How to Request Copies of Your VA C&P Exams and Medical Opinions
by Deborah Miller, PhD, HSPP - Lead Psychologist and owner at vetnexusletter.com
I work with veterans every day whose claims have been previously denied, and they're trying to understand why. Having a professional review your VA C&P exams and medical opinions can give you important information about how the VA's medical examiners conducted their exams and details of their findings. This is important when working on a Higher Level Review or Supplemental claim, so that you can directly address any errors in the examiner's opinions or examination details, and gather new evidence to support areas of weakness in your claim. It's always best to consult an accredited professional, whether it's a VSO, claims agent, or VA-accredited attorney for legal advice on how to proceed after a denial. You can find an accredited agent here: LINK
If you have undergone a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination, you can request copies of the examination reports, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), and medical opinions the VA used to evaluate your disability claim.
These records can be especially helpful if your claim was denied and you want to understand the medical examiner's reasoning or challenge an unfavorable opinion.
The VA requires veterans to request these records through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act request using VA Form 20-10206.
Step 1: Log-in to the VA's FOIA Request Portal
Open the Portal using the link above.
Sign in using one of the supported login methods
Follow the step-by-step instructions and provide any requested information for each step.
When asked which records you're requesting, select the category for Compensation and Pension records, then select Claim exams (C&P exams). This is the correct category for requesting C&P examination reports and associated medical opinions. You do not need to request your entire C-file unless you want additional records.
Fill out the information for C&P exams and medical opinions, and make sure your request includes language similar to this:
"I am requesting complete copies of all Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination reports, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), and medical opinions, including medical nexus opinions, secondary service connection opinions, aggravation opinions, and any medical opinion addenda associated with my VA disability claim for [LIST YOUR DENIED CLAIMED CONDITIONS]. Please include both favorable and unfavorable opinions, including records prepared by VA employees and contracted examiners such as QTC, VES, OptumServe, or other contractors. I am specifically requesting records concerning: [LIST YOUR CLAIMED CONDITIONS], including examinations conducted on or around [DATES, IF KNOWN]."
Tip: If you need only specific examination reports, list the conditions and approximate dates rather than requesting your entire VA claims file. This makes the scope of your request clear, and often allows for faster processing.
Alternatively, you can also choose "Quick Submit" and upload your completed and signed VA Form 20-10206.
Download the VA Request Form
VA Form 20-10206 is the form you'll submit for a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Request
You can download the form, complete it electronically, and save it to your computer.
Step 2: Complete the Form
If you would rather fill out a PDF copy of the request, download the form above, complete and sign it, and submit it through the Quick Submit option.
Enter your full name, Social Security number or VA file number, and other identifying information requested.
In Section III – Records You Are Seeking, indicate that you are requesting your C&P examination records. DO NOT REQUEST YOUR ENTIRE CLAIMS FILE: this will take months or even a year to receive.
In the remarks or description area, specify exactly which documents you want. See below for suggested wording.
Complete any other required sections and sign and date the form.
Suggested wording for your request:
"I am requesting complete copies of all Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination reports, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), and medical opinions, including medical nexus opinions, secondary service connection opinions, aggravation opinions, and any medical opinion addenda associated with my VA disability claim for [LIST YOUR DENIED CLAIMED CONDITIONS]. Please include both favorable and unfavorable opinions, including records prepared by VA employees and contracted examiners such as QTC, VES, OptumServe, or other contractors. I am specifically requesting records concerning: [LIST YOUR CLAIMED CONDITIONS], including examinations conducted on or around [DATES, IF KNOWN]."
Tip: If you need only specific examination reports, list the conditions and approximate dates rather than requesting your entire VA claims file. This makes the scope of your request clear, and often allows for faster processing.
Step 3: Wait for the VA to Process Your Request
Whether you submit electronically or via Quick Submit, the VA will process your request and provide the available records. Processing times vary, so do not assume the documents will arrive within a specific number of days.
To follow up on your request, call the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Keep your submission confirmation number available.
You can also check the VBA Records Requester Portal for information about records requests.
Important Information
Look at the "Evidence" section of any rating decision letters to see which C&P Exams and medical opinions were completed for your claim, and the dates. This will help you know what to request.
Request both the DBQ and medical opinion. A DBQ documents the examination findings, while a separate medical opinion may explain whether the examiner believes your condition is related to military service or another service-connected disability. Both documents are very important!
Request addendum opinions. Sometimes the VA obtains additional medical opinions without scheduling another examination. These may be especially important when reviewing a denial.
You generally cannot obtain contracted examination reports directly from the examiner. The VA instructs veterans to request the final report through the VA.
Veterans Affairs
A FOIA/Privacy Act request does not extend your appeal deadline. If you are appealing a denial, pay attention to the deadline on your rating decision. Do not assume the VA will provide your examination records before that deadline.
You can also request your entire C-file. This includes a broader collection of documents associated with your VA disability claims, but it may involve substantially more records than you need.
If you need help with understanding and fighting your denial letter, Dr. Miller can assist with conditions related to mental health in some way, whether the denial was for a mental health disability like PTSD, or a physical condition secondary to PTSD.
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