More and more C&P exams are performed by private contractors, and some are conducted over video. The examiner may not work for the VA at all, and the exam may happen through a screen. Your rights do not change — but your preparation should.
What a remote exam can miss
A video exam cannot measure range of motion with a goniometer or perform hands-on orthopedic testing. If your claim depends on physical measurements and the exam was conducted remotely, that is a potential inadequacy worth flagging.
Make the record complete
- Have your current records and imaging ready to reference
- Describe your symptoms and flare-ups in detail — the examiner cannot see what they do not ask about
- Note in writing anything the format prevented the examiner from assessing
A contract examiner who has never met you is relying on that one appointment and your file. Make sure both tell the whole truth.