Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin Tiktok Pinterest Phone-alt Envelope
GET IN TOUCH

What to Expect in Headaches C&P Exam

Picture of Leah Bucholz

Leah Bucholz

Leah Bucholz, PA-C, is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant, U.S. Army combat veteran, and nationally recognized medical expert in veterans’ disability claims. A former VA Compensation & Pension examiner, she founded Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting to provide independent, regulation-based medical opinions (“nexus” letters) grounded in the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR). Leah’s work is frequently cited in favorable Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions, and her content draws directly from authoritative sources such as VA.gov, the eCFR, and the Federal Register.
Linkedin Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
What to Expect in Headaches C&P Exam

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, our blogs are written and reviewed by licensed medical professionals or military veterans with direct experience in the VA claims process. Our team has served as healthcare providers, combat veterans, and former VA examiners — giving us unique insight into both the medical and regulatory side of benefits. Every article is designed to provide accurate, trustworthy, and practical guidance so that veterans and their families can make informed decisions with confidence.

The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a crucial step in the process of evaluating veterans’ disabilities for compensation benefits. Leah analyzes what to expect in headaches C&P exam. Just like we previously discussed in prior blogs like what to expect from a C&P exams for sleep apnea, understanding the procedures and questions involved can help veterans prepare for their examination and ensure a smoother process.

YouTube video

Preparing for the C&P Exam

Exam Notification

Upon receiving the notification for a C&P exam for headaches, veterans will find essential information in the mailed paperwork. This includes details such as the scheduled date, the examiner’s name and credentials, the examination location, and the contracted company responsible for conducting the exam. Veterans should take note of these details and may choose to research their examiner in advance, although it’s important to manage expectations about the impact of such information.

Exam Day

On the day of the exam, veterans should arrive prepared to provide information about their headaches. The examiner may have additional paperwork for the veteran to fill out, and veterans may have received some forms in the mail before the exam. The examiner may have access to the veteran’s claims file or relevant information based on the purpose of the examination, whether it’s for an increase or a new service connection.

Headache Evaluation Process

Utilizing the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)

The examiner will typically use the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) during the headache evaluation. Veterans can find this form on va.gov, and it contains a series of questions that the examiner will go through. While filling out the DBQ beforehand may not eliminate the need for a C&P exam, providing comprehensive information can potentially aid in the decision-making process.

Understanding the Questions

1. Condition Identification

The first set of questions involves identifying the type of headache the veteran experiences, including migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, or other types. The examiner will also document the date of diagnosis.

2. History of Headaches

The veteran will be asked to describe the history of their headaches, including when they first noticed them, how long they have been occurring, and any patterns or triggers.

3. Medication and Treatment

The examiner will inquire about the veteran’s treatment plan, specifically regarding medications. This includes daily medications, preventative measures, abortive medications, and any other remedies or therapies employed.

4. Pain Characteristics

Detailed questions about the characteristics of headache pain follow, including the nature of the pain (constant, pulsating, throbbing), its localization, and whether it worsens with physical activity.

5. Associated Symptoms

The examiner will investigate whether the veteran experiences non-headache symptoms along with their headaches, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, changes in vision, or sensory changes like pins and needles.

6. Duration and Frequency

Questions about the typical duration and frequency of headaches aim to gauge their impact on daily life. Veterans will be asked how often they experience headaches and whether they have prolonged attacks that significantly disrupt their activities.

7. Impact on Work

Veterans will need to communicate how their headaches impact their ability to work. If the condition affects employability, providing supporting evidence such as work notes, pay stubs, and doctor’s notes can be valuable.

8. Additional Physical Findings

The examiner may inquire about any other physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, or symptoms related to the diagnosed headache condition. Scars related to the condition will also be considered.

9. Diagnostic Tests and Medical Opinion

The veteran may be asked about relevant diagnostic tests, and the examiner will provide a medical opinion, depending on the purpose of the exam. For an increase, the focus is on current severity, while for a new service connection, the examiner assesses the connection to service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being well-prepared for a C&P exam for headaches involves understanding the process and the specific questions that will be asked. Veterans can utilize the Disability Benefits Questionnaire available on va.gov to familiarize themselves with the information required. Providing thorough and accurate details during the exam can contribute to a fair evaluation of the impact of headaches on daily life and work. Remember that the goal is to communicate effectively with the examiner, ensuring that all relevant information is considered in the decision-making process for disability compensation.

Also read: Tinnitus and Veterans Disability

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

Picture of Alan Bucholz, PA-C

Alan Bucholz, PA-C

Board-Certified Physician Assistant | U.S. Army Combat Veteran | Co-founder & CFO, Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting

This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Alan Bucholz, PA-C, a board-certified Physician Assistant and retired U.S. Army combat veteran with experience in emergency medicine and two combat deployments (Iraq & Afghanistan). As Co-founder of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, Alan provides evidence-based medical opinions to support veterans’ VA disability claims with accuracy, compliance, and ethics.

Linkedin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You might also enjoy

a veteran with sleep apnea secondary to tinnitus
Proving Sleep Apnea Secondary to Tinnitus for VA Benefits 

Many veterans live with tinnitus, a condition that can follow years of exposure to gunfire, aircraft engines, and other high-intensity noise during military service. As tinnitus becomes chronic, some veterans may even develop chronic fatigue, loud snoring, and disrupted sleep, symptoms that indicate sleep apnea. Understanding their medical relationship and the evidence required to link them for VA disability purposes helps veterans make informed decisions when pursuing a secondary service connection.

a veteran with allergic rhinitis
The Complete Guide to VA Disability Ratings for Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, is often dismissed as a minor condition. However, for many veterans, chronic nasal inflammation, breathing problems, fatigue, and sleep disruption can significantly affect daily functioning and employability. Recognizing this impact, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers compensation through the VA disability rating for allergic rhinitis when the condition is service-connected. This detailed guide explains the rhinitis VA rating criteria, how the PACT Act changed eligibility requirements, and what veterans can do to strengthen a claim.

Sarah

Sarah

Customer Relations Specialist

Sarah is a Customer Relations Specialist at Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting who is passionate about creating a smooth, respectful, and Veteran-first experience. She brings a diverse background in financial services, municipal public service, and emergency medical response, giving her a unique blend of professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine compassion.

Known for her clear communication and strong problem-solving skills, Sarah takes the time to explain each step of the process in a way that helps Veterans feel comfortable, informed, and confident about what comes next. With close personal ties to the military community, her husband and his family are Veterans, along with several of her cousins, she deeply values the sacrifices made by those who have served.

Sarah is proud to support Veterans with care, consistency, and respect, and is dedicated to making sure every Veteran feels heard, supported, and well cared for from the very first conversation to the final step.

Dyani Robinson

Customer Relations Department Manager

Dyani Robinson serves as the Customer Relations Department Manager at Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, bringing her U.S. Air Force experience, discipline, and deep-rooted commitment to the veteran community into every aspect of her leadership. As a disabled veteran, Dyani understands the importance of being heard, respected, and supported — and she carries that understanding into the way she leads her department and interacts with every client.

Dyani served in the Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) in Mobility, supporting Airmen preparing for deployment during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. That experience strengthened her ability to lead with structure, urgency, and care — ensuring people feel prepared, supported, and confident during high-stakes moments.

Dyani’s professional background spans veteran services, federal programs, client advocacy, and high-volume case management across healthcare, education, and government sectors. She is known for her steady professionalism, exceptional communication skills, and ability to bring clarity and reassurance to complex situations. Her work supporting military families and diverse veteran populations has shaped her into a leader who is both mission-driven and deeply empathetic.

In her role as Customer Relations Department Manager, Dyani is responsible for setting the standard for communication excellence, operational consistency, and the overall client experience. She leads with a veteran-first mindset — ensuring every interaction is handled with integrity, accuracy, and respect. Dyani takes pride in fostering a department culture where service, accountability, and attention to detail are at the forefront.

For Dyani, this role is more than management — it is a continuation of her service. She is dedicated to creating an environment where veterans feel valued, supported, and confident throughout their experience with Prestige. Her leadership reflects both the strength of her military foundation and her genuine passion for serving those who have served.

 
2024 VA Disability Rates

Danielle McClaskey

Client Relations Specialist U.S. Navy Veteran

In her active-duty service in the United States Navy, Danielle undertook a variety of responsibilities, ranging from essential administrative duties to providing crucial medical care. Her multifaceted contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing her fellow service members’ operational effectiveness and well-being.

As a disabled veteran, she developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by her fellow service members. Now, in her civilian role, Danielle is a valued member of the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team, where she continues to leverage her extensive background and educational achievements to provide exceptional support to veterans.

Leticia

LETICIA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Leticia has been in the medical field for nearly 14 years. She has always had a passion for medicine and caring for her community. Leticia has spent the last 4 years caring for veterans and first responders with alcohol and substance abuse in a medical rehabilitation setting whilst continuing her education working towards a degree in software development.

Someday she hopes to develop medical software that further enhances the patient’s experience in medical care. Leticia has a deep respect and love for those who have served as she comes from a family of law enforcement and military veterans.

alan bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Julie Pereira

JULIE PEREIRA:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

During her Active-Duty time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Julie provided medical administration
and patient care services in the field, the hospital, and base medical office settings.  This military medical and
administrative background has given Julie the hands-on experience and extensive knowledge necessary to
provide unparalleled service to her fellow Veterans through the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Julie’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Human Services and a pre-nursing associate in arts and science.

Julie has been inspired by her firsthand knowledge of navigating the VA Benefits process. She has dedicated
most of her adult life to serving Veterans through her knowledge derived from her military and civilian medical
education and training.

Jennifer Januta

JENNIFER JANUTA

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

During her Active-Duty service in the Army, Jennifer supported various research efforts centered on combat casualty care and Soldier performance. Her military background gave her unique insights into veterans’ distinct challenges, ultimately inspiring her to join the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Jennifer’s educational achievements include a master’s in molecular biology from George Washington University and a master’s in data science from Texas Tech University. Jennifer wholeheartedly dedicates herself to utilizing her knowledge and expertise gained from 15 years of healthcare experience to impact the well-being of those who have served positively.

alan bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Leah - Meet the Team

LEAH BUCHOLZ, PA-C

U.S ARMY VETERAN, MEDICAL EXPERT & FORMER C & P EXAMINER

Meet Leah, the founder, and leader of our organization. ​​A combat veteran herself, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, making her mission about much more than running a successful business. It’s about the opportunity to provide a legacy of exceptional service for our heroes.​

​“It is essential to remember that there is no greater honor than caring for service members on the battlefield. Continuing to care for Veterans after separation is an opportunity that I have been afforded to extend that care in this new battlefield related to service-incurred disabilities.”

Her inspiration comes from years of military experience working alongside her fellow servicemembers, particularly key leaders who have influenced her journey, applying their wisdom to her path. She values her team deeply, most of whom are also disabled combat veterans, each member a trusted individual sharing her vision.

 “Driven by passion and purpose, I aim to create a sustainable change that empowers veterans and future generations.”

Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From overcoming and living with her service-related disabilities to navigating work-life balance, she’s learned to face each hurdle head-on with resilience.  Like many of her veteran brothers and sisters, her early background consisted of limited resources and opportunities. Her military service has helped shape her into a steadfast leader, offering relatable inspiration to others.

Join us in celebrating Leah, a compassionate leader, and resilient veteran, driving our mission to serve those who served our nation.

Prestige Veteran
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.