Top 10 VA C&P Exam Tips for Mental Health Claims

At the time this video was published, all information was accurate but is subject to change as laws, policies, and regulations change.

- In today's video, veterans will learn about our Top 10 VA C&P Exam Tips for Mental Health Claims. Many veterans have a difficult time being open and vulnerable during their exam. Do you get embarrassed or feel like you're going to be judged if you say you have a VA mental health disability? Are you not sure what to expect before you go into the C&P exam?

You're not alone, the fact is many veterans downplay their conditions, especially when it comes to mental health. They have the suck it up and move on mentality. We're here to tell you IT IS OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY!

You need to be open, honest, and uncomfortably vulnerable during your C and P exam. You must tell the provider EVERYTHING going on with you regarding your mental health condition, and how your symptoms are negatively affecting you in terms of Frequency, Severity, and Duration.

Are you frustrated with your VA disability rating? WE CAN HELP!

***Video Timestamps & Resources***

⏩ 00:00 VA Claims Insider Overview
⏩ 00:15 Our Veteran Coaches can help you navigate the VA claim process
⏩ 08:00 How to be Open, Honest, and Uncomfortably Vulnerable
⏩ 13:00 Severity of Symptoms determines your VA raing for mental health
⏩ 20:25 How do you ACTUALLY open up about mental health?
⏩ 28:00 Occupational and Social Impairment Explained
⏩ 35:29 Should a spouse attend your VA C&P exam?
⏩ 41:30 What to expect during a C&P Exam for PTSD
⏩ 49:00 Can there be too much evidence?
⏩ 57:50 What about a VA claim for Insomnia?

📱 Veterans: Schedule your FREE 30 min no obligation strategy session right now

***Top 10 C and P Exam Tips Explained: Know Your Uncomfortable Truths!***

Tip #1. Always be Open, Honest, and Truthful
Tip #2. Read through your Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, and any private medical records and reports
Tip #3. Review CFR Title 38, Part 4, VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities for each condition you've claimed
Tip #4. Do NOT have your best day
Tip #5. Be “Uncomfortably Vulnerable” at your C&P exam
Tip #6. Explain HOW your disabilities are limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning
Tip #7. Know your true story as well as any in-service stressor events for the “Nexus”
Tip #8. Give the C&P examiner a detailed image of your work and life Before, During, and After active duty military service
Tip #9. The C&P examiner is NOT your friend
Tip #10. Keep a copy of your C&P exam appointment paperwork

💥 Want to learn more about how to prepare for a VA C and P Exam? Check out our awesome blog for more FREE info:

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[michaelholland]

So true about needing time off after a mental health c and p, I was planning on working after but that changed!

[short]

Great information. I have C&P at the end of this month. Taking alot of notes . These videos are very beneficial in preparing me for my C&P Exam. Thank you to Brian Reese and all the coaches.

[andyman]

Had general c&p first on a Monday, was kinda nervous. Went in with nothing and came out with nothing. 2nd scheduled one was the following Monday for hearing, went in with nothing again but came out with 10% tinnitus.
3rd exam was behavioral two days later and I committed to going into it fully prepared. Spent the rest of Monday writing my story and writing to everyhting on the dbq. The next two days I was a wreck leading into the exam. Thankfully had a great psychiatrist who listened to every rant and sidebar I went off on, and when I couldn't talk anymore without breaking down, he read my papers i printed. Came out of that one feeling like exhausted and was already taking the rest of the day off anyways. Got 50% for that exam althiugh I know I rate a 70% I'll let it go for now. This was a great start to fixing a lot of things.

[jbstl]

I joined the Navy in 2003. Boot camp in Chicago, A-school in Pensacola, then was assigned to an E-2 Hawkeye squadron. Served with VAW-120. 120 had C-2( CODS) and E-2's being a training squadron.

[michaelchilders]

Mike Childers USAF 1982-2002 from Colorado

[justa.seeker]

The Doctor will tell you one thig to your face and completely lie on their paper work. Happened many times to me.

[onepeopleministries]

I served in the Army, 95 Bravo, Military Police, 1983 - 90. I had to relocate to the Philippines 19 years ago because I could no longer find employment to sustain my monthly needs. Dealing with the VA in the Philippines has been a nightmare. It is only after 12 years the VA finally recognized my wife as a dependent and I am anxiously awaiting a back pay for the benefits I should have received. I would really like you guys to talk about veterans living abroad and what we are entitled to. About 13 years ago I sought a reevaluation for my service connected disability. When I received the decision it said no increase was warranted. After reading the doctor's comments I honestly thought she was reporting on someone else, as nothing I said was in the report and anything remotely the same as I had reported. It was as if everything I said was downplayed to seem insignificant. When I called the VA to inquire about an appeal, they said it was my right but I shouldn't because their policy and procedure was to immediately decrease my % of disability simply because I was appealing their decision. I didn't appeal because my disability is my only income and I couldn't afford to lose it. I have lived on a little over $600 a month for the last 19 years, with a condition the VA doctors in the US said would worsen over the years but when evidence of my condition actually worsening the VA denied my claim. I was also diagnosed with depression nearly 20 years ago but no one informed me this was a benefit related diagnosis. I feel my depression has gotten worse but I honestly feel I have no alternatives. Any help you can provide would be great.

[MrDerekpryor]

I served from 88 to 96 to 03 to 05, Persian Gulf, Navy

[edwinmasangkay]

The spouse can attend the exam I have done it a few times. that helped me a lot because there are things that you forget to say that she always remember especially the scary things that had happened. I have a problem on forgetting things because of my trauma. A buddy is always a very very good help especially a spouse. I just had my exam for my 100 percent and I hope and pray that I get it this time.

[dullom]

Viet Nam 1969-1970 +24 years in Army. Having my first Evaluation in a week or two...

[leedsbutler]

I feel like I can open up. But I hope they asked questions that give me that opportunity. I have my exam in a few days.

It took seven freaking months before they scheduled my C&P exam for mental health! It was brutal. Mine is coming up this Thursday

[Mictian]

So i went to my first C&P and held back so i got 30%. If i go back to get an increase and tell more, wouldn't that be bad that I left it out the first time around?

[fisherman]

Infantryman OIF 5-6, time to get whats mine!

[larrygrow]

Army 1971 to 1974 Vetnam 1971 to 1972. 68H20 ptsd at end of month.

[tommyrobinson]

Ethel Robinson, Covington, Georgia. Served in the Army 20 years 1974-1994, Human Resources

[williamgoodwin]

Bill Goodwin, USAF, 1967-2006, O'Fallon, IL 100%

[Jason-]

I just did my Mental Health C&P today. It lasted 15 minutes over a video conference. I sat down with wife last night and wrote out all my notes. The examiner said it went well, but only 15 minutes has me worried...

[georgegonzalez]

I reached 100%, but V A denied my Plantar Fasciitis (?) should Perseus It? Appreciate your feedback, Thnxs

[lookoutnow]

So what if I get a diagnosis straight from a Psychiatrist that works in a VA clinic? Would the VA still require a C&P exam?