Your Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam can make or break your VA disability claim. One wrong statement or misunderstanding can cost you thousands in benefits. This guide reveals the 17 most critical mistakes veterans make during mental health C&P exams – and exactly how to avoid them.
Pre-Exam Mistakes
Before You Even Walk In
1Not Preparing Documentation
Walking in empty-handed makes you look unprepared and can result in forgotten details.
Do This Instead: Bring a symptom diary, medication list, and timeline of major events. Have specific examples ready to share.
2Skipping Medication That Day
Some veterans think showing up unmedicated proves their condition is worse. This backfires.
Do This Instead: Take your medications as prescribed. Tell the examiner about medication effects and why you need them.
3Not Reviewing Your Claim
Forgetting what conditions you claimed leads to incomplete exams.
Do This Instead: Review your claim 24 hours before. Know exactly what you’re being evaluated for.
Arrival Mistakes
First Impressions Matter
4Arriving Late or Too Early
Late arrival creates stress and negative impressions. Too early can increase anxiety.
Do This Instead: Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Use extra time to review your notes and calm your nerves.
5Overdressing or Underdressing
Showing up in a suit might suggest you’re fine. Intentionally looking disheveled seems manipulative.
Do This Instead: Wear what you normally wear on a typical day. Be yourself.
During the Exam
Critical Communication Errors
6Saying “I’m Fine”
Military conditioning makes us minimize problems. This is not the time for that.
Do This Instead: Be honest about your struggles. Describe your worst days, not your best.
7Exaggerating Symptoms
Overacting is easily spotted and destroys credibility.
Do This Instead: Be truthful. Your real symptoms are enough if properly explained.
8Being Vague
“I have anxiety” tells the examiner nothing about severity or impact.
Do This Instead: Provide specific examples: “I have panic attacks 3-4 times a week, lasting 20 minutes. Last Tuesday, I had to leave work because I couldn’t breathe.”
9Focusing Only on Good Days
Talking about when you feel better minimizes your disability.
Do This Instead: Describe your typical and worst days. Explain how often bad days occur.
10Not Mentioning Suicide
Avoiding this topic if you’ve had thoughts robs you of accurate rating.
Do This Instead: If you’ve had suicidal thoughts, be honest. Explain frequency and any attempts or plans.
Behavioral Mistakes
Actions Speak Loudly
11Being Hostile or Defensive
Anger at the VA is understandable but hurts your evaluation.
Do This Instead: Stay calm and professional. The examiner isn’t your enemy.
12Refusing to Answer Questions
Avoiding difficult topics leaves gaps in your evaluation.
Do This Instead: Answer all questions honestly. If something is triggering, say so but try to provide information.
13Bringing Someone Into the Exam
Unless medically necessary, this can make you appear more disabled than you are.
Do This Instead: Attend alone unless you genuinely cannot. Have support person wait outside.
Documentation Mistakes
Paper Trail Problems
14Not Mentioning All Symptoms
Forgetting symptoms means they won’t be rated.
Do This Instead: Create a comprehensive symptom list beforehand. Check it during the exam.
15Forgetting Functional Impact
Symptoms alone don’t determine rating – impact on life does.
Do This Instead: For every symptom, explain how it affects work, relationships, and daily activities.
Post-Exam Mistakes
After It’s Over
16Not Following Up
Assuming everything went well without checking.
Do This Instead: Request a copy of the exam report. If inaccurate, submit corrections.
17Accepting Bad Results
One bad exam doesn’t end your claim.
Do This Instead: If the exam was unfair or inaccurate, request another or submit additional evidence.
The Right Mindset
Your C&P Exam Mantra
“I will be honest, thorough, and specific about how my condition affects my daily life. I deserve fair compensation for my service-connected disabilities.”
Remember: This is a medical evaluation, not a test of toughness. The examiner needs to understand the full impact of your condition to rate it properly.
Do’s and Don’ts Quick Reference
DO:
- Arrive early and prepared
- Be honest about severity
- Provide specific examples
- Describe your worst days
- Include all symptoms
- Explain functional impact
- Stay calm and respectful
- Take your medications
- Follow up on results
DON’T:
- Say “I’m fine”
- Minimize symptoms
- Exaggerate or lie
- Be vague or general
- Focus on good days only
- Get angry or hostile
- Refuse to answer questions
- Forget documentation
- Give up if it goes poorly
Exam Day Timeline
Your C&P Exam Schedule
Sample Responses That Work
How to Answer Common Questions
Q: “How are you doing today?”
Bad: “Fine.”
Good: “Today is an average day for me. I had trouble sleeping last night due to nightmares and woke up anxious.”
Q: “Tell me about your depression.”
Bad: “I get sad sometimes.”
Good: “I have persistent sadness most days. Last week I couldn’t get out of bed for two days. I’ve lost interest in hobbies I used to enjoy and have thoughts of worthlessness daily.”
Q: “Can you work?”
Bad: “Yeah, I work.”
Good: “I currently work part-time but have been written up twice for missing days due to panic attacks. My employer has threatened termination if I miss more time.”
Prepare for C&P Success
Don’t let exam mistakes cost you the benefits you’ve earned. Get expert guidance on presenting your case effectively.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general advice about C&P exams. Each exam is unique. Always be truthful and work with qualified professionals for personalized guidance.