How to Prepare for Your C&P Exam (and Maximize Your VA Disability Claim Success)

Your C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam can make or break your VA disability claim.

It’s the one chance you have to show the VA how your condition affects your daily life. Many veterans walk into these exams unprepared, not realizing that what they say and do during this brief appointment can determine their benefits for years to come.

Let’s walk through exactly how to prepare for your C&P exam so you can present your case effectively and get the benefits you deserve.

What’s the Purpose of the C&P Exam?

First, you need to know what a C&P exam is – and isn’t. This isn’t a regular medical appointment. The examiner isn’t there to treat you or prescribe medication. Instead, they have two main goals:

1. Verify your diagnosis and its severity
2. Determine if your condition connects to your military service

The examiner works for the VA, not you. Their job is to document your condition objectively, not advocate for you. This is why proper preparation is so important.

Before Your Exam: Essential Preparation Steps

Review Your Medical Records

Take time to organize and review:

• Service medical records
• Private medical records
• VA treatment records
• Previous exam results
• Current medication list

Understanding your own medical history helps you discuss it accurately during the exam.

Study the Rating Criteria

The VA rates disabilities using specific criteria outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR). Review the rating criteria for your condition before the exam. This helps you:

• Understand what the examiner is looking for
• Describe your symptoms using VA terminology
• Know which limitations to emphasize

Document Your Symptoms

Keep a detailed journal for at least two weeks before your exam:

• Record frequency and severity of symptoms
• Note how symptoms affect daily activities
• Track medication effects
• Document flare-ups
• Write down good days versus bad days

During the Exam: Critical Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

• Describe your symptoms on your worst days
• Be specific about limitations
• Mention all related symptoms
• Speak up when movements cause pain
• Give clear examples of how your condition affects daily life
• Answer questions honestly and completely

DON’T:

• Try to tough it out or minimize symptoms
• Exaggerate or lie about symptoms
• Get argumentative with the examiner
• Go off-topic discussing unrelated conditions
• Skip questions or give vague answers
• Try to perform beyond your normal capabilities

How to Discuss Your Symptoms Effectively

Physical Conditions

When demonstrating range of motion or physical limitations:

• Stop movement when pain begins
• Clearly state when you feel pain
• Describe the type of pain
• Mention if certain movements are impossible
• Explain how limitations affect daily tasks

Mental Health Conditions

When discussing psychological symptoms:

• Be open about emotional struggles
• Describe how symptoms affect relationships
• Explain work-related challenges
• Share examples of memory or concentration issues
• Don’t downplay suicidal thoughts or severe symptoms

Common Mistakes to Avoid During C&P Exams

One of the biggest issues is the tendency to downplay or minimize your symptoms. It’s understandable to want to tough it out, but this is your chance to show the VA the full extent of how your disability affects you. Don’t be afraid to be honest about your worst days, not just your “good” ones.

Another trap is over-sharing. While providing relevant details is important, you don’t need to give the examiner your entire life story. Stick to concisely answering the questions they ask without going off on tangents about unrelated issues.

It’s also critical that you don’t contradict yourself or the evidence in your file. If your medical records indicate you have limited range of motion, for example, don’t suddenly demonstrate full mobility during the exam. The examiner will notice discrepancies like that.

Finally, avoid being confrontational or accusatory towards the examiner. They’re not your adversary – they’re just there to gather information. Getting defensive or combative will only undermine your case.

What to Expect After Your C&P Exam

After your C&P exam ends, the waiting begins.

1. Your examiner will complete their report within about 2 weeks, but you won’t get to see it right away. The examiner sends their findings directly to the VA rating officials, who will use this information, along with your other evidence, to make a decision on your claim.
2. Getting a copy of your exam results isn’t automatic – you’ll need to specifically request them through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to access them. While you can file this request immediately after your exam, expect to wait several months to receive the results.
3. Most veterans receive their rating decision about 3-4 months after their C&P exam. However, if you believe something went seriously wrong during your exam – like if it only lasted a few minutes or the examiner didn’t perform the required measurements – don’t wait for the decision. Call the VA immediately to report your concerns.
4. Keep getting medical treatment and documenting your symptoms while you wait. If your condition gets worse during this time, make sure it’s documented in your medical records. This can be important if you need to appeal or file for an increase later.

If you get denied or receive a lower rating than you deserve, don’t panic. You have options, including filing an appeal or supplemental claim with new evidence. At ProVet Legal, we’ve helped thousands of veterans challenge inadequate. C&P exams and unfair rating decisions.

Contact us for a case review if you need help fighting for the benefits you deserve.

Getting Help When Needed

If you believe your exam was inadequate:

1. Document specific concerns immediately
2. Contact the VA regional office
3. Request a new exam if necessary
4. Consider getting legal representation

Remember: This exam is your opportunity to show how your condition affects your life. Don’t try to be a hero or tough it out. Be honest, be thorough, and make sure the examiner understands the full impact of your disability.

For more help preparing for your C&P exam or if you need assistance with your VA disability claim appeal, contact ProVet Legal for a consultation. We’re here to help you get the benefits you deserve.