How should I prepare for a C&P exam?

Review your records, track your symptoms, and be ready to talk honestly about how your condition affects daily life — especially on your worst days.

Do I need to bring anything to my VA C&P exam?

Yes. Bring a list of medications, recent medical records, and notes about how your condition impacts your daily life. You can also bring a caregiver or witness if relevant to your claim.

Can I get a copy of my C&P exam results?

Yes. You can request a copy of your C&P exam results through your MyHealtheVet account or with help from your VSO. Reviewing it is important in case it contains errors or omissions.

What if my VA C&P exam goes badly or feels unfair?

If your C&P exam felt rushed, incomplete, or biased, document what happened as soon as possible. You can submit a Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138), request a re-exam, or challenge the results through a Higher-Level Review or appeal. Veterans have the right to fair and accurate evaluations.

VA C&P Exam Guide: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Q: What is a VA C&P exam?

It's a medical evaluation ordered by the VA to confirm your diagnosis, determine service connection, and assess the severity of your disability for compensation purposes.

Updated for 2025 — Written by the founder of HadIt.com Veterans

🗣️ “That exam report carried more weight than years of treatment records.”
— Tbird, Navy Veteran

If you’re scheduled for a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, this might be the most important appointment of your entire claim. Here’s how to make it count—without guessing, second-guessing, or selling yourself short.

📋 What Is a VA C&P Exam?

This isn’t a treatment appointment. The VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a medical evaluation to:

Confirm your diagnosis
Determine if it’s service-connected
Document how severe it is for rating purposes

One exam report can outweigh years of treatment notes. Preparation matters.

🧠 What to Expect During the Exam

What happens will depend on the condition(s) being evaluated. For example:

Mental health: You may be asked about daily routines, memory, irritability, suicidal thoughts, or social interaction.
Physical conditions: The examiner may measure range of motion, ask about flare-ups, or check for functional loss.

They are not your doctor. Their job is to gather evidence—not to offer support or treatment.

✔️ Do This / ❌ Avoid This

Based on decades of veteran experience, here are key tips:

✅ Be honest and specific. Don’t minimize your symptoms, and don’t exaggerate either. Just speak to your lived reality.
✅ Prepare examples. What does a bad day look like? How does your condition affect work, sleep, hygiene, etc.?
❌ Don’t coach yourself into sounding “better.” This isn’t a job interview. This is the time to be raw and real.
❌ Don’t go alone if you struggle to explain things. You may bring a caregiver or spouse if necessary.

For more tips, see: 10 Tips To Prepare for Your VA Compensation and Pension Exam

🗂 After the Exam

You may be able to view your exam notes within a few weeks via MyHealtheVet or your C-file.
If you feel the report misrepresented you, ask the VA for a copy and consider submitting a written rebuttal.

Tracking your claim? Check your status at VA.gov

💬 Need Help?

If your exam felt off or you’re unsure how it was written up, you’re not alone. Join the discussion or ask your question in our C&P Exam Forum—someone who’s been there can help.