C&P Exam Prep: How to Get Ready

What the C&P exam is (and isn't)

A C&P exam is a claim exam, not treatment. A VA or VA-contracted examiner reviews your records, asks questions, may examine you, and completes a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) or medical opinion. VA uses it to decide service connection and your rating. Exams can be in person, by video (tele-C&P), or sometimes based on records only (ACE).

Before the exam

• Confirm the details: date, time, location, and which conditions are being examined.
• Review the rating criteria for your conditions (see our condition guides) so you know what the examiner needs to measure.
• Write a short symptom summary for each condition: frequency, severity, duration, flare-ups, medications and side effects, and how it affects work, sleep, and daily life.
• Bring: photo ID, a medication list, relevant private records (if not already submitted), and assistive devices you actually use (brace, cane, CPAP).
• Track flare-ups. If symptoms vary, a log of your bad days helps you describe them accurately.

During the exam

• Describe your typical and your worst days. Examiners should consider flare-ups. Tell them how often flare-ups happen, how long they last, and what you can't do during them.
• Stop when it hurts. For range-of-motion testing, move only until pain starts, and say so. Pushing through pain can make you look healthier than you are.
• Be honest and specific. Don't exaggerate, and don't minimize. Many veterans say "I'm fine" out of habit. Give concrete examples, like "I can stand about 15 minutes before I have to sit."
• Mention side effects of medications and anything that's gotten worse since your last exam.

After the exam

• Write down notes right away: how long the exam lasted, what was tested, and anything that seemed off.
• Request a copy of the exam report. It's often available in your VA records, or ask your representative. Errors such as wrong history, missing flare-up discussion, or an opinion without rationale can be challenged.
• Consider rebuttal evidence if the opinion is negative, such as a nexus letter or personal statement correcting the record.