If you’ve submitted a VA disability claim for asthma, one thing is almost guaranteed you’ll be scheduled for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam is not routine paperwork. It plays a major role in whether your asthma is service-connected and how high your VA disability rating will be.
Asthma is one of the most commonly claimed respiratory conditions among veterans, often linked to dust, chemicals, burn pits, and other environmental exposures during service. Knowing exactly what to expect and how to prepare can make a meaningful difference in your final VA decision.
Introduction to the VA C&P Exam for Asthma
A C&P exam for asthma is conducted to evaluate three core elements of your claim: diagnosis, service connection, and severity. The exam findings are used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to decide if your asthma qualifies for compensation and at what percentage.
Asthma is rated under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities for the respiratory system and can be assigned ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%, depending on symptom severity, medication use, and pulmonary function test results.
“The asthma C&P exam is not about proving you’re sick it’s about accurately documenting how severe your condition really is,” explains a VA-accredited disability examiner.
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Purpose of a C&P Exam for Asthma
The VA schedules a C&P exam for asthma to address three essential questions.
Confirming a Medical Diagnosis
The examiner verifies that you have a current asthma diagnosis. This includes reviewing medical records, treatment history, inhaler use, and pulmonary function tests.
Establishing a Service Connection
The examiner evaluates whether your asthma began during service or was caused or aggravated by military exposures. Under newer toxic exposure policies, asthma may qualify as presumptive for veterans exposed to burn pits and airborne hazards.
Assessing Symptom Severity
The exam measures how often your symptoms occur, how intense they are, and how long they last. Medication requirements and pulmonary function test (PFT) results are central to this assessment.
“Severity not just diagnosis drives your VA rating,” notes a veterans law attorney specializing in respiratory claims.
What to Expect During Your Asthma C&P Exam?
The asthma C&P exam follows a structured format. While exam length varies, most include the following components.
Medical Records Review
The examiner reviews your VA and private medical records, focusing on:
- Asthma diagnosis history
- Prescribed medications
- Prior pulmonary function tests
Symptom Discussion
You’ll be asked when your symptoms started, how often they occur, and how severe they are. Be honest and specific. This is not the time to downplay symptoms.
Impact on Daily Life
The examiner evaluates how asthma affects your ability to work, exercise, sleep, and function socially. Real-world examples carry significant weight.
Physical Examination
The examiner may listen to your lungs for wheezing or abnormal sounds and check breathing effort.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
PFTs measure lung capacity and airflow and often determine the final rating. If recent tests aren’t available, new ones may be ordered.
Key Questions You May Be Asked During the Exam
Expect detailed questions that align with the VA’s Respiratory Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ).
Common topics include:
- Official asthma diagnosis
- Symptom frequency and progression
- Inhaler and corticosteroid use
- Frequency of asthma attacks
- Doctor visits for flare-ups
- Use of oral medications or oxygen therapy
- Results of recent PFTs
- Impact on work and daily activities
“Clear, consistent answers help ensure your symptoms are accurately documented,” says a former VA medical reviewer.
VA Asthma Rating Criteria Explained
Asthma ratings are based on symptoms, treatment, and test results.
| VA Rating | Key Indicators |
|---|---|
| 10% | Intermittent inhaler use |
| 30% | Daily inhaler or anti-inflammatory medication |
| 60% | Frequent attacks, systemic corticosteroids |
| 100% | Respiratory failure, daily high-dose therapy, oxygen |
Pulmonary function tests such as FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC ratios often determine which rating applies.
How to Prepare for Your VA Asthma C&P Exam?
Preparation can significantly influence exam accuracy.
Gather Medical Evidence
Bring copies of:
- Asthma diagnoses
- Medication lists
- Pulmonary function test results
Track Symptoms
Keep a symptom diary noting:
- Frequency
- Triggers
- Severity
- Duration
Document Functional Impact
Prepare examples of how asthma affects:
- Work attendance
- Physical activity
- Sleep
- Social situations
“Veterans who explain functional limitations clearly often receive more accurate ratings,” explains a VA disability consultant.
How Asthma Affects Work, Life, and Social Functioning?
Asthma impacts more than breathing it affects quality of life.
Common Functional Impacts
- Work limitations: Missed days, restricted environments
- Exercise difficulty: Reduced stamina and endurance
- Social avoidance: Triggers in public spaces
- Sleep disruption: Nighttime coughing and shortness of breath
- Household challenges: Difficulty with chores involving dust or chemicals
Providing specific examples helps the examiner understand the real-world effects of your condition.
Pulmonary Function Tests and Their Importance
Pulmonary function tests are often the most influential part of the asthma exam. These tests objectively measure lung performance and may outweigh subjective symptom reports.
If you struggle during testing, do not exaggerate or suppress effort. Perform the test to the best of your ability, as instructed.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make at Asthma C&P Exams
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Minimizing symptoms
- Forgetting medication details
- Failing to explain work limitations
- Assuming the examiner knows your history
“The exam report only reflects what’s said and documented that day,” warns a veterans service officer.
What Happens After the C&P Exam?
After the exam:
- The examiner submits a medical opinion
- The VA reviews findings with your claim
- A rating decision is issued
Processing timelines vary, but decisions typically follow within a few months.
Why the Asthma C&P Exam Matters?
The C&P exam is often the single most important piece of evidence in an asthma claim. It determines whether your condition is service-connected and how much compensation you receive.
Proper preparation ensures your symptoms, limitations, and treatment needs are fully captured helping you receive the rating you’ve earned.
FAQs
Is a C&P exam required for asthma claims?
Yes, most claims require one.
Can asthma be service-connected due to toxic exposure?
Yes, especially with documented environmental exposure.
Do PFT results determine my rating?
Often, yes they are heavily weighted.
Should I bring records to the exam?
Yes, always bring copies.
Can I appeal if the rating is too low?
Yes, VA decisions can be appealed.
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