What to bring to a VA C&P exam when records are already in your file
VA says you do not need to bring anything to a claim exam. New non-VA medical records should be submitted before the appointment so they become part of the claim file.
What VA says to bring
VA says you do not need to bring anything to a claim exam. If you have new records from a non-VA provider, such as records from a recent surgery or illness, VA tells veterans to submit them before the appointment.
An examiner may look at records you bring, but the examiner cannot submit those records for you. Upload them through the claim status tool, submit them through an accredited representative or VSO, or use another method listed by VA.
If the examiner asks for records already submitted
Write down which records the examiner asked about. After the appointment, check the claim file or upload history to confirm that VA received them. If the status is unclear, contact VA or an accredited representative before sending duplicate files.
Keep the question narrow: Was the record received, and is it associated with the correct claim? A clean list of document names, providers, and dates is easier to check than a folder of unlabeled copies.
Prepare for the appointment itself
VA advises arriving 15 minutes early and wearing comfortable clothes so you can move freely. Confirm the time, location, and contractor instructions before you leave.
Answer the examiner accurately. Do not guess about dates or symptoms. If you do not know an answer, say so rather than filling the gap from memory.
File review checklist
- Confirm the appointment time, location, and contractor.
- Submit new non-VA medical records before the exam.
- Save the upload confirmation or submission receipt.
- List the records the examiner asks about.
- Check with VA or an accredited representative if a record appears missing.
Common questions
Should I hand new medical records to the C&P examiner?
VA says the examiner may review records you bring, but the examiner cannot submit them for you. Submit new non-VA records through a VA-approved channel before the appointment.
Can VADIS tell me what to say during a C&P exam?
No. VADIS can help organize records and dates. Your answers should be accurate and based on your own history and symptoms.
Sources
Check the linked VA pages for current forms, eligibility rules, and deadlines.
Related evidence guides
VADIS can help organize exam notices, medical records, and prior decisions so missing-file questions are easier to check.
Compare VADA services or start intake.
Educational information only. Confirm deadlines, eligibility, and filing strategy with VA or a VA-accredited representative.