C&P Exam Prep

Based on 38 CFR § 4.2 examination-report standards and VA's published C&P exam guidance. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).

Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026

Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.

Primary sources: 38 CFR § 4.2 (Interpretation of examination reports), VA.gov claim exam (C&P) info, 38 CFR Part 4 (Rating schedule)

A C&P exam is how VA documents your condition for the rater. The examiner does not decide your claim. They write findings, and a rater compares those findings to the rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.2)38 CFR § 4.2. Pick your condition below. These guides cover what examiners document and what to bring. This is educational only, not legal or medical advice. We are not VA-accredited (38 U.S.C. § 5904).

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post-traumatic stress disorder, post traumatic stress, combat stress

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Recommended Next Steps

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss my C&P exam?: VA may deny the claim for failure to report. If you have good cause (illness, transportation problem, scheduling conflict you were not notified of in time), contact VA immediately to request a reschedule. Under 38 CFR § 3.655, good cause exceptions exist but must be documented.
Should I describe my worst day or my average day at the exam?: Describe the full range of your symptoms accurately, both typical and flare-up days. The rating schedule at 38 CFR § 4.2 instructs examiners and raters to consider the whole record. Minimizing symptoms on the day of the exam can lead to an underrating; exaggerating can undermine credibility.
Can I bring notes or have someone with me?: Yes. You may bring written notes, a timeline of symptoms, and a support person. The examiner will typically interview you alone, but a support person can help with transportation and recall before and after the exam.
How long does the rating decision take after the exam?: Timelines vary by workload at the Regional Office. Current processing times are published at va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim. A C&P exam report typically takes a few business days to reach the rater, with the decision following once all development steps are complete.

C&P Exam Prep

Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026

Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.

Primary sources: 38 CFR § 4.2 (Interpretation of examination reports), VA.gov claim exam (C&P) info, 38 CFR Part 4 (Rating schedule)

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss my C&P exam?

VA may deny the claim for failure to report. If you have good cause (illness, transportation problem, scheduling conflict you were not notified of in time), contact VA immediately to request a reschedule. Under 38 CFR § 3.655, good cause exceptions exist but must be documented.

Should I describe my worst day or my average day at the exam?

Describe the full range of your symptoms accurately, both typical and flare-up days. The rating schedule at 38 CFR § 4.2 instructs examiners and raters to consider the whole record. Minimizing symptoms on the day of the exam can lead to an underrating; exaggerating can undermine credibility.

Can I bring notes or have someone with me?

Yes. You may bring written notes, a timeline of symptoms, and a support person. The examiner will typically interview you alone, but a support person can help with transportation and recall before and after the exam.

How long does the rating decision take after the exam?

Timelines vary by workload at the Regional Office. Current processing times are published at va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim. A C&P exam report typically takes a few business days to reach the rater, with the decision following once all development steps are complete.