Skip to main content
VA Rating Assistant

DC 9914 · 38 CFR 4.150

Maxilla, Loss of More Than Half C&P Exam Prep

To document the extent of maxillary bone loss, determine whether the loss exceeds 50% of the maxilla, and assess whether the defect is or is not replaceable by a prosthetic appliance. These two factors - extent of loss and prosthetic replaceability - directly drive the rating percentage under DC 9914.

Format:
Interview + Physical
Typical duration:
20-30 minutes
DBQ form:
oral-and-dental (oral-and-dental)
Examiner:
Dentist or Oral Surgeon

What the examiner evaluates

  • Confirmation of diagnosis: loss of more than half of the maxilla
  • Anatomical extent of maxillary bone loss (percentage lost and anatomical regions affected)
  • Whether the defect is replaceable by a suitable prosthesis or not
  • Current prosthetic status: obturator, palatal prosthesis, implant-supported restorations, or none
  • Functional impact on mastication, swallowing, and speech
  • Presence of oronasal or oroantral communication/fistula
  • Associated soft tissue defects, scarring, or contracture
  • Secondary diagnoses such as malunion/nonunion of maxilla, osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, osteonecrosis, or oral neoplasm that may have caused or accompanied the loss
  • History of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgical treatment
  • Residuals and complications of maxillary loss including nasal regurgitation, difficulty breathing through nose, speech intelligibility changes
  • Impact on daily occupational and social functioning

Exam is conducted in a dental operatory or clinical setting. The examiner will visually inspect the oral cavity, may probe or palpate residual bone and soft tissue margins, and review all available imaging (panoramic radiograph, CT scan, MRI if available). Bring all current prosthetic appliances to the exam to demonstrate fit and function - or lack thereof. The examiner will note whether you arrived with or without your prosthesis and test its adequacy in restoring oral function.

Measurements and tests

Anatomical Assessment of Maxillary Bone Loss

What it measures: The examiner visually inspects and documents what percentage and which anatomical portions of the maxilla are absent. The maxilla includes the hard palate, alveolar ridge, anterior maxilla, and posterior maxilla bilaterally. Loss of more than half means greater than 50% of the total maxillary structure is absent.

What to expect: The examiner will look directly into your mouth and nasal cavity if an oronasal defect exists. They may use a dental mirror and probe to assess borders of remaining bone. Any prior operative reports or imaging should confirm extent of surgical resection or bone loss.

Critical thresholds

  • Loss of more than 50% of maxilla - Not replaceable by prosthesis 100% rating under DC 9914
  • Loss of more than 50% of maxilla - Replaceable by prosthesis 50% rating under DC 9914

Tips

  • Bring all surgical operative reports, pathology reports, or trauma records that document the extent of maxillary resection or loss.
  • If you have had a maxillectomy, the operative report will usually specify the class of resection (e.g., total, subtotal, infrastructure, superstructure) - bring this documentation.
  • CT scan or panoramic radiograph imaging is the gold standard for confirming extent of bone loss; ensure prior imaging is available for review.
  • If bone loss occurred gradually through osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, or osteonecrosis, treatment records documenting the progression are essential.

Pain considerations: While maxillary bone loss itself is a structural finding, accurately describe any chronic pain, pressure, or discomfort associated with the defect site, prosthetic wear, or oronasal communication.

Prosthetic Replaceability Assessment

What it measures: Whether a suitable prosthesis - such as an obturator, palatal plate, or implant-supported maxillary prosthesis - can adequately restore oral function and close the defect. The examiner must distinguish between a defect that is anatomically amenable to prosthetic rehabilitation and one that is not.

What to expect: The examiner will assess whether you currently have a prosthesis, how well it fits, whether it restores adequate oral separation from the nasal cavity, and whether it permits intelligible speech and functional mastication. If you do not have a prosthesis, the examiner should note whether the defect anatomy would permit one.

Critical thresholds

  • Defect NOT replaceable by prosthesis 100% rating - the higher rating tier under DC 9914
  • Defect IS replaceable by prosthesis 50% rating - the lower rating tier under DC 9914

Tips

  • Bring your obturator, palatal prosthesis, or maxillary denture to the exam so the examiner can assess it directly.
  • If your prosthesis is ill-fitting, causes pain, falls out, does not seal the defect, or fails to restore speech and chewing, clearly communicate this to the examiner.
  • If you have been told by treating dental providers that prosthetic rehabilitation is not possible due to inadequate residual bone, soft tissue deficiency, radiation damage, or other factors, bring documentation of that assessment.
  • A prosthesis that exists but does not functionally restore oral separation or mastication should be described as inadequate, not as a successful replacement.
  • If you cannot afford or access a prosthesis but one is theoretically feasible, the examiner should still note this - but also document the functional deficits you currently experience without adequate prosthetic coverage.

Pain considerations: If wearing the prosthesis causes significant pain, ulceration, or tissue irritation that limits its use, accurately describe the frequency and severity of these episodes so the examiner understands your actual functional prosthetic use.

Functional Assessment - Speech, Mastication, and Deglutition

What it measures: The degree of functional impairment caused by the maxillary loss in terms of ability to speak intelligibly, chew food, and swallow without nasal regurgitation. These functional deficits directly inform whether the condition creates additional ratable residuals.

What to expect: The examiner may ask you to speak, swallow, or demonstrate chewing. They will listen for hypernasal speech, nasal air escape, and intelligibility. They will ask about dietary restrictions and whether you experience nasal regurgitation of food or liquids.

Critical thresholds

  • Severe speech unintelligibility, inability to masticate any solid food, or recurrent nasal regurgitation Supports non-replaceable by prosthesis finding; may also generate separate ratings for speech impairment
  • Mild to moderate functional limitation with prosthesis in place Supports replaceable by prosthesis finding at 50%; functional residuals may be separately rated

Tips

  • Describe your actual diet on a typical day - if you can only eat soft or pureed foods, state this clearly with specific examples.
  • If you experience nasal regurgitation, describe how frequently it occurs and what triggers it (liquids, certain foods, position).
  • If your speech is affected, describe how others react - do they frequently ask you to repeat yourself? Have you been told your speech is difficult to understand?
  • Describe how long you can tolerate wearing your prosthesis before discomfort forces you to remove it.

Pain considerations: Accurately describe any pain associated with eating, speaking, or wearing a prosthetic device. Chronic pain can limit prosthetic use and is relevant to the examiner's assessment of functional replaceability.

Rating criteria by percentage

100%

Loss of more than half of the maxilla that is NOT replaceable by a suitable prosthesis. This is the highest rating available under DC 9914 and reflects the most severe functional and anatomical impairment - a major structural defect of the upper jaw that cannot be adequately restored through prosthetic intervention.

Key symptoms

  • Absence of more than 50% of the maxillary bone structure (confirmed by examination and imaging)
  • Oronasal communication that cannot be surgically closed or prosthetically sealed
  • No adequate prosthetic option exists due to insufficient residual bone, soft tissue deficiency, radiation-damaged tissue, or anatomical extent of loss
  • Severe hypernasal speech or near-unintelligible speech
  • Inability to chew solid foods; restricted to liquid or pureed diet
  • Chronic nasal regurgitation of food and liquids
  • Significant facial disfigurement and structural collapse of mid-face
  • Recurrent infections, oroantral fistula, or chronic sinusitis related to defect
  • Failed prosthetic attempts or documented contraindication to prosthetic rehabilitation

From 38 CFR: 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9914: 'Maxilla, loss of more than half: Not replaceable by prosthesis - 100'

50%

Loss of more than half of the maxilla that IS replaceable by a suitable prosthesis. Despite the significant extent of maxillary bone loss, a prosthetic appliance (such as an obturator or palatal prosthesis) can adequately restore oral function, separate the oral and nasal cavities, and permit reasonably intelligible speech and functional mastication.

Key symptoms

  • Absence of more than 50% of the maxillary bone structure (confirmed by examination and imaging)
  • Oronasal communication that is successfully or potentially closed by obturator or prosthesis
  • A functioning prosthetic appliance exists and provides adequate oral function
  • Speech is intelligible or near-normal with prosthesis in place
  • Patient can eat a reasonably varied diet with prosthesis
  • Nasal regurgitation is controlled or minimal with prosthesis in use
  • Ongoing need for prosthetic maintenance and replacement
  • Residual functional limitations even with prosthesis (e.g., cannot eat all foods, some speech difficulty)

From 38 CFR: 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9914: 'Maxilla, loss of more than half: Replaceable by prosthesis - 50'

Describing your symptoms accurately

Prosthetic Status and Adequacy

How to describe it: Clearly state whether you have a prosthesis (obturator, palatal plate, maxillary denture), how well it functions, and how long you can actually wear it before discomfort forces removal. If your prosthesis is ill-fitting, does not seal the defect, or does not restore speech and chewing, say so explicitly using specific examples. If you have no prosthesis, explain why - including any provider statements that one is not feasible.

Example: On my worst days, my obturator causes severe ulceration on the residual soft tissue edges within two hours of insertion. I cannot wear it for more than a few hours before the pain becomes intolerable and I must remove it, leaving me unable to eat anything except liquids and experiencing significant nasal speech that makes telephone communication nearly impossible.

Examiner listens for: The examiner needs to determine whether the maxillary defect is 'replaceable by prosthesis' - meaning the prosthesis actually and adequately restores function, not merely that one exists. Statements about prosthesis failure, pain, poor fit, and inadequate seal directly inform this critical binary determination.

Avoid: Do not say 'I have a prosthesis' without describing how well it actually works. Many veterans have a prosthesis that technically exists but provides minimal functional benefit - if yours falls short, accurately describe the limitations. Avoid saying 'it's okay' when in reality it does not seal the nasal cavity, causes pain, or restricts your diet significantly.

Speech Impairment

How to describe it: Describe the quality of your speech without the prosthesis in place and with it in place. Use concrete examples: do strangers understand you on the first attempt? Do you avoid phone calls because of speech difficulty? Has your speech changed your professional or social interactions? Describe hypernasal quality, nasal air escape, and any articulation problems.

Example: Without my prosthesis, my speech is nearly unintelligible due to severe hypernasality and nasal air escape. Even with my prosthesis in, I have noticeable nasal speech quality and I frequently have to repeat myself in conversations. I have stopped making phone calls to people who do not know me because they cannot understand me, and I have declined social engagements as a result.

Examiner listens for: The examiner is listening for the degree to which speech is functionally impaired and whether the prosthesis meaningfully corrects the impairment. Significant persistent speech impairment even with prosthesis supports a finding that the defect is not adequately replaced by the prosthesis.

Avoid: Do not minimize speech changes. Veterans often adapt to abnormal speech and no longer notice their own impairment. Ask a family member or close friend whether your speech has changed and relay what they have told you. Avoid framing speech difficulty as merely 'a little different' when it substantively affects communication.

Mastication and Dietary Restriction

How to describe it: Describe exactly what you can and cannot eat. List the specific foods you have eliminated from your diet due to the maxillary defect. State whether these restrictions apply with or without your prosthesis. Note how long meals take compared to before the injury or surgery, and whether eating causes pain, fatigue, or nasal regurgitation.

Example: On my worst days I can only tolerate liquids and soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes. I cannot chew meats, raw vegetables, hard bread, or anything requiring significant bite force. Meals take me over an hour because I must eat in very small pieces and avoid anything that might enter the nasal cavity. I have lost significant weight since the surgery because eating is so difficult and uncomfortable.

Examiner listens for: Specific food restrictions, unintentional weight loss, meal duration, nasal regurgitation events, and pain with eating. These details substantiate both the extent of functional impairment and the adequacy - or inadequacy - of prosthetic restoration.

Avoid: Do not say 'I eat normally' if you have significantly modified your diet. Veterans often normalize major dietary changes over time. Think about what you ate before the injury and compare it honestly to what you eat now. If you avoid restaurants, social meals, or certain food groups because of the defect, say so.

Nasal Regurgitation and Oronasal Communication

How to describe it: Describe whether food or liquid passes into your nasal cavity when eating or drinking. Note the frequency, which foods or liquids trigger it, whether it occurs with or without your prosthesis, and any associated complications such as chronic sinusitis, nasal infections, or aspiration.

Example: Without my prosthesis or when it becomes dislodged during eating, liquids immediately escape through my nose. Even with the prosthesis, thin liquids sometimes pass around the margins into the nasal cavity. I have had three sinus infections in the past year that my doctor attributed to this chronic contamination. I must eat with my head tilted forward and I cannot drink from a glass without a straw.

Examiner listens for: The presence and frequency of nasal regurgitation, whether it occurs with or without the prosthesis, and associated complications such as recurrent rhinosinusitis. Ongoing nasal regurgitation despite a prosthesis suggests inadequate prosthetic seal.

Avoid: Do not dismiss nasal regurgitation as minor or occasional if it occurs regularly. Even intermittent episodes significantly affect quality of life and dietary choices and must be fully described. If you have changed how you eat or drink to prevent it, that behavioral adaptation itself reflects the severity of the impairment.

Pain, Discomfort, and Secondary Complications

How to describe it: Describe any chronic pain at the defect site, pain from prosthetic use, recurrent infections, headaches related to sinusitis, facial pain, or psychological distress from disfigurement. Use a consistent pain scale (0-10) and describe pain on typical days and on your worst days. Note how pain affects sleep, work, and daily activities.

Example: On my worst days, the soft tissue around the defect edges is so irritated and inflamed from prosthetic use that I experience a constant 7 out of 10 burning pain that radiates into my cheek and eye socket. I take prescription pain medication on those days and am unable to work or concentrate. The pain prevents any prosthetic use, leaving me with a fully open oronasal defect for days at a time.

Examiner listens for: The impact of pain on the veteran's ability to wear and benefit from a prosthesis, and the overall functional burden of the condition including its psychosocial impact. Pain that prevents prosthetic use directly informs the replaceability determination.

Avoid: Veterans with maxillary loss often underreport pain because they view it as something they must endure. Do not say 'the pain is manageable' without clarifying what 'manageable' means in terms of medication use, activity limitations, and impact on daily life.

Common mistakes to avoid

Bringing and wearing a well-fitting prosthesis to the exam without disclosing its limitations

Why: The examiner may observe the prosthesis in place, note adequate oral closure, and conclude the defect is 'replaceable by prosthesis,' resulting in a 50% rather than 100% rating, even if the prosthesis only works under ideal exam conditions and fails in daily use.

Do this instead: Bring your prosthesis but proactively describe its daily limitations - how long you can wear it, under what conditions it fails, how often you must go without it, and what your function is like without it. If you can, demonstrate the poor fit or seal to the examiner directly.

Impact: 100% vs. 50%

Failing to bring surgical operative reports documenting the extent of maxillary resection

Why: The examiner must confirm that loss exceeds 50% of the maxilla to apply DC 9914. Without operative or imaging documentation, the examiner may be unable to confirm the extent of loss, potentially resulting in a lower diagnostic code (DC 9915 for loss of half or less) or an inadequate exam.

Do this instead: Obtain and bring all operative reports from the surgery or trauma that caused the maxillary loss, along with any CT scan, panoramic radiograph, or pathology reports that document the extent of the defect.

Impact: 100% or 50% under DC 9914 vs. lower rating under DC 9915

Describing diet and speech as 'fine' or 'okay' out of habit or social minimization

Why: Veterans adapt to functional limitations over time and often underestimate how significantly their daily function differs from normal. Underreporting functional deficits fails to give the examiner the complete clinical picture needed to accurately assess prosthetic adequacy.

Do this instead: Before the exam, write down specifically what foods you can no longer eat, how your speech has changed, whether others comment on your speech, and what activities you avoid because of the defect. Bring these written notes to ensure you communicate the full impact.

Impact: 100% vs. 50%

Not reporting secondary complications such as chronic sinusitis, osteonecrosis, or recurrent infections

Why: Secondary conditions related to maxillary loss may be separately ratable or may inform the overall functional picture. Failing to report them means they cannot be captured in the DBQ or considered by the rater.

Do this instead: Disclose all conditions you believe are related to the maxillary loss, including sinus infections, oroantral fistulas, skin or mucosal breakdown, facial pain, or psychological effects. Ask the examiner to note each one in the DBQ.

Impact: May affect separate ratings for sinusitis, speech, or other residuals

Assuming the examiner knows the full history from the file alone

Why: C&P exams are often conducted by contractors or examiners unfamiliar with the veteran's specific history. The examiner may not have reviewed all records or may not understand the full context of how the maxillary loss occurred and its current functional impact.

Do this instead: Prepare a concise written summary of your condition history, current functional limitations, prosthetic status, and most significant daily impacts. Offer it to the examiner at the start of the appointment to ensure nothing is missed in a 20-30 minute exam.

Impact: 100% vs. 50%

Not requesting that the examiner document the nexus between the maxillary loss and the service-connected event if service connection is not yet established

Why: For initial claims, the examiner must provide a nexus opinion. Veterans sometimes assume this is automatic, but if the examiner focuses only on current severity without addressing etiology, the claim may be denied for lack of nexus.

Do this instead: If this is an initial claim, clearly describe to the examiner the in-service event, injury, disease, or treatment that caused or contributed to the maxillary loss. Bring service treatment records and any medical records linking the loss to the service event.

Impact: Service connection determination

Prep checklist

  • critical

    Gather all surgical operative reports documenting maxillary resection or bone loss

    These reports should specify the anatomical extent of the resection (e.g., total maxillectomy, subtotal maxillectomy, infrastructure, superstructure) and ideally confirm that more than 50% of the maxilla was removed. Obtain from the treating hospital or oral surgeon if not already in your VA file.

    before exam

  • critical

    Obtain and organize all imaging: panoramic radiographs, CT scans, MRI studies of the maxilla

    Imaging is the primary objective evidence the examiner uses to confirm extent of bone loss. Ensure the most recent imaging is available. If imaging is in the VA system, confirm it has been linked to your claim. If at a private facility, bring a disc or printed report.

    before exam

  • critical

    Write down a detailed description of your prosthetic history and current prosthetic status

    Include: type of prosthesis (obturator, palatal plate, implant-supported), date first fitted, how many times it has been remade or adjusted, how long you can wear it daily, specific functional failures (food passage into nose, speech still affected, pain causing early removal, poor retention), and any provider statements that a prosthesis is not feasible or inadequate.

    before exam

  • critical

    Document your current dietary restrictions with specific food examples

    Make a written list of foods you ate before the injury/surgery that you can no longer eat, foods you have eliminated to prevent nasal regurgitation, how meal times have changed, and any unintentional weight loss. Specific, concrete examples are far more persuasive than general statements.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Ask a trusted person to evaluate your speech and write down their observations

    Because veterans often adapt to their own speech changes, an outside perspective is valuable. Ask a family member or friend: 'Do strangers understand me easily? Has my speech changed? Do I sound nasal?' Bring their written observations to the exam.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Gather records of all secondary complications: sinus infections, facial pain, osteonecrosis, skin breakdown, psychological treatment

    Obtain treatment records for any condition you believe is related to the maxillary loss. These may support separate ratings or inform the overall functional picture. Include emergency room visits, antibiotic prescriptions, ENT referrals, or mental health treatment.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Review the rating criteria for DC 9914 and understand the two rating levels

    The two key questions are (1) is the loss greater than 50% of the maxilla, and (2) is it replaceable by prosthesis? At 100%, the defect is not replaceable. At 50%, it is replaceable. Understand which category applies to your actual daily functional reality, not just whether a prosthesis physically exists.

    before exam

  • optional

    Research your right to record the C&P examination in your state

    Most states permit veterans to audio or video record their C&P exam. Check your state's recording consent laws. Inform the examiner at the start of the appointment if you intend to record. A recording can be valuable if the exam report later mischaracterizes what was said.

    before exam

  • critical

    Bring your prosthesis (obturator, palatal plate, or maxillary prosthesis) to the exam

    The examiner needs to assess the prosthesis directly. Bring it even if it is ill-fitting or does not work well - the examiner observing its inadequacy firsthand is more powerful than your verbal description alone. Also be prepared to remove it so the examiner can assess the underlying defect.

    day of

  • critical

    Arrive with written notes summarizing your history, functional limitations, and key points

    In a 20-30 minute exam there is limited time. A one-page written summary of your condition history, current prosthetic status, dietary restrictions, speech changes, pain levels, and worst-day symptoms will help ensure nothing is missed. Offer it to the examiner at the start.

    day of

  • recommended

    Do not take pain medication before the exam that would mask your true level of discomfort

    If you routinely take pain medication for symptoms related to your maxillary condition, consider whether taking it before the exam would mask the severity of pain or discomfort the examiner would otherwise observe. If you normally need medication to function, that itself is important clinical information to communicate.

    day of

  • optional

    Be prepared to demonstrate or describe nasal regurgitation and its triggers

    The examiner may ask you to swallow or demonstrate eating. Be prepared to describe specific triggering foods, liquids, or positions. If you brought food or liquid that typically causes nasal regurgitation, you may be able to demonstrate this during the exam.

    day of

  • critical

    Report your worst-day symptoms and typical-day symptoms separately and accurately

    Per M21-1 guidance, the examiner is to consider the condition's impact at its worst. If today you happen to feel better than usual, proactively tell the examiner: 'Today is a better day than most. On my worst days, here is what I experience...' Then describe the worst-day scenario in detail.

    during exam

  • critical

    Explicitly tell the examiner if your prosthesis does not adequately restore function

    Do not allow the examiner to assume your prosthesis works because you have one and are wearing it. Clearly state: how long you can tolerate wearing it, what happens when you eat or drink with it in, whether your speech is still affected with it in place, and whether it seals the oronasal defect adequately. These statements directly affect the 100% vs. 50% determination.

    during exam

  • recommended

    Describe all secondary conditions and complications you believe are related to the maxillary loss

    Ask the examiner to document each related condition in the DBQ. This includes chronic sinusitis, recurrent nasal infections, facial pain, disfigurement effects, psychological distress, or any other condition caused or aggravated by the maxillary defect. Each may support a separate rating.

    during exam

  • recommended

    Ask the examiner to confirm they are completing the correct DBQ for loss of more than half of the maxilla under DC 9914

    Confirm the examiner has noted DC 9914 (not DC 9915 for smaller losses) if your loss exceeds 50% of the maxilla. Politely confirm which diagnostic code applies to your claimed condition at the start of the exam.

    during exam

  • critical

    Request a copy of the completed DBQ report

    You are entitled to a copy of the C&P exam report. Request it from the VA or through your VSO. Review it carefully to confirm it accurately reflects what you reported and what the examiner found. Look for any factual errors, minimization of symptoms, or failure to address the prosthetic adequacy question.

    after exam

  • critical

    If the DBQ report is inaccurate or incomplete, submit a statement in support of claim or request a new exam

    If the examiner failed to address whether the defect is replaceable by prosthesis, mischaracterized the extent of bone loss, or omitted significant functional deficits you reported, submit a VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim) or ask your VSO to request a supplemental exam. Do this before a rating decision is issued if possible.

    after exam

  • recommended

    Consider obtaining a private dental or oral surgery opinion if the C&P exam appears inadequate

    A private nexus or severity opinion from your treating oral surgeon or prosthodontist, addressing the extent of maxillary loss and whether the defect is or is not replaceable by prosthesis under VA rating criteria, can be submitted as evidence and may overcome an unfavorable C&P opinion.

    after exam

Your rights during a C&P exam

  • You have the right to request that your C&P examination be recorded (audio or video) in most states. Inform the examiner at the start of the appointment if you intend to record.
  • You have the right to receive a copy of the completed C&P examination report (DBQ). Request it through the VA or your VSO and review it for accuracy.
  • You have the right to bring a VSO representative, accredited claims agent, or attorney to your C&P examination. They may accompany you but typically do not participate in the clinical assessment.
  • You have the right to submit a written statement describing your symptoms and functional limitations before or after the C&P exam. Use VA Form 21-4138 or a buddy statement to supplement the examiner's findings.
  • You have the right to request a new or additional C&P examination if you believe the original exam was inadequate, incomplete, or based on an inaccurate review of the evidence.
  • Under the benefit of the doubt standard (38 CFR 3.102), when there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence, the VA must resolve the question in your favor.
  • You have the right to obtain a private independent medical opinion from your own treating provider (such as your oral surgeon or prosthodontist) and submit it as evidence in support of your claim.
  • You have the right to appeal a rating decision you believe is incorrect through the Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board of Veterans' Appeals pathways.
  • You are not required to accept the examiner's conclusions without question. If the report mischaracterizes what you said or omits important findings, you may challenge it through the appeals process.
  • The VA has a duty to assist you in developing evidence for your claim, including ordering imaging studies, obtaining service records, and scheduling appropriate examinations.

Related conditions

Get a personalized prep packet

This guide covers what to expect for any veteran with this condition. If you have already uploaded your medical records, sign in to generate a packet that maps your specific symptoms to the DBQ fields your examiner will fill out.

Get personalized prep

This C&P exam preparation guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or claims advice. Always consult with a qualified Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative or VA-accredited attorney for guidance specific to your claim. Never exaggerate, minimize, or fabricate symptoms during a C&P examination.