C&P Exam Prep — Know What to Expect

The examiner will perform range of motion testing with a goniometer, assess pain levels, check for neurological symptoms, and evaluate functional impact.

Endocrine exams cover diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal conditions. For diabetes, the key rating factors are: whether you need insulin, oral meds, or diet management; whether your activities are regulated (restricted); and whether you have episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization. Complications (neuropathy, retinopathy) are rated separately.

Eye exams evaluate visual acuity, visual field loss, and eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Corrected and uncorrected visual acuity are both tested. Visual field testing determines peripheral vision loss, which is rated separately from central acuity.

Foot condition exams evaluate pes planus (flat feet), plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and other foot problems. For flat feet, the examiner looks at weight-bearing vs. non-weight-bearing alignment, whether orthotics help, pain on manipulation, calluses, and whether the Achilles tendon is misaligned. Bilateral vs. unilateral matters for the rating.

The examiner will assess symptom frequency and severity, check for complications, and evaluate service connection.

Genitourinary exams evaluate kidney disease, urinary frequency/incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and prostate conditions. Voiding dysfunction ratings depend on frequency (daytime and nighttime), need for absorbent materials, and whether catheterization or appliances are needed. Renal dysfunction is rated by lab values (BUN, creatinine).

Hearing loss ratings are based entirely on audiometric test results. The exam will include puretone audiometry and the Maryland CNC speech discrimination test.

Cardiovascular exams evaluate heart conditions including coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart valve disorders. The key metric is your METs (metabolic equivalents) level — how much physical activity you can handle before symptoms appear. Exercise testing or METs estimation based on interview determines your rating level.

Hip exams evaluate arthritis, labral tears, bursitis, and limitation of motion. Like other musculoskeletal exams, range of motion measurements are key — specifically flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. The examiner notes where pain begins during motion and tests for additional limitation after repetitive use.

Beyond GERD, digestive exams cover IBS, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, liver conditions, and hernias. For IBS specifically, the rating hinges on whether episodes are mild, moderate, or severe — and how often you have alternating diarrhea and constipation with abdominal distress. Document the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

The examiner will measure knee range of motion, test for instability, and assess functional limitations.

Similar to PTSD but covers anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The examiner will assess DSM-5 diagnosis, severity, and functional impact.

The examiner will assess frequency, severity, and duration of migraines, with particular focus on prostrating attacks that force you to stop all activity.

The examiner will assess whether you meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD, confirm service connection through a stressor event, and evaluate symptom severity and functional impact.

Respiratory exams assess conditions like asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and restrictive lung disease. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are the cornerstone — your FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and DLCO values directly map to rating percentages. If you use inhalers or nebulizers daily, that matters significantly.

Shoulder exams evaluate rotator cuff injuries, impingement, instability, and arthritis. Range of motion is the primary measurement — specifically flexion and abduction. The examiner also tests for pain, weakness, fatigability on repetitive use, and flare-up impact. Dominant vs. non-dominant arm affects the rating level.

Skin condition exams evaluate rashes, scars, eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatological issues. The examiner measures affected body surface area (BSA) and exposed area percentage — these numbers directly determine your rating. Bring photos of flare-ups since skin conditions often look different at the exam than at their worst.

The examiner will review your sleep study results, confirm diagnosis, assess severity, and evaluate service connection.

TBI exams assess multiple facets of brain function including memory, concentration, judgment, social interaction, and motor function.

This is often one of the more straightforward exams. The audiologist will ask about your tinnitus symptoms and likely perform a hearing test.