Claims guidance
Your VA C&P exam: what to expect
A compensation and pension exam helps VA gather information for a claim. Describe your real symptoms, limitations, and history clearly, including how they vary over time.
The purpose of the exam
A C&P exam is part of the claims process. It is not the same as a treatment visit, and the examiner does not make the final benefits decision. VA may request an exam or use existing medical evidence when that is sufficient.
Read the appointment instructions carefully. Confirm the location or remote-exam details, and tell the scheduling provider promptly if you need accommodations or cannot attend.
Prepare a factual timeline
Before the appointment, write down when symptoms began, relevant service events, treatment history, and concrete examples of daily limitations. Include frequency, duration, flare-ups, and the difference between better and worse days.
For example, explain how often a problem interrupts an activity and what you actually do when it happens. Be specific without minimizing or overstating it. If you do not remember a date, say so.
What to avoid
Do not rehearse a script designed to produce a particular rating. Do not claim every day is your worst day if that is not true. Do not stop or change medication just to influence an examination; discuss medication questions with your treating clinician.
Follow the examiner’s instructions and explain pain or limitations as they occur. An honest description is more useful than trying to guess the “right” answer.
Records and follow-up
Submit new medical evidence through the VA claims process as instructed; do not rely on handing it to an examiner as the only submission. If you miss an exam or have concerns about what occurred, contact VA or the exam contractor promptly and keep a record of your communication.
Review the decision when it arrives. A disagreement with the outcome should be addressed through the applicable review process, ideally with an accredited representative.
Official sources
Sources checked September 20, 2026. General education; no individual claim assessment. How we prepare and check content.