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C&P Exam Prep: Late Symptomatic Syphilis
DBQ Overview
Interview + Physical- Form Name
- Infectious_Diseases_Other_than_HIV_Related_Illness_Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome_and_Tuberculosis
- Form Code
- Infectious_Diseases_Other_than_HIV_Related_Illness_Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome_and_Tuberculosis
- Page Count
- 7
- Examiner Type
- Infectious Disease Specialist or Internal Medicine
- Estimated Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Exam Format
- Interview + Physical
What to Expect During Your Exam
Exam Overview
To evaluate the current severity, activity status, and functional impact of late symptomatic syphilis (DC 6310) for VA disability rating purposes. The examiner will assess residual neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and other systemic complications of late-stage syphilis, determine whether the condition is active or inactive, and document how symptoms affect daily functioning and work capacity.
What the examiner evaluates:
- Presence and severity of neurosyphilis manifestations including tabes dorsalis, general paresis, meningitis, and cranial nerve involvement
- Cardiovascular syphilis findings including aortitis, aortic aneurysm, and aortic valve insufficiency
- Gummatous lesions affecting skin, bone, liver, or other organs
- Current serologic status including RPR/VDRL and FTA-ABS or TPPA titers
- CSF examination results if neurosyphilis is suspected or confirmed
- Treatment history including penicillin or alternative antibiotic courses and response to treatment
- Active versus inactive disease status and date condition became inactive if applicable
- Functional limitations caused by neurological deficits, pain, weakness, or incoordination
- Impact on activities of daily living, employment, and quality of life
- Presence of any residual disabilities attributable to syphilitic tissue damage
- History of hospitalizations, specialist evaluations, and ongoing follow-up care
- Secondary conditions caused by or related to late syphilis infection
The exam will be conducted in person at a VA medical facility or contract examination site. You may be examined by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant with infectious disease or internal medicine expertise. Bring all relevant medical records, lab results, imaging studies, and a written symptom summary. If your exam is scheduled as a telehealth visit, confirm in advance whether a physical examination can still be performed, as certain neurological and cardiovascular findings require in-person assessment. You have the right to request that the exam be recorded in most states.
Typical duration: 30-45 minutes
Serologic Testing - RPR/VDRL and Treponemal Tests
Non-treponemal tests (RPR, VDRL) reflect disease activity and treatment response; treponemal tests (FTA-ABS, TPPA) confirm prior infection and typically remain reactive for life.
What to expect:
The examiner will review your most recent RPR or VDRL titer results, FTA-ABS or TPPA results, and any trend data showing titer changes over time. Blood may be drawn at the examination or the examiner may rely on existing results in your medical record.
Key thresholds:
- RPR reactive with any titer — Supports active or recently treated syphilis; combined with symptoms, can support higher rating
- RPR non-reactive with reactive FTA-ABS — Consistent with adequately treated or late latent syphilis; residual disability still ratable
- Four-fold or greater titer increase — Suggests reinfection or treatment failure; supports active disease designation
- CSF-VDRL reactive — Confirms neurosyphilis; significant for rating neurological residuals under appropriate diagnostic codes
Tips:
- Bring copies of all serologic test results from the past 3-5 years showing titer trends
- If you have had multiple courses of treatment, document dates, antibiotics used, and response
- If CSF analysis was ever performed, bring the full laboratory report
- Note any instances where your provider expressed concern about treatment failure or reinfection
Pain considerations: Serologic testing itself is not painful beyond a blood draw. However, if lumbar puncture for CSF analysis is discussed, you may accurately describe prior procedural experiences and any headache or back pain that followed previous spinal taps.
Neurological Examination
Presence and severity of neurological deficits from neurosyphilis including tabes dorsalis (posterior column degeneration), general paresis, Argyll Robertson pupils, cranial nerve palsies, ataxia, sensory loss, and reflex abnormalities.
What to expect:
The examiner will test deep tendon reflexes, proprioception and vibration sense, gait and coordination, pupillary reactions, cranial nerve function, cognitive status, muscle strength, and sensory perception. You may be asked to walk, stand with eyes closed (Romberg test), and perform finger-to-nose coordination tasks.
Key thresholds:
- Absent deep tendon reflexes with positive Romberg — Classic tabes dorsalis finding; supports significant neurological rating
- Argyll Robertson pupils (accommodating but not reacting to light) — Pathognomonic for neurosyphilis; supports active or residual neurosyphilis designation
- Cognitive deficits on mental status testing — May support general paresis diagnosis; rated separately under mental disorders criteria
- Cranial nerve palsy — Rated under appropriate cranial nerve diagnostic codes as residual disability
Tips:
- Report ALL neurological symptoms accurately including balance problems, falls, shooting or lightning pains, numbness, tingling, weakness, visual changes, hearing loss, difficulty speaking, and memory or personality changes
- Describe your worst symptom days, not just your best days
- If you use a cane, walker, or other assistive device due to balance or gait problems, bring it to the exam
- Report any history of falls or near-falls related to ataxia or sensory loss
Pain considerations: Tabes dorsalis characteristically causes sudden, severe lancinating or lightning pains in the extremities and trunk. When describing these, communicate the frequency, intensity on a 0-10 scale, duration of each episode, and how they interrupt sleep, work, and daily activities. Do not minimize these pain episodes as they are clinically significant for rating purposes.
Cardiovascular Examination
Presence and severity of cardiovascular syphilis including syphilitic aortitis, aortic aneurysm, coronary ostial stenosis, and aortic valve insufficiency.
What to expect:
The examiner will auscultate heart sounds for aortic regurgitation murmur, assess blood pressure in both arms, review chest X-ray and echocardiogram findings, and evaluate for symptoms of heart failure or angina. Imaging studies such as CT aortography may be referenced.
Key thresholds:
- Aortic regurgitation present on examination or echocardiogram — Supports cardiovascular syphilis diagnosis; severity rated under cardiac diagnostic codes
- Ascending aortic aneurysm on imaging — Major finding for cardiovascular syphilis; rated based on size and functional impact
- Coronary ostial stenosis with exertional angina — Supports higher rating for cardiovascular limitation
Tips:
- Bring all cardiology records, echocardiogram reports, and any CT or MRI aortic imaging
- Report any chest pain, shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, or dizziness accurately
- If you have exercise limitations due to cardiovascular symptoms, describe specific activities you can no longer do and why
- Document any cardiac medications prescribed for syphilis-related cardiac complications
Pain considerations: Chest pain from syphilitic coronary ostial stenosis should be described in full detail including character, radiation, precipitating and relieving factors, and frequency. Do not dismiss chest discomfort as minor if it limits your activities.
Rating Criteria Breakdown
| Rating % | Criteria | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Active late syphilis with significant systemic involvement. This may include active neurosyphilis with ongoing neurological progression, active cardiovascular syphilis with hemodynamically significant aortic disease, or active gummatous disease with substantial organ involvement. Rating at this level reflects the severity of the underlying active infectious process and its systemic consequences. |
CFR: Under 38 CFR 4.88b DC 6310, late symptomatic syphilis is rated based on the predominant disabling manifestation. When multiple body systems are affected, residuals may be rated separately under the most analogous diagnostic codes for the affected system (neurological, cardiovascular, dermatological). A 100% rating reflects total disability from active late syphilitic disease. |
| 60% | Moderately severe late symptomatic syphilis with significant but not totally disabling systemic manifestations. Persistent neurological residuals causing functional limitations, cardiovascular involvement with moderate functional impairment, or gummatous disease affecting one or more organ systems with moderate disability. |
CFR: Residual disabilities from late syphilis such as tabes dorsalis or syphilitic aortitis that cause moderate limitations in occupational and social functioning without constituting complete disability. The examiner should document specific functional deficits and their impact on daily activities. |
| 30% | Mild to moderate residual disability from late symptomatic syphilis following treatment. Serologic evidence of prior infection with persistent but mild neurological or systemic residuals. Condition may be designated inactive but with documented residual deficits affecting function. |
CFR: Inactive late syphilis with documented residual signs or symptoms that affect physical or occupational functioning. The condition is no longer actively progressing but has left permanent deficits ratable under DC 6310 or analogous codes. |
| 10% | Minimal residual disability from late symptomatic syphilis. Condition is inactive following treatment with only minor or subclinical residuals. Serologic evidence of prior infection with reactive treponemal tests but non-reactive or minimally reactive non-treponemal tests. No significant functional impairment. |
CFR: Adequately treated late syphilis with minimal or no residual symptomatology. The condition is documented as inactive but the veteran retains a ratable disability based on the history of late symptomatic disease and any objective residual findings. |
100% Active late syphilis with significant systemic involvement. ...
Active late syphilis with significant systemic involvement. This may include active neurosyphilis with ongoing neurological progression, active cardiovascular syphilis with hemodynamically significant aortic disease, or active gummatous disease with substantial organ involvement. Rating at this level reflects the severity of the underlying active infectious process and its systemic consequences.
Key Symptoms
- Active serologic evidence of infection with symptoms of late-stage disease
- Progressive neurological deficits attributable to ongoing neurosyphilis
- Hemodynamically significant aortic regurgitation or aortic aneurysm
- Active gummatous lesions causing significant organ dysfunction
- Evidence of treatment failure or reinfection with persistent systemic symptoms
- Hospitalization or intensive outpatient management for syphilitic complications
- Inability to maintain substantial gainful employment due to syphilitic residuals
CFR: Under 38 CFR 4.88b DC 6310, late symptomatic syphilis is rated based on the predominant disabling manifestation. When multiple body systems are affected, residuals may be rated separately under the most analogous diagnostic codes for the affected system (neurological, cardiovascular, dermatological). A 100% rating reflects total disability from active late syphilitic disease.
60% Moderately severe late symptomatic syphilis with significant ...
Moderately severe late symptomatic syphilis with significant but not totally disabling systemic manifestations. Persistent neurological residuals causing functional limitations, cardiovascular involvement with moderate functional impairment, or gummatous disease affecting one or more organ systems with moderate disability.
Key Symptoms
- Established neurosyphilis with stable but significant neurological deficits
- Tabes dorsalis with gait disturbance, sensory loss, or recurrent lightning pains
- Aortic regurgitation with moderate exertional limitation
- Residual cranial nerve deficits affecting vision, hearing, or facial function
- Cognitive impairment from prior general paresis affecting work capacity
- Recurrent symptoms requiring ongoing specialist management
CFR: Residual disabilities from late syphilis such as tabes dorsalis or syphilitic aortitis that cause moderate limitations in occupational and social functioning without constituting complete disability. The examiner should document specific functional deficits and their impact on daily activities.
30% Mild to moderate residual disability from late symptomatic s ...
Mild to moderate residual disability from late symptomatic syphilis following treatment. Serologic evidence of prior infection with persistent but mild neurological or systemic residuals. Condition may be designated inactive but with documented residual deficits affecting function.
Key Symptoms
- Mild sensory deficits or diminished reflexes as residuals of tabes dorsalis
- Minimal aortic regurgitation without significant exertional limitation
- Mild gait instability not requiring assistive devices
- Occasional lightning pains controlled with medication
- Stable serologic titers after treatment completion
- Mild fatigue or reduced endurance attributable to prior syphilitic organ involvement
CFR: Inactive late syphilis with documented residual signs or symptoms that affect physical or occupational functioning. The condition is no longer actively progressing but has left permanent deficits ratable under DC 6310 or analogous codes.
10% Minimal residual disability from late symptomatic syphilis. ...
Minimal residual disability from late symptomatic syphilis. Condition is inactive following treatment with only minor or subclinical residuals. Serologic evidence of prior infection with reactive treponemal tests but non-reactive or minimally reactive non-treponemal tests. No significant functional impairment.
Key Symptoms
- Non-reactive RPR with reactive FTA-ABS or TPPA confirming prior infection
- Minimal or subclinical neurological findings on examination
- No functional limitation from syphilitic residuals in daily activities
- Stable condition not requiring active treatment
- Incidentally noted serologic reactivity without symptomatic disease
CFR: Adequately treated late syphilis with minimal or no residual symptomatology. The condition is documented as inactive but the veteran retains a ratable disability based on the history of late symptomatic disease and any objective residual findings.
How to Describe Your Symptoms
Neurological Pain - Lightning or Lancinating Pains
How to describe:
Describe the sudden, shooting, electric shock-like pains characteristic of tabes dorsalis. Specify which body parts are affected (legs, trunk, arms), how long each episode lasts (seconds to minutes), how many episodes occur per day or week, what triggers or worsens them (movement, cold, touch), what partially relieves them, and how they interrupt sleep, work, and daily activities.
Worst-day example:
“On my worst days, I have 15 or more sudden stabbing pains shooting from my hips down through my legs. Each one feels like an electric shock and lasts 10 to 30 seconds. These wake me from sleep at least 3 times a night and make it impossible to walk more than half a block without stopping. I cannot stand at a counter to cook or stand in line because the unpredictable nature of the pain makes me fear falling. On these days I take my prescribed pain medication, which reduces the frequency but leaves me drowsy and unable to concentrate.”
What the examiner listens for:
Frequency and severity of episodic pain consistent with posterior column disease; functional limitation during and between pain episodes; medication use and side effects; impact on sleep, ambulation, and occupational activity; unpredictability of pain onset
Understatements to avoid:
Do not say 'I just have some leg pain sometimes' or 'I manage it okay.' Tabes dorsalis pain is characteristically severe and episodic. Failing to describe the frequency, intensity, and functional disruption caused by lightning pains may result in the examiner documenting mild or insignificant pain.
Gait and Balance Disturbance
How to describe:
Describe your walking stability, history of falls, use of assistive devices, and specific activities you can no longer perform safely. Explain how your gait has changed over time and what compensatory strategies you use. Note whether balance is worse in the dark or with eyes closed, which is characteristic of posterior column disease.
Worst-day example:
“On my worst days I cannot walk through my house at night without holding onto walls because I cannot feel the floor under my feet. I have fallen three times in the past year, twice going down stairs. I now use a cane whenever I leave the house. I cannot walk on uneven ground without someone supporting me. I have given up hiking, yard work, and using a ladder. Even on better days I shuffle when I walk and my family has commented that I look drunk even when I am sober.”
What the examiner listens for:
Objective gait abnormality on examination; positive Romberg sign; history of falls with dates and circumstances; use of assistive devices; specific functional limitations in work and daily life; worsening in low light or with eyes closed
Understatements to avoid:
Do not minimize falls by saying they were accidental or due to unrelated causes if your balance problem contributed. Do not fail to mention nighttime worsening or light-dependent gait problems, as these are diagnostically significant and functionally important.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
How to describe:
Describe any chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or dizziness with specific attention to what activities trigger symptoms, how far you can walk or climb stairs before stopping, and how your exercise capacity has changed since diagnosis.
Worst-day example:
“On my worst days I become short of breath climbing one flight of stairs and have to rest at the top. I have chest pressure that radiates to my left arm when I walk more than two blocks on flat ground. I have stopped mowing my lawn, carrying groceries, and participating in activities with my grandchildren because of fear of chest pain and breathlessness. My cardiologist has restricted me from heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.”
What the examiner listens for:
Exertional chest pain or dyspnea consistent with cardiovascular syphilis; exercise tolerance quantified in blocks, stairs, or MET equivalents; cardiologist-imposed activity restrictions; medication burden for cardiac management; objective findings on auscultation or imaging review
Understatements to avoid:
Do not say you are fine with activity if you have modified your life to avoid triggering symptoms. Describe what you used to be able to do versus what you can do now.
Cognitive and Psychiatric Symptoms
How to describe:
If you have experienced memory loss, personality changes, difficulty with concentration, or mood disturbances related to neurosyphilis or general paresis, describe these with specific examples. Explain how these symptoms have affected your ability to manage finances, maintain relationships, hold employment, or perform complex tasks.
Worst-day example:
“On my worst days I cannot remember conversations I had earlier the same day. I have gotten lost driving in my own neighborhood twice. I make mistakes at work that I never would have made before and my supervisor has expressed concern. My spouse reports that my personality has changed and that I am more irritable and impulsive than I was before my illness. I am no longer able to manage our household finances without help.”
What the examiner listens for:
Cognitive deficits on mental status examination consistent with general paresis; neuropsychological testing results; impact on instrumental activities of daily living; employment consequences; psychiatric symptoms including depression, anxiety, or psychosis secondary to neurosyphilis
Understatements to avoid:
Do not minimize cognitive changes as normal aging or stress. General paresis and other forms of neurosyphilis can cause measurable cognitive decline that is separately ratable under mental disorders criteria.
Systemic Fatigue and Reduced Endurance
How to describe:
Describe fatigue that is disproportionate to activity level, including how it differs from normal tiredness, how it affects your ability to work full days or complete household tasks, and whether it has changed over time since your syphilis diagnosis and treatment.
Worst-day example:
“On my worst days I am exhausted after showering and getting dressed. By noon I need to rest even if I have not done anything physically demanding. I cannot work a full eight-hour day. I have used up all of my sick leave and my employer has placed me on a performance improvement plan because of absences and reduced productivity. Even on better days I can only work about four to five hours before fatigue forces me to stop.”
What the examiner listens for:
Fatigue severity and its proportionality to activity; impact on work attendance and productivity; relationship to syphilitic organ damage or treatment side effects; whether fatigue is a primary symptom or secondary to specific organ system involvement
Understatements to avoid:
Do not say you are just tired without quantifying how fatigue limits your function. Connect fatigue specifically to your syphilis diagnosis and its effects on your body systems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reporting only current average symptoms rather than worst-day severity
VA rating is based on the full picture of disability including worst-day functioning. M21-1 guidance specifically directs examiners to consider the worst typical presentation of a condition. Reporting only your best or average days systematically underrepresents your disability.
Instead: Before the exam, write down your worst days from the past 12 months. Bring specific examples with dates if possible. When asked how you are doing, lead with your worst experiences rather than your average or best days.
Impact: All rating levels - can affect rating by one or two full steps
Failing to connect neurological symptoms specifically to syphilis
The examiner must document which symptoms are attributable to late syphilis versus other conditions. If you do not explicitly link your gait problems, sensory loss, or cognitive changes to your syphilis diagnosis, the examiner may attribute these to unrelated causes or fail to document the connection.
Instead: Use language such as 'My neurologist told me my balance problems are from the nerve damage caused by syphilis' or 'These symptoms began after my syphilis diagnosis and have been attributed to neurosyphilis in my medical records.' Bring records explicitly connecting your symptoms to syphilitic pathology.
Impact: Can determine whether a condition is rated at all versus not recognized
Downplaying serologic reactivity by saying you were treated and cured
While treatment may render syphilis inactive, late symptomatic syphilis can leave permanent residual disabilities. Treponemal tests remain reactive for life. Saying you were cured may cause the examiner to document inactive disease without residual disability, eliminating your claim.
Instead: Accurately state that you completed treatment and that the disease may be inactive or controlled, but emphasize the permanent damage and residual symptoms that treatment did not reverse. Use language such as 'I was treated but I still have permanent nerve damage that my doctor says will not improve.'
Impact: Can result in 0% or non-compensable rating when a compensable rating is warranted
Not mentioning the full range of affected body systems
Late syphilis can affect multiple organ systems simultaneously. If you only mention one set of symptoms (e.g., neurological) and fail to mention cardiovascular or dermatological manifestations, those systems will not be evaluated and separate ratings may not be assigned.
Instead: Prepare a complete symptom inventory covering neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, dermatological, and psychiatric symptoms before the exam. Present all symptoms to the examiner even if they seem minor or unrelated to your primary complaint.
Impact: Can result in missed secondary ratings worth 10-60% each
Failing to bring serologic test results and specialist records
The examiner must document the diagnostic basis for the syphilis diagnosis. If your records are not available at the exam, the examiner may note that the diagnosis cannot be confirmed, which can delay or deny your claim.
Instead: Request copies of all RPR, VDRL, FTA-ABS, TPPA, and CSF laboratory results from your treating providers. Bring neurology, cardiology, and infectious disease clinic notes. Organize these chronologically in a binder you bring to the exam.
Impact: Can affect claim decision at all rating levels
Minimizing functional impact on employment and daily activities
The functional impact section of the DBQ (field 164) directly influences the rating decision. Examiners who document minimal functional impact may support lower ratings even when objective findings are significant.
Instead: Before the exam, list every activity you can no longer do or can only do with difficulty due to your condition: driving, cooking, cleaning, climbing stairs, walking distances, concentrating at work, managing finances, maintaining relationships. Bring this list and refer to it when asked about functional impact.
Impact: Most impactful at the 30-60% boundary
Prep Checklist
Before Your Exam
Day Of
During the Exam
After the Exam
Your Rights During a C&P Exam
- You have the right to a thorough and contemporaneous examination. The examiner must conduct a physical examination when clinically indicated and cannot rate your condition based solely on a records review if your symptoms require direct assessment.
- You have the right to review and receive a copy of your C&P examination report. Request it through MyHealtheVet or your regional office after the exam is completed.
- You have the right to request a new examination if you believe the first examination was inadequate, incomplete, or based on inaccurate information. Submit a written request to your regional office explaining the specific inadequacies.
- In most states, you have the right to record your C&P examination. Confirm your state's law before the exam and bring a recording device if permitted. Notify the examiner that you will be recording at the start of the session.
- You have the right to submit additional evidence including private medical opinions (nexus letters), buddy statements, and supplemental medical records to support your claim at any time before a final rating decision.
- You have the right to be accompanied by a representative, accredited claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative throughout the claims process, including assistance with preparing for and responding to C&P examinations.
- You have the right to a rating based on your entire clinical picture including your worst-day functioning, not just a single snapshot on the day of the exam. M21-1 guidance directs raters to consider the full range of disability severity.
- You have the right to separate ratings for each distinct disability caused by late syphilis. Neurological, cardiovascular, dermatological, and psychiatric residuals of late syphilis may each be rated separately under the most appropriate diagnostic code rather than combined under a single rating.
- You have the right to obtain and submit an independent medical examination (IME) or private nexus opinion if you believe the VA examiner's conclusions are incorrect or inadequately supported. Private medical opinions are entitled to full consideration in the rating decision.
- You have the right to appeal any rating decision through the Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board of Veterans' Appeals lanes under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).
Related Conditions
- Neurosyphilis - Tabes Dorsalis Tabes dorsalis is a specific manifestation of late neurosyphilis involving degeneration of the posterior columns of the spinal cord. It causes the characteristic lightning pains, sensory ataxia, and loss of proprioception associated with late symptomatic syphilis. May be rated under DC 8019 (peripheral nerve injuries) or analogous neurological codes in addition to DC 6310.
- Cardiovascular Syphilis - Syphilitic Aortitis Syphilitic involvement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve is a major manifestation of late symptomatic syphilis. Aortic regurgitation, ascending aortic aneurysm, and coronary ostial stenosis may each warrant separate ratings under cardiac diagnostic codes (DC 7000 7020) in addition to the primary rating under DC 6310.
- General Paresis of the Insane - Neurosyphilis Dementia General paresis is a manifestation of neurosyphilis causing progressive dementia, personality change, and psychiatric symptoms. Cognitive and psychiatric residuals may be separately rated under mental disorders diagnostic codes (DC 9300 9304) in addition to DC 6310.
- Syphilitic Optic Atrophy and Uveitis Late syphilis can cause optic neuritis, optic atrophy, uveitis, and other ocular manifestations. Visual impairment from syphilitic ocular disease may be separately rated under visual diagnostic codes (DC 6000 6091) in addition to DC 6310.
- Erectile Dysfunction - Secondary to Neurological Conditions Autonomic neuropathy from tabes dorsalis or other forms of neurosyphilis can cause neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Veterans with erectile dysfunction attributable to service connected neurosyphilis may be eligible for a separate rating under DC 7522 and/or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k).
- Major Depressive Disorder - Secondary to Chronic Illness Chronic pain, neurological disability, and the psychological burden of a stigmatized sexually transmitted infection diagnosis can contribute to secondary depressive disorders. Depression secondary to service connected late syphilis may be separately ratable under DC 9434 if a nexus to the service connected condition is established.
- Rheumatic Fever Rheumatic fever is another infectious disease rated under 38 CFR 4.88b on the same Infectious Diseases DBQ. While distinct from syphilis, veterans being evaluated for late symptomatic syphilis may also have rheumatic disease considerations. Both conditions share the same examination form (field 72 on the DBQ).
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This C&P exam preparation guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or claims advice. Always consult with a qualified Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative or VA-accredited attorney for guidance specific to your claim. Never exaggerate, minimize, or fabricate symptoms during a C&P examination.