It is fairly common for a single claim to generate multiple C&P exam requests that are scheduled and completed on different timelines, especially when the claim includes several distinct conditions. The VA's exam contractors (VES, QTC, LHI, or the VAMC itself) each handle scheduling independently, so one condition's exam can be completed quickly while another sits unassigned for weeks or months. Neurological conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, peripheral nerve damage, or cervical spine pathology often require a board-certified neurologist, orthopedist, or a provider qualified to perform specific diagnostic testing (EMG/nerve conduction studies, imaging review, range-of-motion measurements under 38 CFR §4.59 and the updated musculoskeletal rating criteria). Because these specialists are in shorter supply than general medical examiners, scheduling delays for exactly this type of exam are not unusual.
A claim sitting in the 'Evidence gathering, review, and decision' phase (often shown as step 3 of 8 on the VA.gov tracker) without movement does not necessarily mean something is wrong; it often means the file is waiting on that outstanding exam before the rating activity can finalize a decision. However, if two months have passed with zero contact from the scheduler and no explanation, it is reasonable to follow up rather than wait indefinitely.
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 →Regarding outcomes: cervical spine and nerve-related claims are frequently contested when denied. At the Board of Veterans' Appeals, across issues decided from 1992 to July 2026, back and lumbar spine issues (410,918) came out 18.3% granted, 32.3% denied and 45.1% remanded (VetAid's Board outcome rates). These are outcomes for cases that were already appealed, not the odds of winning an initial claim, and appealed cases are not a random sample of all claims. These figures describe what happens to cases that are already under appeal — they are not the odds that an initial claim like this one will be approved, and appealed cases are a self-selected group, not a random sample of all claims.
The concrete next step is to contact the VA directly — either by calling 1-800-827-1000, submitting an inquiry through ask.va.gov, or contacting the assigned Veteran Service Representative — to ask specifically whether the neurological exam has been assigned to a contractor yet, and if not, request an expedite or a timeline; if there is still no response after another few weeks, escalating through a Veterans Service Organization or a congressional caseworker can help get the exam scheduled.
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