denied despite a favorable C&P exam. Find Out Why the Claim Was Denied There are many reasons why a claim could be denied despite a favorable C&P exam. Some of the reasons include: Inconsistencies in medical evidence Failure to establish service connection Contradicting additional opinions and reviews  Inconsistencies in Medical Evidence A common r ..read more