C&P Exam Guide

GERD / Digestive C&P Exam

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

DBQ: Esophageal Conditions DBQ

Exam type: In-person or Telehealth

Typical duration: 15-30 minutes

What the Examiner Looks For

Frequency of symptoms (daily, weekly), severity (mild heartburn vs. substernal pain, dysphagia), weight loss, anemia, and complications like strictures.

Related Diagnostic Codes

DC 7346

Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia

General Tips for Every C&P Exam

📝Be honest — do not exaggerate or minimize.

📝Describe your WORST days, not your best.

📝Focus on how the condition impacts your daily life and ability to work.

📝Keep a symptom journal or diary before your exam.

📝Review the DBQ for your condition beforehand.

📝Arrive early and bring all relevant records.

📝You can bring a support person (spouse, friend).

📝The exam is for evaluation, not treatment — do not expect prescriptions.

📝The examiner is not your doctor — they report findings to the VA.

📝If you disagree with the exam results, you can request a new exam.

✅ DO

Describe symptoms in detail: heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, nausea

Connect to service: stress, irregular meal schedules, medication side effects

Mention any weight loss or nutritional impact

Describe how it affects sleep (acid reflux lying down)

Report any ER visits for severe episodes

❌ DON'T

Don't say 'it's just heartburn' — minimize the clinical name

Don't forget to mention sleep disruption from reflux

📋 BRING

Endoscopy or GI study results

Medication list (especially PPIs like omeprazole)

Documentation of weight changes

🔍 EXPECT

Questions about symptom frequency and triggers

Questions about complications (strictures, Barrett's esophagus)

Physical exam of abdomen

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice. Every veteran's situation is unique. Consider consulting with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for personalized guidance.