# C&P Exam Readiness Plan

Builds a personal preparation plan for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam based on your condition and what you know going in. Use it before the exam so you walk in organized, not caught off guard.

## Prompt

## Context
You are helping [YOUR NAME], a veteran, prepare for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for [CONDITION OR CONDITIONS]. The exam is scheduled for approximately [EXAM DATE OR TIMEFRAME]. The veteran's brief description of the condition and how it currently affects them: [CONDITION DESCRIPTION, describe in your own words what the condition is, when it started, and how it affects daily life and work right now]. Documents the veteran has already gathered: [DOCUMENTS ON HAND, list any service records, private medical records, nexus letters, or personal statements already collected, or write none]. Accredited VSO or representative involved: [VSO STATUS, name your VSO or write not yet assigned].

## Task
Build a C&P exam readiness plan with four sections:
1. What to bring: a specific list of documents to have ready on exam day and where each one comes from.
2. How to describe your condition: a structured reminder to describe your symptoms at their typical level, not only on a good day and not exaggerated. Include a plain prompt for describing functional impact in concrete terms.
3. Questions to ask the examiner: two to four factual questions the veteran can ask at the exam (for example, how to get a copy of the exam report).
4. After-exam steps: what to do in the days following the exam, including how to request a copy of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and who to contact if there are concerns.

## Standards
- Do not predict a rating, percentage, or likelihood of approval. This prompt does not produce a medical or legal opinion.
- Do not coach the veteran to exaggerate symptoms or severity. The goal is accurate, consistent description of the real condition.
- Do not invent symptoms, medical facts, dates, or documents the veteran did not provide.
- Do not state specific rating criteria or guarantee how the exam result will be used. Direct the veteran to verify rating schedule details on VA.gov or with their accredited VSO.
- Remind the veteran that their accredited VSO can advise on exam preparation at no cost. Representation and claim assistance are regulated under 38 CFR.
- Warn the veteran not to pay unaccredited 'claim sharks' for C&P exam coaching. Initial claim help is free through accredited VSOs.
- If [CONDITION DESCRIPTION] is missing or too vague to build a meaningful plan, ask for more detail before drafting.

## Variables

- YOUR NAME
- CONDITION OR CONDITIONS
- EXAM DATE OR TIMEFRAME
- CONDITION DESCRIPTION
- DOCUMENTS ON HAND
- VSO STATUS

## Input checklist

- [ ] Confirm your exam date, time, and location before running this prompt. Note any telehealth versus in-person format.
- [ ] Write a brief description of your condition in your own words: what it is, when it started, and how it limits you day-to-day right now.
- [ ] List every document you already have: service treatment records, private doctor records, personal statements, nexus letters, or buddy statements.
- [ ] Contact your accredited VSO before the exam if possible. VSO representation is free and they can advise on what to bring.
- [ ] Do not include your Social Security number, claim number, or VA file number in the prompt. Share only facts you are comfortable putting in an AI tool.
- [ ] Verify any specific rating schedule detail or exam protocol with VA.gov or your accredited VSO before the exam.

## Verification checklist

- [ ] Check that no rating percentage or approval prediction appears anywhere in the plan. If it does, remove it.
- [ ] Confirm the condition description section reflects your actual condition, not an embellished version.
- [ ] Check that no symptoms, diagnoses, or exposures appear that you did not provide to the prompt.
- [ ] Verify the documents list includes only items that actually exist or that you can realistically obtain before the exam date.
- [ ] Confirm the plan does not imply the AI is advising you medically or legally. It is an organizer only.
- [ ] Do not treat this plan as a substitute for speaking with your accredited VSO before the exam.

## Sample output

Sample output. Generated by AI from sample inputs:

Marcus Hale. Condition: tinnitus (ringing in ears) and right knee pain. Exam scheduled in approximately three weeks. Description provided: I have had constant ringing in both ears since working in a motor pool for six years without adequate hearing protection. My right knee has hurt since I twisted it during a forced road march in 2018. The ringing never stops and makes it hard to sleep and concentrate at work. My knee swells after standing more than 45 minutes and I limp by the end of a shift. Documents on hand: service treatment records from 2018 knee visit, personal statement drafted. VSO: not yet assigned.

What to bring on exam day:
- Service treatment records showing the 2018 knee visit (bring printed copies; do not assume the examiner has them)
- Any private doctor or clinic records related to the knee or hearing since separation
- Your personal statement describing each condition
- A written note listing current medications for either condition
- A photo ID
- Contact information for your accredited VSO if you have one assigned

Note: The VA should have records in your file, but bringing copies protects you if something is missing.

How to describe your condition accurately:
Describe your condition as it typically is, not only on your best day and not worse than reality. For each condition, be ready to answer:
- How often does this symptom occur?
- What makes it better or worse?
- How does it affect your ability to work, sleep, exercise, or do daily tasks?

For Marcus specifically:
- Tinnitus: the ringing is constant, not occasional. Describe that. Note that it interrupts sleep and concentration at work.
- Knee: note the 45-minute standing threshold before swelling starts, and that you limp by the end of a shift. These are concrete, functional details.

Do not minimize your symptoms on a good day and do not describe a worst-case scenario that is not typical. Accuracy matters.

Questions you can ask the examiner:
1. How do I request a copy of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) that results from this exam?
2. What is the typical timeline for the exam report to be sent to the VA rating authority?
3. If I believe any part of the exam report is inaccurate, who do I contact?

After-exam steps:
- Request a copy of your DBQ as soon as it is available. You have the right to request it through the VA records process.
- Contact your accredited VSO within a few days of the exam and describe how it went. They can advise on next steps.
- Note the date and examiner name in your records for your own file.
- If you do not have a VSO assigned yet, locate a free accredited VSO near you at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation or through veterans service organizations such as DAV, VFW, or American Legion.
- Do not pay anyone for help with your exam results or next steps. Accredited representation is free for initial claims.

Note: Rating percentages and how exam findings affect your rating are determined by the VA rating authority, not by the examiner or this plan. Verify rating schedule specifics at va.gov or with your VSO.

## Customization notes

Run this prompt once per exam if you have separate exams scheduled for different conditions. If your exam is a re-examination for an existing rating, note that in the condition description field and the plan will adjust to focus on documenting any change in your condition since the last exam. Veterans with conditions related to mental health or stressor events should contact their accredited VSO before the exam for additional guidance. The Veterans Crisis Line is available by dialing 988 then pressing 1.

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From The VA & Benefits Navigator Library at vetslearn.com/libraries/va