The C&P exam: what to expect

Some exams are done at a VA medical center. Many are done by companies that work for VA, like QTC, Optum or VES. They'll call, text or mail you to schedule. It's still free to you.

Missing your exam without a good reason can lead to a denial. If the date or place doesn't work, call the number on your letter right away and ask to reschedule. Keep your phone on, and check your voicemail.

• Keep a symptom log for a week or two: what happens, how often, how long, and what it stops you from doing.
• Think about your worst days, not just today.
• Write down your medicines, and any side effects.
• Read the rating levels for your condition so you know what matters.
• Plan to arrive early. Bring ID and your notes.

• Be honest. Don't exaggerate, and don't downplay. Many Veterans say "I'm fine" out of habit. Say what's true.
• Describe flare-ups and bad days, and how often they happen.
• If something hurts, say so, and stop. Don't push through pain to look tough.
• For mental health exams, it's okay to take a moment. You can say "that's hard to talk about."
• Exams can be short. That's normal. Use your notes so you don't forget anything.

Usually you can bring a spouse, friend or caregiver to the waiting room, and sometimes into the exam if the examiner agrees. Ask when you schedule.

The report goes into your claim file. You can ask for a copy by requesting your claim file, and VA exam results may show in My HealtheVet. Read it. If the examiner missed things, wrote down something wrong, or didn't look at your records, write it down. You can point it out to VA with a statement, or in a Higher-Level Review if you're denied.

It happens. Write down what went wrong while you remember it. A free accredited VSO can help you decide what to do. Our exam report checker can also look for problems in the report.

• C&P exam prep and practice
• Symptom log
• Exam report checker