Claims help · C&P exams
The C&P Exam Checklist
Whether your exam is at the Fargo VA Medical Center, with a contractor in Bismarck, or on a video call from Williston, the same preparation pays off. Work through this list.
- The week before
- What to bring
- In the exam room
- The days after
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The Week Before
- Confirm the date, time and location, or that your telehealth link works.
- Look up the rating criteria for each condition (our rating guides quote them).
- Jot down how often symptoms hit, how long flare-ups last, and what you can’t do during them.
- Can’t make it? Call the scheduler now. A missed exam can mean the VA decides on the existing record, and a claim for increase can be denied.
What to Bring
- Photo ID and your exam notice
- A one-page symptom summary
- Your current medication list
- Recent private medical records the VA may not have
- Glasses, brace, cane or anything you normally use
In the Exam Room
Answer honestly and specifically. Describe a typical bad day, not your best one. When moving hurts, stop and say where it hurts. If the examiner skips something that matters, bring it up. Most exams use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) tied to the rating criteria, so concrete details land in the right boxes.
The Days After
- Write down what was asked and what was measured while it’s fresh.
- Request a copy of the exam report.
- If the report has errors, consider a decision review or a private medical opinion.
C&P Exam Checklist: Common Questions
Can I do my C&P exam by video?
Some exams, including many mental health exams, can be done by telehealth. Physical exams that require measurements usually happen in person.
What if I can’t drive to my exam location?
Contact the scheduler early. Exams can often be rescheduled or moved, and rescheduling is far better than missing one.
What is a DBQ?
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire, a standardized form examiners use that lines up with the VA rating criteria for each condition.
What if my exam report is wrong?
Errors in the exam report can support a Higher-Level Review, and a strong private medical opinion can be submitted with a Supplemental Claim.
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