The ACE Program is a VA initiative that allows the VA to complete certain disability evaluations without requiring an in‑person Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. Instead, the VA uses existing medical evidence to make a decision—saving veterans time, travel, and stress.

ACE is designed to speed up claims, reduce unnecessary exams, and make the process easier for veterans.

What ACE Is

ACE stands for Acceptable Clinical Evidence. It allows a VA examiner to review:

Your VA medical records

Private medical records

Service treatment records

Prior C&P exams

Lab results, imaging, and specialist reports

Lay statements

Any other credible medical evidence already in your file

If the examiner has enough information, they can complete the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) without seeing you in person.

What ACE Is NOT

ACE is not:

A denial of an exam

A shortcut that reduces your benefits

A sign your claim is weak

A replacement for all C&P exams

It simply means the VA already has enough medical evidence to make a decision.

How ACE Works

Step 1 — VA Reviews Your Claim

A VA examiner looks at all medical evidence already in your file.

Step 2 — Examiner Decides If an Exam Is Needed

If the existing evidence is strong enough, the examiner may choose ACE instead of scheduling a C&P exam.

Step 3 — Examiner Completes the DBQ Remotely

The examiner fills out the Disability Benefits Questionnaire using:

Medical records

Treatment notes

Imaging

Lab results

Prior exams

Lay evidence

Step 4 — VA Makes a Decision

Your claim moves forward without an in‑person appointment.

When ACE Is Used

ACE is commonly used when:

Your condition is already well‑documented

You have recent medical treatment records

You are filing for an increase with clear evidence

You have a fully developed claim

Your condition is straightforward (e.g., hearing loss, scars, hypertension)

The VA can answer all DBQ questions from existing evidence

When ACE Is NOT Used

You will still need a C&P exam if:

The VA needs new medical testing

Your condition requires a physical exam

There is not enough evidence in your file

Your symptoms are unclear or undocumented

The VA needs clarification directly from you

Will VA Contact You During ACE?

Sometimes, yes.

The examiner may call you to:

Ask clarifying questions

Confirm symptoms

Verify history

Update functional limitations

This is called an ACE phone interview, and it counts as part of the evaluation.

Why ACE Helps Veterans

ACE can:

Speed up your claim

Reduce wait times

Avoid unnecessary travel

Prevent scheduling delays

Lower stress for disabled or elderly veterans

Make the process smoother for survivors filing DIC claims

For many veterans, ACE is a major improvement in the VA claims process.

Key Takeaways

ACE allows the VA to complete your evaluation without a C&P exam.

It uses existing medical evidence already in your file.

It does not hurt your claim—it often speeds it up.

You may still receive a phone call for clarification.

If more evidence is needed, the VA will schedule a traditional C&P exam.