VA C&P Exam, How to Prepare and What Happens Next
The VA C&P exam, also called a C&P test, is the compensation and pension exam VA uses to gather medical facts for your disability claim. It is not a treatment visit. The examiner records your condition, your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and VA uses that record to decide your claim and your rating under 38 CFR Part 4.
What the compensation and pension exam is
After you file a claim, VA may schedule an exam to check what your records do not show. The exam can confirm a diagnosis, measure how severe a condition is or give a medical opinion on whether your condition is linked to service. Some exams are short, and some take an hour or more.
Who does the exam
A VA clinician or a VA-contracted examiner does the exam. Contract examiners work for companies that VA hires to do exams. Either way, the examiner does not decide your claim. They record findings, and a VA rater makes the decision.
How to prepare honestly
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01
Read the claim you filed so you know which conditions the exam covers.
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02
Write a short list of your symptoms, how often they happen and how they affect work and daily life.
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03
Describe your bad days as well as your typical days. Do not play symptoms down or make them bigger.
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04
Bring a list of your medications and any recent private medical records.
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05
Tell the examiner if a movement causes pain and where the pain starts.
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06
Arrive on time and bring a photo ID.
What the examiner documents
- Your diagnosis and medical history.
- Your current symptoms and how severe they are.
- Test results, such as range of motion, hearing tests or imaging when needed.
- How the condition affects your work and daily activities.
- A medical opinion on the link to service when VA asks for one.
DBQs and the C&P test
Many exams use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). A DBQ is a standard form for a condition that asks for the facts VA needs to rate it under 38 CFR Part 4. For mental health, see our guide to the va dbq ptsd form and our page on the va rating for ptsd.
If you miss an exam
If you cannot attend, contact VA or the exam provider before the date and ask to reschedule. Missing an exam without a good reason can lead VA to decide the claim on the evidence it already has, which can mean a denial or a lower rating.
Getting your exam results
You can ask for a copy of your exam report. Many veterans see the report in their VA health record or request it from VA. Reading it helps you check for mistakes before or after VA makes a decision.
After the exam
After the exam, the report goes to VA and a rater reviews your whole file. Timing varies by claim, and VA.gov shows current estimates. Read our guide on after c&p exam how long for decision for the steps that usually follow. When you have your ratings, check the combined result with the va combined rating calculator.
Calculate my ratingGet help before or after your exam
Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) help with claims at no cost. If you want an accredited attorney or claims agent, send one match request and choose whom to talk to.
Is a C&P test the same as a C&P exam
Yes. People use both names for the compensation and pension exam that VA uses to gather medical facts for a disability claim.
Does the examiner decide my rating
No. The examiner records findings and may give a medical opinion. A VA rater decides your claim and your rating.
Can I bring someone to my C&P exam
Many exam offices allow a support person in the waiting room, and some allow them in the exam. Ask the exam office before your visit.
What if the exam report has mistakes
Get a copy of the report and note the errors. You can send VA a statement and other evidence, and an accredited representative or a VSO can help you respond.
How long does the C&P exam take
It depends on the condition. Some exams take a few minutes and some take an hour or more, especially mental health exams.