Missing a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam does not permanently bar you from benefits, but it can result in your claim being denied or closed based on the evidence already in file, per 38 CFR 3.655. If you missed an exam due to a scheduling mix-up, you can generally request that it be rescheduled or file a new claim; showing good cause for missing it may help, but the VA is not required to accept an excuse after the fact. If your claim was closed, you may need to file a new claim or supplemental claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new and relevant evidence.
You do not need a VSO to file. Any veteran can submit an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) directly through eBenefits/VA.gov or by mailing the form to the VA. Filing an ITF locks in an effective date for up to one year while you gather evidence, and you can do this even if a VSO previously filed something on your behalf—submitting your own ITF does not require terminating your prior representation, though you may want to formally revoke your VSO's power of attorney if you plan to proceed independently.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →A formal diagnosis is not strictly required to file an initial claim, but it is required for the VA to grant service connection. If you have symptoms but no diagnosis yet, filing puts you in the queue and can trigger a VA Compensation & Pension exam, where a VA examiner may provide a diagnosis and opinion on service connection as part of the process. This is separate from your primary care doctor; the C&P exam is specifically for rating purposes, not treatment, and the VA will schedule it once your claim is filed—you don't need to arrange outside testing first, though having existing medical records, buddy statements, or private diagnoses strengthens your claim.
If your regular doctor has long wait times, you do not need to wait for that appointment before filing; the VA will schedule its own C&P exam once the claim is submitted. Long-standing unresolved actions by a VSO, like an FOIA request with no follow-up, are a good reason to consider taking over your own claim or switching representatives.
As a concrete next step, log into VA.gov, submit an Intent to File immediately to preserve your effective date, and then file your formal claim (VA Form 21-526EZ) with whatever evidence you currently have, noting any conditions still awaiting diagnosis so the VA can schedule the appropriate C&P exams.
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