Your VA compensation results don’t hinge on “toughing it out” or downplaying your symptoms. They depend entirely on preparation and your ability to accurately describe how your condition affects your daily function and how often symptoms occur.

This step-by-step guide covers everything: pre-exam preparation, what to say (and not say) during the exam, what happens if you miss your appointment, decision timelines, and your appeal options if the rating comes back wrong.

Please note that your C&P exam may be conducted by contract companies like QTC, VES, OptumServe/LHI, or Loyal Source and not necessarily VA providers (though they sometimes do). These contractors perform the exam but don’t decide your rating.

C&P Basics and ACE

What Is a C&P Exam?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is the VA’s way of gathering medical evidence about your claimed condition. The examiner evaluates your current symptoms and functional limitations to help determine your disability rating.

Key points:

  • Contractors conduct most exams, but don’t decide ratings (VA raters do)
  • You can request a same-gender examiner for sensitive conditions or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) claims
  • Examiners use Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) to structure their questions
  • The exam focuses on your current condition, not your military service

ACE vs. In-Person Exams

An Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) review is a “chart review” where the VA decides they have enough medical evidence in your file to make a rating decision without an in-person exam. This typically happens when:

  • You have recent, comprehensive medical records from a VA or private provider
  • Your condition is well-documented with clear functional limitations
  • The medical evidence clearly supports the claimed condition

C&P Exam Essentials

  • What it is: Medical evaluation to determine your disability rating
  • Who runs it: VA Providers on occasion, but sometimes contract providers
  • What to bring: You don’t need to bring anything, but many veterans find it helpful to bring photo ID, a current medications list, a symptom diary, and a DBQ copy if available
  • Key strategy: Be accurate about functional limitations
  • Missed exam risk: 38 CFR §3.655 allows VA to decide based on available evidence
  • Timeline: Weeks to months for decision; first payment usually occurs within weeks of the decision, depending on claim processing (not guaranteed within 15 days)

VA C&P Exam Tips: Preparation and Day-Of

How to Prepare for the C&P Exam

  1. Review Your Claims File: Request your complete C-file through the VA or review it online at VA.gov. Know what conditions you’ve claimed and what evidence is already in your file.
  2. Get the Right DBQ: Download the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for your condition from VA.gov. This shows you exactly what the examiner will ask. Common DBQs include:
  • Mental health conditions
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  1. Build a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms for at least 2-4 weeks before your exam. Document:
  • Frequency: How often symptoms occur (daily, weekly, during flare-ups)
  • Duration: How long episodes last
  • Severity: Pain scale, functional impact
  • Activities affected: Work, sleep, relationships, daily tasks
  • Gather Supporting Documents
  • Current medication list with dosages and side effects
  • Lay statements (VA Form 21-10210) from family, friends, coworkers
  • Private medical records not already in your file
  • Employment records showing missed work or accommodations

(Note: These are veteran best practices, not VA requirements.)

What to Say (and What Not to Say) at the C&P Exam

The key isn’t scripting exact words; it’s about framing your responses to give the examiner accurate, useful information.

Effective ways to describe your condition:

  • “On my worst days, I can’t lift more than 10 pounds without severe pain.”
  • “I have flare-ups 3-4 times per week that last 2-3 hours each.”
  • “I sleep 2-3 hours at night due to pain, then need naps during the day.”
  • “I’ve missed 15 days of work this year because of my condition.”
  • “My spouse has to help me with household tasks I used to do easily.”
  • “I avoid social situations because of my anxiety symptoms.”

Approaches that may hurt your case:

  • “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad”
  • “The medication fixes everything.”
  • “I think it’s related to…” (medical speculation)
  • “I never have problems” (absolutes aren’t believable)
  • “I can do anything I put my mind to” (minimizing symptoms)
  • “It’s probably just…” (self-diagnosis)

Day-of-Exam Logistics

Arrival and Check-In:

  • Arrive 15–30 minutes early
  • Bring government-issued photo ID
  • Request accommodations in advance
  • If your exam is at a VA facility, the VA reimburses travel. If it’s with a contractor, the contractor should reimburse you within 14 days.
  • Companion Policy: Call ahead; discretion varies
  • Sensitive Exams: You can request a same-gender examiner or chaperone

Companion Policy: Policies vary by contractor. Some allow spouses or caregivers in the waiting room or exam room at the examiner’s discretion. Call the contractor ahead to ask about their policy.

Sensitive Exams: For MST or intimate medical exams, you can request a same-gender examiner and/or chaperone. Make this request when scheduling.

Contractor Contact Information: Keep your scheduling letter handy. It should include the contractor’s phone number for questions or rescheduling.

Missed C&P Exam Consequences

Under 38 CFR §3.655, if you miss your C&P exam without “good cause,” the VA may decide your claim based on available evidence.

  • VA requires you to call the contractor at least 48 hours in advance to reschedule. Contractors only allow one reschedule, and the new date must be within 5 days of the original exam.
  • Good cause examples: hospitalization, family death, terminal illness, homelessness
  • If you miss your exam:
    • Call the contractor immediately
    • Provide documentation
    • Submit a statement explaining good cause

If you miss your exam:

  1. Call the contractor immediately to explain
  2. Document your reason with medical records or other proof
  3. Request rescheduling within 30 days
  4. Submit a statement explaining good cause

After the Exam and Fixing Errors

Getting Your Exam Results

You won’t get results at the exam or on VA.gov. To obtain them, you must file VA Form 20-10206 (Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act Request).

Appeal Options When You Believe That Your Rating Is Wrong

The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) gives you three options to challenge a VA decision:

Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995)

This option lets you submit new and relevant evidence to get a fresh review of your case. Choose this route when you have additional medical records, test results, or other evidence that wasn’t considered in your original decision.

Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) 

With this option, a senior reviewer examines the same evidence with fresh eyes, and you can request an optional informal conference to explain your case directly. Choose this when you believe the VA made an error interpreting the evidence they already had.

Board Appeal (VA Form 10182) 

This option takes your case directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, where you can request a hearing or submit additional evidence. Choose this for complex legal issues or when the other two options haven’t resolved your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a DBQ?

You don’t have to bring a completed DBQ, but reviewing the relevant DBQ helps you prepare for the examiner’s questions. You can find DBQs for your conditions at VA.gov.

Can I bring my spouse or caregiver?

Most contractors allow this at the examiner’s discretion. Call ahead to ask about their policy. Your companion typically waits outside during the physical exam but may be allowed to provide information about how your condition affects daily life.

What happens if I miss my exam?

Per 38 CFR §3.655, you need “good cause” to avoid negative consequences. You must also reschedule within VA’s rules (48-hour notice, 5-day contractor window). Without good cause, VA may decide unfavorably.

How long after a C&P exam do you get a rating?

Decision timelines vary from weeks to several months.

What should I not say during my exam?

Avoid absolutes like “never” or “always,” don’t say you’re “fine” if you’re not, and don’t speculate about medical causes. Instead, focus on frequency, duration, severity, and functional limitations with specific examples from your daily life.

Next Steps

Passing your VA C&P exam comes down to two things: thorough preparation and accurate symptom descriptions. Don’t minimize your limitations or try to “power through” the evaluation. The examiner needs to understand how your condition actually affects your daily function and quality of life.

Ready to prepare for your C&P exam?

Additional resources:

This article was reviewed and updated in October 2025. Information is based on current VA regulations and policies. For personalized advice about your specific situation, consult with an accredited representative or VA-recognized organization.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with official VA sources.

Sources:

  • https://www.va.gov/disability/va-claim-exam/
  • https://www.federalregister.gov/
  • https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38