Your VA Exam Scheduling Letter — And What Happens If You Miss It
Read the letter carefully — it may not come from VA
Many compensation examinations are performed by contract examiners rather than at a VA medical center. The scheduling call or letter may carry a contractor's name. That is normal, but it is also the pattern impostor callers imitate. Verify by calling the number on or your VA rather than a number given to you over the phone.
What 38 CFR § 3.655 actually says
- If the examination was scheduled in connection with an original compensation and you fail to report without good cause, the claim is rated on the evidence of record.
- If it was scheduled in connection with any other — an increase, a , or a running award review — the claim is denied.
- Good cause examples in the regulation include illness or hospitalization of the claimant, death of an immediate family member, and similar circumstances.
- Where good cause is shown, VA reschedules rather than denying.
Before the exam
- Confirm the appointment in writing and keep the confirmation.
- Make sure every claimed condition is on the exam order — if a claimed condition is not scheduled, say so in writing before the appointment.
- Describe your worst days as well as your average days. Ratings account for flare-ups and , not only what the examiner observes in the room.
- Bring nothing you would not want in the record, and do not overstate. Consistency across the record is what carries weight.
After the exam
The completed becomes the examination report and is filed in your claims file. It is the document the rating specialist works from, and it is the single most productive thing to obtain and read if the decision that follows is unfavorable.
Check this against your own paperwork
| If your record shows this | What it means |
|---|---|
| The decision says "failure to report for VA examination." | Identify which subsection of § 3.655 was applied. On an original claim the file still had to be rated on the evidence of record — an outright denial may be the wrong disposition. |
| You never received the scheduling notice at your current address. | The presumption of regularity is rebuttable. Document the address VA had and when you updated it. |
| The exam covered a condition other than the one you claimed. | The examination may be inadequate for rating purposes — a duty-to-assist issue reviewable on the existing record. |
| The letter came from a company name you do not recognize. | Contract examiners are routine, but verify through VA directly before giving any information. |
Frequently Asked Questions
References & sources
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
Every veteran's facts are different. A free initial consultation with a VA-Accredited Claims Agent can tell you whether your matter is a fit for representation — and what the right next step looks like either way.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
Related guides
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