C&P without being there

It is possible, though highly irregular, for the VA to issue a decision without a live C&P exam, but the scenario you describe—where a contractor’s portal indicates an exam was conducted in your absence—suggests a significant administrative error that you must address immediately. The VA’s duty to assist under 38 USC 5103A generally requires an examination if the evidence of record is insufficient for a decision, but they may proceed without one if the evidence is fully adequate (38 CFR 3.159(c)(4)). However, a purported exam without your participation is not a valid examination and violates procedural due process, potentially making any subsequent denial fundamentally flawed. Your next actionable steps are: 1) Immediately contact the LSGS contractor via phone and their portal to report the error and demand clarification; 2) File a written notice of the error with the VA using VA Form 21-4138, stating you were never scheduled or examined and referencing the incorrect portal entry; 3) Proactively submit any private medical evidence (buddy statements, treatment records, a Nexus letter) supporting your GERD claim to strengthen the record; and 4) If the VA issues a denial based on this "exam," you should promptly appeal, citing the error and arguing a failure in the duty to assist, potentially leveraging precedents like *Buchanan v. Nicholson* (451 F.3d 1331 (Fed. Cir. 2006)) which emphasizes the importance of a thorough and fair examination. **Disclaimer: This is educational information for claims assistance and is not intended as legal or medical advice; for personal guidance on your claim, consult an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.**