Yes and no. I know from personal knowledge that the VA c&p doctor did not review my records, yet his opinion is given more weight than my private physician, which incidentally has been treating me since 2009. A dr. or so called dr., who did not review my records, opinion counted more than my evidence. So much for the benefit of doubt huh. I will say that I have followed the IMO/IME route, however, if they, the VA, ignored evidence since the beginning of my claim, what should prevent them from doing it again? I did obtain my C-file and it, my evidence was there, along with other veterans records, imagine that. I have little faith in the whole process, but heh, it's not a good fight if it is not a hard one. I was lucky with my evidence as my back injury, HMMV accident, was documented in my SMR, however, they have failed to follow due process, ignored the benefit of doubt, ignored the CFR and have broken a few laws, not to mention dr.'s deliberately manipulating records and examinations to keep the rating low.
Well I got off topic, please oh please, I offer this advice, before you file a claim make sure, be absolutely sure that your SMR has documentation of said injury, in this case a back injury, or disease because it will be hell to service connect and get a fair rating according to regulation and law. IMO/IME, independent record reviews, are fairly expensive.