C&P Exams Demystified

C&P Exams Demystified - VA Claims Field Manual book cover

Know What Examiners Look For

Written by veterans who've been through the claims gauntlet. No legal jargon. No fluff. Just the scripts, worksheets, and tactics that actually work.

Book 3 of 5 in the VA Claims Field Manual Series · Included with Kindle Unlimited · Kindle eBook ($0.99)

Walk into your VA C&P exam ready. Know exactly what examiners score, rehearse responses, and avoid the slip-ups that trigger denials.

Read Free on Kindle Unlimited Preview on Amazon

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

— Amazon Review

Deep Dive

What's Inside

The C&P exam can make or break your claim. This manual reveals exactly what examiners look for, how they score your responses, and the common mistakes that trigger denials. You'll get rehearsal scripts so you can practice describing symptoms accurately without downplaying or exaggerating.

Includes condition-specific prep guides for mental health, musculoskeletal, and other common exam types.

Included Materials

What You'll Get

  • Scoring criteria examiners use for major conditions
  • Rehearsal scripts to describe symptoms without downplaying
  • Common exam mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Condition-specific prep guides (PTSD, back, knee, etc.)
  • DBQ walkthrough showing what gets documented
  • Post-exam rebuttal templates for flawed opinions

Is This For You?

Who This Helps

  • Veterans with upcoming C&P exams who want to prepare effectively
  • Claimants who tend to downplay symptoms and need practice verbalizing impact
  • Anyone who received an unfavorable exam opinion and needs to rebut it
  • Veterans dealing with contractor exams (LHI, VES, QTC) who want to know what to expect

Key Features

Highlights

  • Know exactly what examiners document and score
  • Practice scripts prevent symptom downplaying
  • Condition-specific prep for common exam types
  • Rebuttal templates for inadequate examinations
  • Understand the difference between VA and contractor exams

The Complete Series

More in This Series

Free Resources

Related Resources

Start Here Pathfinder
Answer a few questions and get your personalized claim roadmap.
Free Claim Playbooks
Step-by-step guides for new claims, supplementals, and specific conditions.
Downloadable Templates
Print-ready lay statement templates, symptom logs, and nexus letter outlines.
VA Math Calculator
Model your combined rating and estimate monthly compensation.
C&P Exam Prep Guide
Free prep checklist covering what to bring, what to say, and common questions.
Lay Statement Guide
How to write VA Form 21-10210 statements that move the needle.

Common Questions

FAQ

What happens if I miss my C&P exam?
Missing your exam can result in a denial or rating based only on existing records. If you have a valid reason (illness, emergency, didn't receive notice), request a reschedule immediately through the VA or the contractor. Our C&P exam prep guide covers what to do if you need to reschedule.
Can I record my C&P exam?
Recording policies vary by facility and contractor. You can request to record, but policies differ—some allow audio with notice, others may decline. Bring your own device, ask politely at check-in, and if denied, take detailed written notes immediately after. Our C&P exam prep guide covers what to document.
How do I rebut a bad C&P exam opinion?
Request a copy of the exam report through VA.gov, identify factual errors or missed symptoms, then submit a rebuttal with your own medical evidence. Chapter 6 includes rebuttal templates and explains what makes an exam "inadequate" under VA regulations.
What's the difference between VA and contractor exams?
The VA contracts with companies like LHI, VES, and QTC to conduct many C&P exams. The process is the same—only the location differs. Contractor exams are often faster to schedule but may feel more rushed. This manual prepares you for both environments.