What a C&P Exam Is (and Is Not)
A C&P examiner is evaluating whether your symptoms meet specific VA rating criteria.
They are not your treating provider and are not required to advocate for you.
Common mistake
Veterans often minimize symptoms out of habit or discomfort.
This can directly reduce ratings or invalidate a claim.
Exam Preparation Tool
C&P Exam Prep Guide (PDF)
Checklist and guidance on how to describe symptoms accurately, stay consistent, and protect your claim during the exam.
Download PDF
Unsure how this exam fits into your claim?
The VA Benefits Assistant
can help you understand how exam results affect ratings and appeals.