C&P Exams
What to expect at your Compensation & Pension exam.
What to Expect During Your VA C&P Exam
Never been to a Compensation & Pension exam before? Here's exactly what happens during a VA C&P exam, from check-in to the questions examiners actually ask.
DBQ Explained: What's on the Form and Why It Matters
The DBQ is the form that actually drives your VA rating — not the examiner's narrative notes. Here's what's on it, how it maps directly to 38 CFR rating criteria, and what to look for before you walk into your exam.
What Happens After Your C&P Exam (Step by Step)
Once your C&P exam ends, the DBQ goes back to the VA within 5–10 business days. Here's exactly what happens before your decision letter.
VA DBQ Guide: Disability Benefits Questionnaires
What a DBQ is, how the VA uses it during C&P exams to determine your rating, and how veterans can prepare in advance using the publicly available templates.
Common C&P Exam Mistakes Veterans Make
The most common mistakes veterans make at C&P exams — why each one hurts the rating, and exactly how to avoid it.
VA C&P Exam Tips: How to Prepare and What to Say
Practical, specific tips for preparing for a VA C&P exam, exactly what examiners are evaluating behind the scenes, and the common mistakes that quietly undermine an otherwise strong claim.