The #1 Rule: Never Miss Your C&P Exam
What to Do at the Exam
Describe Your Worst-Day Symptoms
VA ratings are based on severity. Don't describe your average day — describe your worst days. If your back pain flares to 8/10 multiple times a week, say that, not "it's usually a 4/10." The examiner is documenting what they hear for a rater who will never see you.
List Every Symptom, Not Just the Main One
Ratings under 38 CFR Part 4 are assigned by specific diagnostic criteria. A knee condition, for example, is rated based on range of motion, instability, flare-ups, functional loss, and pain. Volunteer every symptom — don't wait to be asked.
Describe Functional Loss and Impact on Daily Life
Describe how the condition affects your ability to work, walk, lift, sleep, concentrate, interact socially, and care for yourself. The VA rates occupational and social impairment for mental health conditions — your functional impact is the rating.
Bring a Written Symptom Summary
Prepare a one-page written summary of your symptoms, frequency, severity, and daily impact. Give it to the examiner. This ensures nothing is missed and becomes part of the examination record.
What NOT to Do
Don't Say "I'm Doing Fine" or "I Manage OK"
Social pleasantries are recorded as medical observations. If you tell a C&P examiner "I've learned to manage" or "it's not that bad," that becomes part of the record used to rate you. Be accurate — if you have good days, also explain the bad days.
Don't Minimize to Be Polite
Veterans — especially those with military training — often minimize symptoms out of habit or pride. This is the single biggest reason veterans are under-rated. Describe your actual condition honestly and completely.
Don't Forget Mental Health Symptoms
PTSD and mental health ratings are based on occupational and social impairment. Describe difficulty holding a job, relationship problems, sleep disturbance, concentration issues, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors. These are ratable criteria under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducts the C&P exam?
C&P exams are conducted by VA physicians at VA medical centers, or by contract examiners at QTC Medical Services, LHI (Leidos Health), or VetFed Resources facilities. The contract examiners use the same VA protocols. Your choice of facility is typically determined by the VA based on availability.
Can I bring someone with me to the C&P exam?
Yes — you can bring a support person (spouse, caregiver, VSO representative). They typically cannot speak during the exam but can take notes. Notify the examiner's office in advance that you plan to bring someone. For PTSD and mental health exams, having support available immediately after can be important.
What if the C&P examiner's opinion is wrong or unfair?
You can rebut an inadequate C&P exam. File a Supplemental Claim with an independent medical opinion (nexus letter or IMO) from a private physician that directly contradicts the C&P findings. A well-reasoned private IMO often outweighs an inadequate or dismissive C&P report.
What is a DBQ and should I bring one?
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a VA-standardized form your private doctor completes documenting your condition's severity. Submitting a completed DBQ before or with your claim can reduce the need for a VA C&P exam, or provide a strong counter-record if the C&P is unfavorable.