C&P Exam for a VA Disability Rating INCREASE: What to Expect and How to Prepare

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Today, Brian Reese, the VA Claims Insider, will explain everything veterans need to know about a C&P exam for a VA disability rating increase.

This means you already have a service-connected disability rated at 0% or higher, but you filed a VA claim for an increase because your symptoms have worsened since the last VA rating decision.

If you have filed a VA disability claim for an increase, chances are good that you are going to be scheduled for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to determine if your symptoms warrant a higher VA rating.

In this high-value blog post, you will learn “what” to expect and “how” to prepare for the big day so you can get the VA rating and compensation you deserve.

Summary of Key Points

• Purpose of a VA Disability Increase C&P Exam: Evaluates whether a veteran’s service-connected condition has worsened since the last exam and rating decision, potentially qualifying them for a higher disability rating.

• Focus Areas of a C&P Exam for an Increased VA Rating: Confirms diagnosis, assesses worsening symptoms, and evaluates functional impact on daily life, work, and social functioning.

• C&P Exam Success Strategies: Gather updated medical records, track symptom changes, review the DBQ for your condition, and prepare detailed explanations about the frequency, severity, and impact of symptoms.

• Pro Tips for Exam Day: Highlight your worst days, be honest and specific about symptoms, bring supporting evidence, and maintain professionalism to strengthen your case for a rating increase.

What is a VA C&P Exam for a Disability Rating Increase?

If you are already service-connected for a condition but believe your symptoms have worsened, you can file for a VA rating increase.

The VA will likely order a C&P review exam to reassess the severity of your condition.

The main goal of this type of VA exam is to determine if your symptoms have worsened since your last exam.

The VA Rater will use this new information to determine if you meet the higher rating criteria based on the condition-specific DBQ completed by the C&P examiner on exam day.

Main Objectives of a C&P Exam for a Disability Increase

The C&P exam for a disability rating increase primarily focuses on three key elements:

• #1. Diagnosis Confirmation: Verification that the veteran has a current, diagnosed condition related to their claim.

• #2. Worsening Symptoms: Evaluation of whether the condition has worsened since the last VA C&P exam and rating decision, including the frequency (how often), severity (how bad), and duration (how long) of symptoms.

• #3. Functional Impact Assessment: Determination of how the disability affects the veteran’s ability to perform daily activities, work, and maintain quality of life.

Pro Tip: The VA Rater uses the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to evaluate the severity of conditions based on diagnostic codes, medical evidence, severity of symptoms, and functional impairment. Make sure to review the specific diagnostic code for your condition before the exam so you can better understand the criteria used to assess your rating increase.

What to Expect During a C&P Exam for a VA Disability Increase

Review of Medical History

The examiner will review your medical records, focusing on prior evaluations, treatments, and any recent changes to your condition.

Ensure your records are up-to-date and reflect your current health status.

Discussion of Symptoms

Be prepared to explain how your symptoms have worsened since your last exam.

You should be able to provide specific examples.

Describe the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms and any factors that make them better or worse.

Impact on Daily Life

The examiner will assess how your condition impacts your daily routine, work, and social interactions.

Provide specific examples of difficulties you face, such as trouble with mobility, chronic pain, or mental health struggles.

Physical or Mental Health Evaluation

Depending on your condition, the examiner may conduct physical tests, mental health screenings, or range-of-motion measurements.

Bring any assistive devices you use, such as braces, walkers, or CPAP machines, to demonstrate their necessity.

Completion of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)

The examiner will complete a DBQ, which documents your condition, symptoms, and functional limitations.

The VA uses this form to determine whether your condition qualifies for a higher rating.

How to Prepare for Your VA Disability Increase C&P Exam

Gather Medical Records

Collect all recent medical records, including test results, treatment summaries, and specialist evaluations.

Bring documentation of any treatments or medications prescribed since your last exam.

Document Symptom Changes

Keep a symptom diary to track how your condition affects you daily.

Include details about pain levels, fatigue, mobility issues, or other challenges.

Review the DBQ for Your Condition

Familiarize yourself with the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for your condition to better understand what the examiner is evaluating.

Be Ready for Common C&P Exam Increase Questions

Think about how you might honestly answer key questions, such as:

• How has your condition changed since your last exam? Describe in detail.

• What treatments have you tried? Have they been effective?

• Are you taking medications to manage symptoms? If yes, do they help?

• How does your condition negatively affect your work, life, and social functioning? Provide examples.

Bring a Support Person (Optional)

Consider bringing someone who knows your struggles well, such as a family member or friend, to help you stay calm and reinforce your statements.

This is optional and not required.

Be Uncomfortably Vulnerable and Describe Your Worst Days

Focus on your worst days when describing your symptoms.

Avoid downplaying your struggles, and emphasize how the condition affects your ability to function in everyday life.

10 Pro Tips for a Successful C&P Increase Exam

Here’s some pro tips and strategies along with What to Say (and What NOT to Say) at Your VA C&P Exam.

1. Know Your Medical Records

Review all military, VA, and private medical records before your exam.

Be familiar with diagnoses, treatments, and test results to confidently discuss your case.

Example: If treated for knee pain during service and later had a knee replacement, highlight those details and reference diagnostic reports to support your claim.

2. Study the VA Rating Criteria (CFR Title 38, Part 4)

Learn how the VA rates your condition to better understand their criteria for your exam.

Example: For PTSD, a 50% rating requires panic attacks more than once a week and difficulty understanding complex commands. Be honest about the severity of your symptoms!

3. Focus on Your Worst Days

Describe your symptoms at their worst to illustrate the severity of your condition.

Example: “Some days, my back pain is so bad I can’t get out of bed or even walk.”

4. Be Honest and Vulnerable

Don’t downplay symptoms—share the full impact, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Example: Instead of “I get nervous sometimes,” say, “I avoid going out because anxiety makes me physically sick.”

5. Highlight Daily Impact

Explain how your condition affects work, family, and social life.

Example: “My migraines make it impossible to focus, causing me to miss several workdays each month.”

6. Describe Symptoms In-Detail

Break down symptoms by frequency, severity, and duration.

Example: “I get migraines 4–5 times a week. The pain is so intense I can’t tolerate light or noise, and each episode lasts 6–12 hours.”

7. Know Your True Story and Any Stressors

Be prepared to explain incidents during service that caused your condition.

Example: “I was in an IED explosion that killed a fellow soldier, and I’ve had nightmares ever since.”

8. Show How Your Life Has Changed

Compare your life before, during, and after service to highlight the impact of your disability.

Example: “Before service, I ran marathons. After my back injury, I can barely walk without pain.”

9. Treat the Examiner Professionally

Be polite but focused—your exam starts the moment you arrive.

Avoid actions that contradict your claim.

Example: Limping into the exam but walking normally afterward could hurt your case.

10. Bring Hard-Copy Evidence

Bring medical records, diagnostic reports, buddy letters, and statements to back-up your assertions.

Offer them for review without being pushy.

Example: “Here’s my MRI report showing a herniated disc causing my pain.”

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

Going through a C&P exam for a VA disability rating increase can feel stressful, but education is the key to success.

Focus on gathering your medical records, documenting changes in your symptoms, and being honest about the challenges you face.

Remember, this exam is not about re-proving your diagnosis or establishing service-connection, it is about showing how your condition has worsened since your last evaluation.

By following these tips and understanding the process, you will be better equipped to present a strong case for a higher VA rating and the benefits you deserve.

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