What to expect
A C&P exam is not the same as a treatment visit. The examiner’s job is to document findings for a VA rating decision. Expect questions about onset, frequency, severity, flare-ups, and functional limits. Some exams are short; others include range-of-motion testing or mental health interviews.
What to say
- Describe symptoms honestly, including bad days and flare-ups.
- Explain functional impact with concrete examples.
- Mention assistive devices, meds, and side effects.
- Correct misunderstandings politely if something is wrong in the record.
What not to say
- Don’t minimize symptoms to seem strong or agreeable.
- Don’t guess medical conclusions you are unsure about.
- Don’t argue rating percentages with the examiner.
- Don’t skip mentioning secondary effects (sleep, mood, work loss).
Document worst-day symptoms — not average day
Rating criteria often consider frequency, severity, and duration — including periods of incapacitation. If you only describe how you feel on a good day, the exam may understate your disability. Bring a short log covering worst days, flare length, and how often they occur.
Common mistakes
- Showing up without notes and forgetting key symptoms.
- Saying “I’m fine” out of habit.
- Not mentioning how conditions interact (pain → sleep → mood).
- Failing to report that range-of-motion testing caused pain.