What Happens After Your C&P Exam (Step by Step)
Once your C&P exam ends, the DBQ goes back to the VA within 5–10 business days. Here's exactly what happens before your decision letter.
After your C&P exam, the examiner submits the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to the VA within 5–10 business days. The VA then reviews the DBQ, applies the rating criteria, and issues a decision. Total time after the exam is typically 30–90 days.
The exam is over. Now what? This is the most-asked C&P question for a reason — the next 30 to 90 days will largely determine your rating, and there are a few things you can do during this window.
The DBQ Goes to the VA
The examiner completes a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) — a structured form keyed to the rating criteria in 38 CFR. The DBQ is uploaded to the VA's system within 5 to 10 business days. Contracted examiners (QTC, LHI, VES, MSLA) typically upload within 7 days.
The RVSR Reviews the DBQ
A Rating Veterans Service Representative reviews the DBQ alongside your service treatment records, VA medical records, and any private records. If the exam is adequate, they draft a rating decision. If it is inadequate, they request a clarification — which adds 30 to 60 days.
Want to make sure your exam didn't have an avoidable issue worth flagging?
See Common C&P Exam MistakesWhat a Clarification Request Actually Means
When the rater sends the exam back for clarification, it's not a sign that anything went wrong with your claim itself — it usually means a specific DBQ question wasn't fully addressed, or a finding seemed inconsistent with the rest of the record. The examiner then submits an addendum answering the specific gap, after which the rater resumes drafting. It's an added delay, but it's routine quality control rather than a red flag.
How to Get a Copy of Your DBQ
You can request your C&P exam results in two ways: through VA.gov (Records → Personal Health Records) after the exam is filed, or via a written records request to your Regional Office under the Privacy Act. The DBQ is part of your VA claims file (C-file).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a 'good' exam guarantees a high rating — the rater still applies the schedule.
- Filing new evidence in panic before the rater even sees the DBQ.
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
After the exam, your job is mostly to wait. Pull your DBQ when it's available, review it for errors, and be ready to respond if the rating doesn't match the medical reality.
Want to make sure your exam didn't have an avoidable issue worth flagging?
See Common C&P Exam Mistakes