The VA C&P Exam Playbook
The Complete Guide to Preparing for Your VA C&P Exam and Getting the Rating You Deserve
Your Toolkit Includes
Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide -- download what you need, fill it in, and build your claim package at your own pace.
The VA C&P Exam Playbook
FWD Assist Publishing
Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.
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About This Topic
A preparation guide for the VA Compensation and Pension examination, the medical evaluation that determines VA disability ratings. Covers what the examiner is looking for, how to describe your worst day accurately, which symptoms and functional limitations matter most, and what to do if the exam result is wrong.
What the Book Covers
Key topics and takeaways from The VA C&P Exam Playbook:
Who This Is For
- Veterans with an upcoming C&P exam
- Veterans whose previous C&P exam resulted in a low or inaccurate rating
- Veterans who minimize their symptoms and need to learn to describe them accurately
- Anyone who wants to understand what the VA examiner is actually looking for
Download the Entire Toolkit
All 25 files in one zip · 301 KB
Companion Toolkit
25 files for The VA C&P Exam Playbook -- Organized by when you need them in the claims process.
Ch 1: What the C&P Exam Actually Is
1 file
Ch 3: Medical Evidence Package
5 files
C-File Request Guide Tracker
XLSXRequest and track your VA C-File to verify what evidence VA already has
10 KB
Evidence Package Builder Universal
DOCXAssemble the complete evidence package VA needs to rate your claim
9 KB
Ch 4: How to Describe Your Symptoms
4 files
Functional Limitation Language Guide
DOCXUse the specific language VA raters look for when describing functional limitations
10 KB
Symptom Documentation Templates
DOCXTemplates for documenting symptoms in the format C&P examiners expect
12 KB
Ch 5: The Physical Exam / ROM / DeLuca
3 files
Ch 6: Mental Health C&P Exams
2 files
Ch 7: TBI and Neurological C&P Exams
1 file
Ch 8: After the Exam / Challenging Bad Exams
2 files
Ch 8: After the Exam / Reading Your C&P Report
1 file
Ch 9: Requesting Reexaminations and IMEs
1 file
Ch 10: Building Your C&P Exam Binder
3 files
C&P Exam Binder System
DOCXOrganize your C&P exam documentation in a structured binder for exam day
10 KB
How to Use This Toolkit
Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and letter builders. Open them, fill in your information, and use them with your claim. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators. They include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.
Related Topics
A VA Disability Claims Manual for the Rest of Us
How to File, Appeal, and Win Your VA Benefits
Nexus Letters for VA Claims
How to Get, Write, and Use a Nexus Letter to Win Your VA Disability Service Connection
The Appeals Playbook
Your Complete Guide to Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and the Board of Veterans' Appeals
Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.