The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is how the VA evaluates the conditions in your claim. It is not a pass-or-fail test, and it is not a trap — but going in prepared helps you describe your situation clearly and completely.
What the exam is for
The examiner’s job is to document your condition and how it affects your daily life, then send findings back to the VA rater. They are not deciding your claim — they are gathering evidence for it.
How to prepare
- Describe your worst days honestly — not just how you feel in the exam room.
- Be specific about how the condition limits work, sleep, and everyday tasks.
- Bring nothing you have to hide and nothing you need to exaggerate — consistency with your records matters most.
- Write down your key points beforehand so nothing important gets forgotten.
S.C.A.R. Group includes C&P prep so you walk in knowing what the examiner will ask and how to answer it clearly. Preparation is the difference between hoping the exam went well and knowing it did.