C&P Exam Guide

Respiratory / Lung C&P Exam

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.

DBQ: DBQ - Respiratory Conditions
Exam type: In-person with pulmonary function testing
Typical duration: 30-60 minutes (includes PFT)

What the Examiner Looks For

PFT results (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO), frequency of asthma attacks or exacerbations, inhaler and medication usage (daily vs. intermittent), need for oral steroids or oxygen therapy, exercise limitations, and impact on work capacity.

Related Diagnostic Codes

DC 6510
Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronic
DC 6522
Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis
DC 6600
Bronchitis, chronic
DC 6602
Asthma, bronchial
DC 6603
Emphysema, pulmonary
DC 6604
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
DC 6847
Sleep Apnea Syndromes

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

⚠️ Critical tip
Use your inhalers as prescribed — do NOT skip rescue inhaler use to "test worse."
Track how often you use rescue inhalers, have attacks, and miss work/activities.
⚠️ Critical tip
Describe your worst breathing episodes — nighttime symptoms, ER visits, oral steroid courses.
If you had COVID-related lung damage, bring those records too.

❌ DON'T

Do not use your bronchodilator right before the PFT unless the tech instructs you to.
Do not smoke or vape within 24 hours of PFT testing if possible.

📋 BRING

Recent PFT results if you have them from your own doctor.
⚠️ Critical tip
Pharmacy records showing inhaler refill frequency (proves daily use).
⚠️ Critical tip
Records of any oral steroid courses (prednisone bursts) — these bump ratings significantly.

🔍 EXPECT

⚠️ Critical tip
You will blow into a spirometer (PFT machine) multiple times — give maximum effort each time.
Pre- and post-bronchodilator testing (before and after inhaler).
Questions about daily medication regimen and activity limitations.

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.