I had a C & P exam yesterday that lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes. It was primarily focused on my musculoskeletal claims (knees, which are secondary or an aggravation, and elbows, shoulder and lumbar, which are all new and should be direct service connected).

Strangely, the examiner did not receive a request from the VA on my back claim, but she did take notes and measurements at my request.

She was extremely nice and appeared to be trying to help me when she asked questions like how many hours a day that I am in pain. She also seemed to go out of her way to document how my pain affects my daily activities. She had not previously reviewed my records (which are voluminous), which I found to be strange. It seems like if the VA was interested in an opinion regarding service connection, she would have reviewed my records. I am hopeful that she was primarily tasked with taking range of motion measurements and documenting complaints of pain.

This exam was performed by a FNP who works for Veterans Evaluation Services.

Any thoughts on the above are greatly appreciated.