What Happens When You Miss a C&P Exam
Missing a compensation and pension (C&P) exam does not always end a claim, but the regulation sets out what VA does next, and the result depends on the kind of claim. The key questions are whether you had good cause and what kind of claim the exam was for.
The rules below come from 38 CFR 3.326, 3.327, 3.330 and 3.655 as published on eCFR (current through October 26, 2026), and from VA's claim exam page on VA.gov, both read on October 28, 2026.
You are required to report
Section 3.326(a) says people for whom an exam has been scheduled "are required to report for the examination." Section 3.327(a) says the same of reexaminations VA schedules to check a disability you are already rated for. VA.gov adds that missing an exam "will delay your claim" and that VA may decide it "based on the existing evidence."
What VA does if you miss it without good cause
Section 3.655(a) applies when entitlement "cannot be established or confirmed without a current VA examination or reexamination" and you fail to report "without good cause." What happens next depends on the claim:
| Kind of claim | Result under 3.655 |
|---|---|
| Original compensation claim | "Rated based on the evidence of record" (3.655(b)) |
| Any other original claim, such as pension | Denied (3.655(b)) |
| Supplemental claim for a benefit VA previously disallowed | Denied (3.655(b)) |
| Claim for increase | Denied (3.655(b)) |
| Reexamination on a benefit you already receive | Pretermination notice, then discontinuance or reduction (3.655(c)) |
So a first compensation claim is not automatically denied. VA decides it on whatever is already in the file. That can still mean a denial or a lower rating if the file lacks what the criteria need.
What counts as good cause
Section 3.655(a) gives examples that "include, but are not limited to, the illness or hospitalization of the claimant, death of an immediate family member, etc." The list is open-ended. VA.gov gives its own examples: a death in your immediate family, being homeless, being hospitalized, or having a terminal illness. It says that if you missed the exam for what VA considers good cause, "we'll schedule a new appointment for you."
If the scheduling letter went to an old address or reached you too late, tell VA that as well, with whatever shows it. The regulation does not list every reason, so explain yours in writing and promptly.
How to explain why you missed it
VA.gov lists three ways. You can call VA, or upload a letter through the claim status tool on VA.gov. You can also mail a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Say what happened, give the dates and include anything that supports it, such as a hospital discharge paper. Keep a copy.
If you miss a reexamination on a running award
When you already receive benefits and miss a reexamination, 3.655(c) sets out these steps:
| Step | What happens (3.655(c)) |
|---|---|
| Notice | VA sends a pretermination notice saying payment for that disability will be stopped. If Part 4 sets a minimum evaluation, or the evaluation is protected under 3.951(b), payment is reduced to that level instead. The notice gives the proposed date, the reason, and your procedural and appeal rights |
| 60 days | You have 60 days to say you are willing to report, or to send evidence that payment should continue |
| No response | Payment is stopped or reduced as of the date in the notice or the date of last payment, whichever is later |
| You say you will report | VA defers the change and reschedules. If you miss the rescheduled exam, payment is stopped or reduced as of the date of last payment, and not adjusted again until an exam is done and reviewed |
| You ask for a hearing within 30 days | The change is deferred under 3.105(i)(1) |
A hearing requested after 30 days, but before the proposed date, is still scheduled. Payment still changes as of the proposed date or the date of last payment, whichever is later, unless the information presented warrants a different determination. If you report for an exam later, 3.330 says the new rating will state the period after the stop or reduction for which benefits are precluded.
How to avoid missing one
VA.gov's advice is practical. Keep your address, phone number and email current with VA, since you cannot start the scheduling yourself. Confirm the appointment using the number on the letter. If you need a different day, tell the VA medical center or contractor at least 48 hours ahead. A contractor exam can be rescheduled only once, to a date within 5 days of the original. If you cannot make those 5 days, tell the contractor and then call VA to start again when you are available. Arrive 15 minutes early, because a provider may cancel the exam if you are late.
After a decision
If VA has already decided the claim because you missed the exam, the decision-review options apply. Tell VA about any good cause and send your evidence with it. An accredited representative can help you choose between a supplemental claim, a Higher-Level Review and a Board appeal. For what to expect when you do attend, see C&P exams: what to expect. For reviews of a rating you already have, see reexamination schedules.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will VA deny my first claim if I miss the C&P exam?
Not automatically. Under 38 CFR 3.655(b), an original compensation claim is rated on the evidence of record when you miss the exam without good cause. Other original claims, supplemental claims for a benefit previously disallowed, and claims for increase are denied.
What counts as good cause for missing a C&P exam?
Section 3.655(a) gives examples that include, but are not limited to, your illness or hospitalization and the death of an immediate family member. VA.gov adds being homeless and having a terminal illness, and says it will schedule a new appointment if it finds good cause.
Can I reschedule my exam?
Yes. VA.gov asks for at least 48 hours' notice to the VA medical center or contractor. A contractor exam can be rescheduled once, to a date within 5 days of the original appointment.
What if I miss a reexamination for a rating I already have?
VA sends a pretermination notice and gives you 60 days to say you will report or to send evidence (38 CFR 3.655(c)). With no response, payment for that disability is stopped, or reduced to any minimum or protected evaluation.
How do I tell VA why I missed the exam?
VA.gov lists three ways: call VA, upload a letter through the claim status tool, or mail a letter to the Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.