C&P Exam for a VA Disability Rating Increase: What to Expect and How to Prepare (2026 Guide)

If you already have a VA disability rating but your condition has worsened, filing for a VA disability rating increase is the right move. However, once you file, the VA will almost always schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to reassess your condition.

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This exam can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

“A C&P exam for an increase isn’t about proving service connection again it’s about proving how bad things really are now,” said by Brian Reese, VA disability expert and founder of VA Claims Insider.

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Understanding what the examiner is looking for and how the VA uses that exam can make the difference between a denied increase and a higher monthly benefit.

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

A C&P exam for a rating increase is ordered when a veteran already has a service-connected disability rated at 0% or higher and claims their symptoms have worsened since the last VA decision.

The purpose is simple:

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• Reevaluate the current severity of your condition
• Determine whether you now meet the criteria for a higher rating percentage

“The VA isn’t questioning whether your condition is service-connected anymore they’re asking how much it limits your life today,” explains Brian Reese.

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The results of this exam heavily influence the VA rater’s final decision.

Main Objectives of a C&P Exam for a VA Rating Increase

What the Examiner Is Focused On?

During a rating increase exam, the examiner is evaluating three primary factors:

1. Diagnosis Confirmation

The examiner confirms you still have the service-connected condition and reviews any progression or complications.

2. Worsening of Symptoms

The examiner assesses whether symptoms have increased in:

• Frequency (how often)
• Severity (how bad)
• Duration (how long they last)

3. Functional Impact

The examiner documents how the condition affects:

• Daily activities
• Employment
• Social and family life

“Functional impact is where most rating increases are won or lost,” said by Reese.

Overview: What the VA Evaluates in a C&P Increase Exam

Evaluation Area	What the VA Looks For
Medical Diagnosis	Confirmation and progression
Symptom Severity	Worse than last exam
Symptom Frequency	Increased episodes
Symptom Duration	Longer-lasting symptoms
Functional Loss	Work, life, and social impact
DBQ Accuracy	Alignment with rating criteria

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

Review of Medical History

The examiner will review:

• Previous C&P exams
• VA and private medical records
• Recent treatments and medications

Make sure your records are current and accurately reflect your condition.

Discussion of Worsening Symptoms

You will be asked how your condition has changed since your last exam.

Be prepared to explain:

• What’s worse now
• How often symptoms occur
• How long episodes last

“Vague answers hurt claims specific examples help win increases,” explains Reese.

Impact on Daily Life and Work

Expect questions about:

• Missed work
• Reduced productivity
• Difficulty with daily tasks
• Changes in relationships or social life

Concrete examples matter.

Physical or Mental Health Testing

Depending on your condition, this may include:

• Range-of-motion testing
• Neurological exams
• Mental health questionnaires

Bring assistive devices you use regularly.

Completion of the DBQ

The examiner completes a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), which directly ties your symptoms to the VA’s rating criteria.

“The DBQ is the document that decides your increase everything flows from it,” said by Reese.

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

Gather Updated Medical Evidence

Bring:

• Recent VA and private medical records
• Test results and imaging
• Medication lists

While not always required, evidence strengthens credibility.

Document Changes in Symptoms

Maintain a symptom log covering:

• Pain levels
• Mobility issues
• Mental health episodes
• Flare-ups

This helps you describe patterns clearly.

Review the Rating Criteria for Your Condition

Study your diagnostic code under 38 CFR, Part 4 so you understand:

• What the next higher rating requires?
• Which symptoms matter most?

“You don’t need to argue law but you should understand the rules of the game,” said by Reese.

Prepare for Common C&P Increase Questions

Expect questions like:

• How has your condition worsened?
• What treatments are you using?
• How does this affect your job and daily life?

Answer honestly and thoroughly.

Focus on Your Worst Days

The VA rates based on average impairment, but veterans often minimize symptoms.

“Your best days don’t define your rating your worst functional days do,” explains Reese.

10 Pro Tips to Maximize Success at a C&P Exam for an Increase

1. Know Your Medical History

Review diagnoses, surgeries, and treatments before the exam.

2. Understand Your Diagnostic Code

Know what symptoms trigger higher ratings.

3. Be Specific

Use numbers, timelines, and examples.

4. Don’t Minimize Symptoms

Avoid phrases like “I’m fine” or “it’s manageable.”

5. Explain Functional Loss

Describe how your condition affects work and life.

6. Break Down Symptoms Clearly

Frequency, severity, and duration matter.

7. Be Honest About Mental Health

Emotional impact counts.

8. Show Progression Over Time

Explain how symptoms worsened since the last exam.

9. Act Consistently

Your behavior before, during, and after the exam matters.

10. Bring Supporting Documents

Offer evidence politely if relevant.

“Consistency builds credibility and credibility drives ratings,” said by Reese.

Comparison: Initial C&P Exam vs Rating Increase Exam

Factor	Initial C&P Exam	Increase C&P Exam
Service Connection	Required	Already established
Focus	Cause of condition	Severity progression
Nexus Opinion	Critical	Not required
Functional Impact	Considered	Heavily weighted
DBQ Importance	High	Extremely high

Why C&P Exams Are Critical for Rating Increases?

The VA relies heavily on C&P exam findings. Even strong medical records can be outweighed by a poorly documented exam.

“The C&P exam is often the single most influential piece of evidence in an increase claim,” explains Reese.

Preparation gives you control in a process that often feels overwhelming.

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