Before your C&P exam: what the examiner writes down
The Compensation and Pension exam is often the most important document in a VA claim. It’s also often the shortest appointment. Here’s how to make it count.
What the exam is for
The examiner isn’t treating you. They’re answering questions the VA sent: do you have the condition, is it at least as likely as not connected to service, and how severe is it today. Their answers go into a report the rater reads closely.
Describe your worst days
Most people describe a good day, because that’s what they’re used to saying to a doctor. The rating depends on how often the condition flares and what you can’t do when it does. Say how many days a month are bad and what those days look like.
- How far you can walk before you stop
- How often you miss work or plans
- What someone else has to help you with
- What medicine you take, and what it does to you
Bring a short list
Write your symptoms and dates on one page and hand it over. Examiners are busy; a page they can copy from often ends up in the report.
After the exam
You can ask for the report. If it’s wrong or thin, we can ask for a new exam or send a private doctor’s opinion with the claim. Call us before the decision if you can.
The rater never meets you. The report is the only version of you they see.