What a C&P exam is
After you file a claim, the VA schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate your conditions. The examiner, a VA or contract physician, assesses the severity of your condition and whether it's connected to service. Their report is a major piece of evidence in your claim.
Before the exam
Review your claim file
- Re-read your medical records and know your history cold
- Note specific dates of injuries, treatments, and diagnoses
- Review the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for your condition, this is the exact form the examiner will fill out. DBQs are publicly available at VA.gov.
Document your worst days
- Create a symptom log for 2-4 weeks before the exam
- Track pain levels, sleep quality, flare-ups, missed activities
- Note specific examples: "I couldn't pick up my child," "I missed work 3 times this month"
Prepare your narrative
- Write out how each condition affects your daily life, work, and relationships
- Practice describing symptoms honestly without minimizing
- Have specific examples ready, the examiner may only ask general questions
During the exam
Do
- Describe your worst days, not your best, the VA rates based on the overall picture including flare-ups
- Be honest and specific: "My knee gives out 2-3 times per week when I go down stairs"
- Mention every symptom, even ones you think are minor
- Tell the examiner about flare-ups and how often they occur
- Bring a written list of symptoms so you don't forget anything under pressure
- Mention if your condition has worsened since your last medical visit
Do not
- Minimize symptoms out of toughness or pride, this is not the time to be stoic
- Exaggerate, experienced examiners can tell, and it hurts your credibility
- Say "I'm fine" or "I can deal with it", the examiner writes down what you say
- Rush, take your time with each question
- Assume the examiner has read your entire file, many haven't. Bring copies of key records.
After the exam
- Write down everything you remember about the exam while it's fresh
- Note the examiner's name, time spent, and tests performed
- If the examiner didn't measure range of motion or perform standard tests for your condition, document that
- You can request a copy of the exam report through VA.gov once it's completed
- If the report contains errors, you can submit a rebuttal or request a new exam
Common C&P exam mistakes
- Not showing up: Missing a C&P exam usually means an automatic denial. If you must reschedule, call immediately.
- Taking pain medication right before: Your exam should reflect your actual condition, not a medicated version
- Walking in like nothing hurts: The examiner can note how you walk and move before the exam starts
- Not mentioning flare-ups: If you have good days and bad days, describe both
- Being too brief: One-word answers give the examiner nothing to document in your favor
Telehealth exams
The VA now offers telehealth C&P exams for certain conditions (primarily mental health). Ensure you have:
- Stable internet connection
- Quiet, private room
- Camera at eye level
- Same preparation as an in-person exam