How Long Does a C&P Exam Take? Duration Guide by Condition

One of the most common questions veterans have about C&P exams is: "How long will this take?" The answer varies significantly based on the type of conditions being evaluated, the number of conditions on your claim, the examiner's thoroughness, and the complexity of your medical history.

Understanding typical exam durations helps you plan your schedule, recognize when an exam seems unusually short or rushed, and know what to expect for different types of evaluations.

General C&P Exam Duration Ranges

Overall, most C&P exams fall within these timeframes:

• Quick evaluations (10-20 minutes): Simple, single conditions with objective testing (tinnitus, single joint)
• Standard evaluations (20-45 minutes): Most physical conditions, single-system issues, routine musculoskeletal exams
• Comprehensive evaluations (45-90 minutes): Mental health conditions, multiple related conditions, complex medical histories
• Extended evaluations (90+ minutes): Multiple complex conditions, traumatic brain injury with cognitive testing, extensive mental health evaluations

These are typical ranges. Your actual exam may be shorter or longer depending on numerous factors.

Mental Health Exam Durations

Mental health evaluations are typically the longest C&P exams because they require extensive discussion and cannot rely heavily on objective physical measurements.

PTSD Evaluations: 60-90 Minutes

A thorough PTSD exam typically includes:

• Detailed trauma history (15-25 minutes)
• Current symptom assessment (15-20 minutes)
• Functional impact discussion (10-15 minutes)
• Mental status examination (10-15 minutes)
• Treatment history review (5-10 minutes)
• Questions and documentation (10-15 minutes)

Exams with multiple traumatic events or complex trauma histories may extend to 90-120 minutes.

Depression/Anxiety: 45-75 Minutes

Depression and anxiety evaluations are slightly shorter than PTSD exams but still comprehensive:

• Symptom onset and history (10-15 minutes)
• Current symptom severity (15-20 minutes)
• Daily functioning impact (10-15 minutes)
• Mental status examination (10-15 minutes)
• Treatment response review (5-10 minutes)

Multiple Mental Health Conditions: 90-120 Minutes

If being evaluated for multiple mental health conditions simultaneously (PTSD, depression, anxiety), expect 90-120 minutes. The examiner must assess each condition separately while noting overlapping symptoms.

Why Mental Health Exams Take Longer:

• No quick physical tests to measure symptoms
• Requires establishing rapport and trust
• Must discuss sensitive trauma and personal struggles
• Needs thorough functional impact assessment
• Complex diagnostic criteria with overlapping symptoms
• Requires detailed mental status examination

Orthopedic/Musculoskeletal Exam Durations

Physical exams for joints, spine, and musculoskeletal conditions vary based on how many body parts are being evaluated.

Single Joint Evaluation: 15-30 Minutes

Evaluating one joint (knee, shoulder, ankle, etc.) typically takes:

• Medical history and symptom discussion (5-10 minutes)
• Physical examination and palpation (3-5 minutes)
• Range of motion testing (5-10 minutes)
• Strength testing (2-3 minutes)
• Gait or functional assessment (2-5 minutes)
• Documentation (3-5 minutes)

Multiple Joints: 30-60 Minutes

Each additional joint adds 10-20 minutes. Evaluating both knees, a shoulder, and an ankle might take 45-60 minutes total.

Spine Examinations: 30-45 Minutes

Spine evaluations (neck, back, or both) typically include:

• Pain history and symptom discussion (10-15 minutes)
• Visual assessment and palpation (5 minutes)
• Range of motion testing (cervical and/or lumbar) (10-15 minutes)
• Neurological testing (reflexes, sensation) (5-10 minutes)
• Straight leg raise or other specific tests (2-3 minutes)
• Gait assessment (2-3 minutes)

Full Musculoskeletal Examination: 60-90 Minutes

Comprehensive exams covering multiple joints plus spine can take 60-90 minutes, especially if multiple body systems are involved.

Other Common Exam Durations

Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: 20-45 Minutes

• Hearing history discussion (5-10 minutes)
• Audiogram testing (15-30 minutes)
• Tinnitus assessment (3-5 minutes)

These exams are relatively quick because the audiogram provides objective data.

Sleep Apnea: 15-30 Minutes

• Sleep history and symptom discussion (10-15 minutes)
• Review of sleep study results (if already completed)
• CPAP compliance and effectiveness (5-10 minutes)
• Daytime symptom assessment (5 minutes)

The actual sleep study happens separately, so the C&P exam itself is brief if study results are available.

Cardiovascular Conditions: 20-40 Minutes

• Cardiac history and symptoms (10-15 minutes)
• Physical examination (5-10 minutes)
• ECG/EKG (if needed) (10-15 minutes)
• Review of existing cardiac test results (5 minutes)

Respiratory Conditions: 25-40 Minutes

• Respiratory history and symptoms (10-15 minutes)
• Physical lung examination (5 minutes)
• Pulmonary function testing (10-20 minutes)

Skin Conditions: 10-20 Minutes

• Condition history (5-10 minutes)
• Visual examination and measurement (5-10 minutes)
• Photographs for documentation (if needed)

Skin exams are typically quick because they rely on visual assessment.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): 60-120 Minutes

• Injury history and symptoms (15-20 minutes)
• Cognitive function testing (30-45 minutes)
• Neurological examination (15-20 minutes)
• Functional impact assessment (15-25 minutes)
• Review of imaging and prior testing (10 minutes)

TBI evaluations are lengthy because they include cognitive testing and detailed neurological assessment.

Gastrointestinal Conditions: 20-35 Minutes

• Symptom history and frequency (10-15 minutes)
• Physical abdominal examination (5-10 minutes)
• Review of diagnostic testing (5-10 minutes)

Factors That Affect Exam Duration

Examiner Thoroughness: Some examiners are naturally more thorough than others. A careful examiner may take longer but provide more complete documentation. Rushed examiners may complete evaluations quickly but miss important details.

Your Preparation and Communication:

• Well-prepared veterans can efficiently communicate symptoms and history, sometimes shortening exams while improving quality
• Difficulty articulating symptoms may extend exams as examiner works to understand your conditions
• Bringing documentation can speed up the process by providing evidence examiner doesn't have

Complexity of Medical History:

• Multiple surgeries or treatments extend discussion time
• Progressive worsening requires detailed timeline
• Complicated diagnostic history needs thorough review

Need for Additional Testing: Some exams require diagnostic procedures that add time:

• ECG/EKG for cardiac conditions (adds 10-15 minutes)
• Pulmonary function tests (adds 10-20 minutes)
• Cognitive testing for TBI (adds 30-45 minutes)
• Audiogram for hearing (adds 15-30 minutes)

Contractor vs. VA Medical Center:

• Contract vendors (VES, QTC, LHI) are often scheduled in tight appointment blocks, potentially resulting in shorter exams
• VA medical centers may allow more flexible scheduling and potentially longer, more thorough exams

This isn't a hard rule—both settings can provide excellent or inadequate exams depending on the individual examiner.

Travel Time and Total Time Commitment

The exam itself is only part of your time commitment. Factor in:

Arrival and Check-In: 15-20 Minutes Early

• Parking and finding office
• Checking in at reception
• Completing any intake paperwork
• Waiting room time

Wait Time: Variable (0-45 Minutes)

• Some exams start right on time
• Others may run behind schedule
• Bring something to occupy yourself

Post-Exam: 5-10 Minutes

• Questions or clarifications
• Checkout procedures
• Walking back to vehicle

Total Time Example:

For a 45-minute C&P exam:

• Travel time: 30 minutes each way = 60 minutes
• Arrival and check-in: 20 minutes
• Wait time: 15 minutes
• Actual exam: 45 minutes
• Post-exam: 5 minutes
• Total commitment: 2 hours 25 minutes

Plan your work schedule and other commitments accordingly.

When to Be Concerned About Exam Duration

Red Flags for Inadequate Exams:

• PTSD exam under 30 minutes: Likely insufficient for thorough trauma assessment
• TBI exam under 45 minutes: Insufficient for cognitive testing
• Multiple joint exam under 20 minutes: Not enough time for proper range of motion testing
• Any exam where conditions weren't examined: Regardless of duration, if claimed conditions weren't addressed, exam is inadequate

What to Do If Your Exam Seems Too Short:

1. During the exam: Politely speak up—"I want to make sure we thoroughly cover my [condition]. I still have symptoms I haven't described."
2. Immediately after: Write down everything that happened, what was covered, what wasn't
3. Document timing: Note start and end time of your exam
4. Request exam report: Get a copy to review for completeness
5. Submit a statement: Explain why exam was inadequate
6. Request new exam: Through your VSO, request new examination if first was clearly insufficient
7. Consider private DBQ: Obtain private evaluation from treating physician

When Short Exams Are Acceptable:

Not all short exams are inadequate. A 15-minute exam may be perfectly sufficient for:

• Tinnitus (simple yes/no condition)
• Single scar evaluation
• Basic skin condition with visual assessment
• Follow-up exam for previously rated condition with minimal changes

Use your judgment: Was there enough time to thoroughly address your condition? Did examiner evaluate everything necessary? If yes, duration isn't a problem.

Exam Duration and Rating Outcomes

Duration Doesn't Guarantee Results:

A common misconception is that longer exams automatically result in better ratings. This isn't necessarily true:

• A thorough 30-minute exam where you clearly communicate limitations can be excellent
• A 90-minute exam where you minimize symptoms may result in low rating
• What matters is the quality and accuracy of information documented, not just time spent

Quality Over Quantity:

Focus on these priorities regardless of exam duration:

• Clearly describe all symptoms
• Explain functional limitations in detail
• Discuss both typical days and worst days
• Bring documentation to support your statements
• Ensure all claimed conditions are examined
• Stop movement tests when pain occurs

Planning Your Day Around Your C&P Exam

Time Off Work:

• Request at least a half-day off, preferably a full day
• Mental health exams can be emotionally draining—don't plan to return to work immediately after
• Factor in travel time, potential wait time, and post-exam recovery

Childcare and Transportation:

• Arrange childcare for the entire morning or afternoon
• Have backup transportation in case exam runs long
• For mental health exams, consider having someone else drive you home

Physical and Mental Preparation:

• Don't schedule other stressful appointments the same day
• Get adequate sleep the night before
• Eat before your exam
• For lengthy exams, ask if there will be restroom breaks

Key Takeaways

• Mental health exams longest: PTSD/TBI exams typically 60-120 minutes
• Orthopedic exams moderate: Physical exams usually 15-60 minutes depending on joints
• Simple conditions quick: Single conditions like tinnitus may be 10-20 minutes
• Plan your day: Factor in travel, wait time, and post-exam recovery
• Duration matters but isn't everything: Quality of documentation is most important
• Speak up if rushed: Ensure all conditions are examined during your appointment
• Short exams acceptable for simple conditions: But should be thorough for complex cases