What to Expect in a Neck Pain & Cervical Spine Conditions C&P Exam | VA Disability

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Neck Pain & Cervical Spine Conditions C&P Exam. Leah is explaining the process of a C&P exam for veterans with neck pain or cervical spine conditions. She emphasizes that the process should not be a surprise as it is straightforward, though it can be confusing. Leah mentions that veterans will receive a packet with details about the exam, including the appointment time, location, and examiner information. The key component of the exam is the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), which she displays and explains in detail. This questionnaire covers various aspects such as diagnosis, symptoms, range of motion, and impact on daily functions. She also touches on other topics like flare-ups, functional loss, radiculopathy, and assistive devices. Additionally, Leah discusses the possibility of a medical opinion being requested to determine if the condition is service-related.