VA disability claims glossary

C&P exam

A Compensation and Pension exam is a VA claim exam that documents symptoms and findings to help rate disabilities.

Published 2026-04-02

Purpose

The examiner records findings relevant to diagnostic criteria. The exam supports rating decisions and is not a treatment visit.

Preparation

Bring ID, the appointment letter, and a calm list of symptoms with examples. Be consistent with your file.

After the exam

Review the report when it posts. If there are factual errors, discuss options with a representative.

More resources

Try the VA disability calculator, browse VA condition guides, or read in-depth articles.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Rating criteria are summarized from publicly available 38 CFR regulations. Consult a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for advice on your specific claim.

Questions about this term

Calculate Your Combined VA Rating

Use our free calculator to estimate combined disability percentage using the same VA math rules used for most claims.