Evidence & Exams Playbooks

Your C&P exam can make or break your rating. These playbooks help you walk in prepared and walk out with an accurate picture on record.

Examiners often have 20 minutes to assess conditions you live with 24/7. Preparation matters. Know what they're looking for, bring documentation, and don't minimize your symptoms.

If your conditions have worsened since your last rating, the Increase Rating playbook shows how to document changes before requesting a re-evaluation.

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How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating

Use the increase rating playbook to document worsening symptoms, match 38 CFR criteria, file VA Form 21-526EZ or 20-0995 when needed, and protect your effective date.

How to Prepare for a VA C&P Exam

Ace your VA compensation and pension exam: organize evidence, rehearse symptom narratives, know what examiners can ask, and control the record before and after the appointment.

All Evidence & Exams Playbooks

Nexus Letter Guide

Learn what makes a strong nexus letter, who can write one, and get our free template.

Lay Statement Template

Capture how your condition affects daily life.

Nexus Outline

Help your doctor write opinions that meet VA criteria.

Claim Prep Checklist

Stage evidence before your exam or increase request.

What if my C&P exam goes poorly?

Document your concerns immediately after the exam. Request your exam report through VA.gov, review it for errors, and submit a factual rebuttal if needed. Templates are available in this hub.

How often should I update my symptom logs?

Weekly at minimum, more often during flare-ups. Consistent logs over months are powerful evidence—they show patterns that a single exam snapshot can miss.

File a Claim Playbooks

Step-by-step VA disability claim guides for new claims, secondary conditions, and TDIU. Lock your effective date, build your evidence, and submit a complete packet.

Decision Review Playbooks

VA decision review guides for Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews. Choose the right lane, gather new evidence, and fix bad decisions.

Mental Health Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Stressor statements, therapy documentation, and C&P exam prep.

Respiratory & Sleep Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for sleep apnea and respiratory conditions. CPAP compliance, secondary connections, and pulmonary evidence strategies.

Pain & Mobility Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for back pain, knee conditions, and joint disabilities. Range of motion documentation, flare-up evidence, and orthopedic C&P exam prep.

Neurological Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for TBI, migraines, and neurological conditions. The 10-facet TBI rating system, prostrating headache documentation, and secondary claims.