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VA Rating Assistant

DC 7820 · 38 CFR 4.118

Skin Diseases (Dermatitis / Psoriasis / Acne) C&P Exam Prep

To evaluate the nature, severity, and extent of your skin condition(s) for VA disability rating purposes under 38 CFR - 4.118. The examiner will assess diagnosis, treatment history, and the percentage of total and exposed body surface area (BSA) affected, which directly determines your rating percentage under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.

Format:
Interview + Physical
Typical duration:
15-30 minutes
DBQ form:
Skin_Diseases (Skin_Diseases)
Examiner:
Dermatologist or appropriate clinician

What the examiner evaluates

  • Specific diagnosis and ICD code of the skin condition(s)
  • Total body surface area (BSA) affected, expressed as a percentage
  • Exposed body surface area (e.g., face, neck, hands, forearms) affected, expressed as a percentage
  • Whether the condition is in an active or remission phase
  • Current and past treatment regimen including topical agents, systemic medications, biologics, phototherapy, and immunosuppressives
  • Severity, frequency, and duration of flare-ups
  • Presence of disfigurement, scarring, mucosal involvement, palmar or plantar involvement
  • Whether the condition causes social or occupational impairment
  • Nexus (connection) between the skin condition and military service
  • Any secondary or associated conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, nail involvement, or systemic manifestations

The examiner will conduct a visual inspection of affected skin areas. You should be prepared to undress to allow inspection of all affected body areas. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for easy access. Bring a list of all current and past skin medications. Be prepared to describe your condition on your worst days, not just how you feel on the day of the exam.

Measurements and tests

Total Body Surface Area (BSA) Affected

What it measures: The percentage of your entire body skin surface covered by the skin condition. This is a critical rating driver under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.

What to expect: The examiner will visually inspect your entire body and estimate the percentage of total BSA affected. The common 'rule of nines' or palm method may be used. Each palm equals approximately 1% BSA.

Critical thresholds

  • Less than 5% of total BSA OR less than 5% of exposed BSA Typically supports a 10% rating if requiring intermittent treatment
  • 5-20% of total BSA OR 5-20% of exposed BSA Typically supports a 30% rating if requiring intermittent systemic therapy
  • 20-40% of total BSA Typically supports a 60% rating if requiring systemic therapy
  • More than 40% of total BSA OR incapacitating episodes requiring hospitalization Typically supports a 60% rating at the highest level under the General Formula

Tips

  • Do NOT apply heavy moisturizers, camouflage makeup, or thick topical treatments to affected areas on exam day - the examiner must see your skin as it actually is.
  • If your condition fluctuates, inform the examiner that exam-day presentation may not reflect worst-day severity.
  • Bring photos of your skin during severe flare-ups to demonstrate typical presentation.
  • Point out every affected area, including scalp, behind ears, in skin folds, groin, and under nails - these are easy to miss.

Pain considerations: If affected areas are painful, cracked, bleeding, or tender, verbally state this during inspection so the examiner documents it accurately.

Exposed Body Surface Area (Exposed BSA) Affected

What it measures: The percentage of exposed body surface areas - primarily the face, neck, hands, forearms, and lower legs - affected by the skin condition. Exposed BSA involvement can independently support higher ratings.

What to expect: The examiner will specifically assess whether your condition affects visible, exposed areas of skin. For acne-type conditions, the examiner will note whether the face/neck is affected and to what degree (less than 40% or 40% or more).

Critical thresholds

  • Acne affecting less than 40% of face and neck Supports lower rating level for acne under the formula
  • Acne affecting 40% or more of face and neck Supports higher rating level for acne
  • Chloracne affecting less than 40% of face and neck Supports a 10% rating
  • Chloracne affecting 40% or more of face and neck Supports a higher rating

Tips

  • Describe any involvement on the face, neck, and backs of hands clearly - these are 'exposed' areas that directly affect rating.
  • Mention any social isolation or avoidance of public activity due to visible skin involvement.
  • If your condition affects your scalp and is visible, point this out explicitly.
  • For psoriasis, note involvement of nails, oral mucosa, and intertriginous areas (armpits, groin, under breasts) as these are separately documented on the DBQ.

Pain considerations: Painful or bleeding fissures on hands or feet (palmar/plantar involvement) are specifically tracked on the DBQ and directly affect your rating. Describe any functional limitations from palmar or plantar involvement.

Treatment Intensity Assessment

What it measures: The type, frequency, and duration of treatment required to manage your skin condition. Treatment intensity is a primary driver of VA skin ratings - requiring systemic therapy, biologics, or hospitalization elevates your rating.

What to expect: The examiner will review your current medications and treatment history and document them on the DBQ, including topical corticosteroids, systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, retinoids, biologics (e.g., adalimumab, secukinumab), immunosuppressives (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine), phototherapy (UVB), photochemotherapy (PUVA), and electron beam therapy.

Critical thresholds

  • Topical therapy only (no systemic medications) Generally supports lower rating levels (0-10%)
  • Intermittent systemic therapy (oral steroids, antihistamines, retinoids as needed) Supports 30% rating under the General Formula
  • Constant systemic therapy including immunosuppressives or biologics Supports 60% rating under the General Formula
  • Hospitalization required due to incapacitating episodes Supports highest rating levels

Tips

  • Bring a complete, up-to-date medication list including names, dosages, and how long you have been taking each medication.
  • If you have ever required hospitalization for your skin condition, bring documentation of all hospitalizations.
  • If you use biologics or receive phototherapy, bring records showing frequency of treatments.
  • Report any medications you had to stop due to side effects - this demonstrates treatment burden and severity.
  • If you have no current treatment but have a documented history of needing it, make sure this is clearly stated.

Pain considerations: If your skin condition causes you to avoid or stop working due to pain, itching, or appearance, this should be stated clearly as it demonstrates functional impact.

Rating criteria by percentage

0%

No characteristic skin symptoms, or skin condition is well-controlled with topical therapy alone and causes no functional impairment. Condition may be present but does not meet the threshold for a compensable rating.

Key symptoms

  • Minimal or no active lesions
  • Controlled with over-the-counter topicals
  • No systemic treatment required
  • No functional limitations

From 38 CFR: Under the General Rating Formula for the Skin (38 CFR - 4.118), a 0% rating is assigned when the condition is present but does not rise to the level of requiring at least intermittent systemic therapy or causing at least 5% BSA involvement requiring constant topical therapy.

10%

At least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body, or at least 5% but less than 20% of exposed areas, affected; or intermittent systemic therapy required for a total of less than 6 weeks during the past 12-month period.

Key symptoms

  • Patches of dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema affecting less than 20% of total or exposed BSA
  • Occasional flare-ups requiring short courses of oral steroids or antihistamines
  • Skin lesions causing mild itching, scaling, or redness
  • Intermittent topical and/or brief systemic treatment
  • Some social or cosmetic impact but manageable

From 38 CFR: General Rating Formula for the Skin: 10% - At least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of the entire body, or at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of exposed areas affected, or; intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period.

30%

20% to 40% of the entire body, or 20% to 40% of exposed areas affected; or systemic therapy required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period.

Key symptoms

  • Moderate-to-large patches of psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema covering 20-40% of body
  • Significant exposed area involvement (face, neck, hands, forearms)
  • Multiple courses of systemic steroids, antihistamines, or retinoids per year totaling 6+ weeks
  • Significant itching, pain, scaling, or weeping skin
  • Impact on sleep, work, or daily activities
  • Palmar or plantar involvement affecting hand or foot function

From 38 CFR: General Rating Formula for the Skin: 30% - 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period.

60%

More than 40% of the entire body, or more than 40% of exposed areas affected; or constant or near-constant systemic therapy including immunosuppressives or biologics required during the past 12-month period.

Key symptoms

  • Widespread skin involvement covering more than 40% of total BSA
  • Extensive exposed area involvement (face, neck, and hands severely affected)
  • Daily use of immunosuppressive agents, biologics, or oral corticosteroids
  • Regular phototherapy (UVB) or photochemotherapy (PUVA) treatments
  • Erythroderma or exfoliative dermatitis with generalized skin involvement
  • Significant systemic manifestations (e.g., erythrodermic psoriasis)
  • Hospitalizations due to incapacitating episodes
  • Severe functional impairment in daily activities, sleep, employment

From 38 CFR: General Rating Formula for the Skin: 60% - More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period. Note (DC 7816): For psoriasis, rate complications such as psoriatic arthritis and other clinical manifestations (e.g., oral mucosa, nails) separately under the appropriate diagnostic code.

Describing your symptoms accurately

Extent and Location of Skin Involvement

How to describe it: Describe every area of your body affected by your skin condition. Be specific: 'My psoriasis covers both forearms, the back of my scalp, behind both ears, my lower back, both shins, and my groin area.' Estimate how much of your body is covered during a bad flare.

Example: On my worst days, the plaques on my arms and legs are so thick and inflamed that they crack and bleed when I bend my elbows or knees. The patches cover easily half my body from my scalp down to my feet, and I cannot sleep because the itching is constant.

Examiner listens for: Specific body locations affected, whether exposed areas (face, neck, hands) are involved, whether intertriginous areas (armpits, groin) are involved, and an estimate of total BSA coverage.

Avoid: Do not say 'just a little rash here and there.' Do not minimize coverage. The examiner needs to understand your full pattern of involvement, especially on your worst days.

Treatment Burden and Systemic Therapy Use

How to describe it: Describe every medication you take for your skin, how often you take it, and how long during the year you need it. 'I take oral prednisone about 3 to 4 times a year for 2 weeks each time when my eczema flares severely. I am on methotrexate weekly. I receive biologic injections every 8 weeks.'

Example: During my worst flares I need oral steroids, which I take for two weeks at a time. I have been on methotrexate continuously for two years, and even with that my skin never fully clears. I also use high-potency topical steroids every day.

Examiner listens for: Whether systemic therapy (oral steroids, immunosuppressives, biologics) is used, how many weeks per year it is needed, whether it is constant or intermittent, and whether it controls the condition effectively.

Avoid: Do not just list topical creams and forget to mention your oral or injectable medications. Do not say 'I manage with creams' if you also take systemic medications - both are important.

Flare-Up Frequency and Duration

How to describe it: Describe how often your condition flares and how long each flare lasts. 'I have a moderate flare about every 6-8 weeks that lasts 2-3 weeks. During that time my skin is actively inflamed, itching, and scaling, and I often have to call out of work.'

Example: My worst flares happen 4-5 times a year and last 3-4 weeks each. During those periods I cannot wear normal clothing because the fabric irritates my skin, I cannot sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time due to itching, and I avoid going out in public because of how my skin looks.

Examiner listens for: How frequently flares occur, how long they last, what triggers them, and how they impact your daily life, work, and sleep.

Avoid: Do not say 'it comes and goes' without quantifying how often and how severely. Vague descriptions result in the examiner defaulting to minimal documentation.

Pain, Itching, and Physical Impact

How to describe it: Describe your daily symptoms in concrete terms. 'The itching is constant - I rate it a 7 out of 10 most days. My skin on my hands cracks and bleeds when the weather is dry. The pain in my palms makes it hard to grip tools or open jars.'

Example: On my worst days I am scratching until I bleed, and the bleeding and crusting keep me from using my hands normally. The pain from fissures on my palms is a 9 out of 10 - I cannot work with tools, type on a keyboard, or even shake hands.

Examiner listens for: Whether the condition causes pain (not just itching), whether palmar or plantar involvement limits hand or foot function, and how symptoms affect the ability to perform daily activities and work.

Avoid: Do not only mention itching - also describe any pain, burning, stinging, bleeding, or skin cracking. Do not fail to mention hand or foot involvement if present, as these are specifically tracked on the DBQ.

Social, Occupational, and Psychological Impact

How to describe it: Describe how your skin condition affects your work, relationships, and mental health. 'I avoid social situations because of my visible psoriasis on my face and arms. I have turned down job opportunities that require client-facing interactions. My skin condition has caused significant depression and anxiety.'

Example: I called out of work 8 times in the past year due to severe flares. I stopped going to the gym, swimming, or wearing short sleeves in public. My relationship with my partner has been strained because my condition affects intimacy and my mood.

Examiner listens for: Any occupational limitations (missed work, job changes, inability to perform job duties), social avoidance, and mental health impact - particularly relevant for the functional impact section of the DBQ.

Avoid: Do not minimize psychological or social impact. The DBQ specifically asks about the impact of skin conditions on the veteran's life. Failure to describe this may result in the examiner leaving this field blank or under-documenting.

Disfigurement, Scarring, and Visible Manifestations

How to describe it: Describe any permanent changes to your skin, including scarring, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, nail changes, or disfigurement. 'My psoriasis has left large areas of permanent discoloration on my arms and legs. My fingernails are pitted and thickened. I have scarring on my face from cystic acne.'

Example: Even when my skin is not actively flaring, the scarring and discoloration from years of severe acne are permanently visible on my face, jaw, and neck. People regularly comment on my skin and it causes me significant distress.

Examiner listens for: Presence of scarring, disfigurement, nail involvement (for psoriasis), mucosal involvement, and any permanent changes to skin appearance that persist even during remission.

Avoid: Do not assume the examiner will notice all areas of scarring or disfigurement. Actively point out every affected or permanently changed area, including nail pitting, scalp scarring, or facial scarring.

Common mistakes to avoid

Only describing your skin on the day of the exam rather than on your worst days

Why: Skin conditions are highly variable. If you are in partial remission on exam day, the examiner may document minimal findings and the rating will reflect only what they observe, not your typical worst-day presentation.

Do this instead: Explicitly tell the examiner: 'My skin today does not represent my worst days. Here are photos of my skin during a severe flare.' Bring photographs taken during active flares.

Impact: Could result in a 0-10% rating instead of a 30-60% rating

Failing to mention all systemic medications, especially biologics and immunosuppressives

Why: The treatment intensity you require is one of the most important rating drivers for skin conditions. If only topical creams are documented, the examiner may assign a lower rating regardless of actual severity.

Do this instead: Bring a complete printed medication list including all systemic treatments, their dosages, and how long you have been taking them. Verbally confirm each medication with the examiner.

Impact: Could result in a 10% rating instead of a 30-60% rating

Not exposing all affected skin areas during the examination

Why: The examiner can only document and measure what they can see. BSA calculations depend on a complete visual inspection. Areas under clothing, on the scalp, or in skin folds are commonly missed.

Do this instead: Prepare to undress fully for the exam. Point out every affected area including scalp, behind ears, armpits, groin, between fingers, under nails, and on the soles of your feet.

Impact: Directly reduces documented BSA percentage, lowering rating from 30-60% to 10%

Minimizing the impact on daily activities, work, and social life

Why: The DBQ includes a specific section on functional impact. If you understate how your condition affects your life, the examiner will document minimal impact, which weakens your claim.

Do this instead: Prepare specific examples of how your skin condition has affected your work, relationships, sleep, physical activities, and mental health. Use concrete numbers (days missed from work, hours of sleep lost, events avoided).

Impact: Affects overall documentation quality and can undermine ratings at all levels

Not mentioning palmar or plantar involvement if present

Why: Palmar (palm of hand) and plantar (sole of foot) involvement are specifically documented on the DBQ and can support higher ratings. They also indicate functional limitation in gripping, standing, and walking.

Do this instead: If you have skin involvement on your palms or the soles of your feet, explicitly point this out, describe the pain and functional limitation it causes, and show the examiner directly.

Impact: Can affect 30% vs. 60% rating determination

Failing to disclose prior treatment history if not currently on treatment

Why: The DBQ specifically accounts for veterans who have a documented history of treatment even if not currently receiving it. Not disclosing prior systemic therapy may result in a lower rating.

Do this instead: Describe your full treatment history. If you stopped a medication due to side effects, cost, or temporary improvement, explain this. Bring medical records showing prior prescriptions.

Impact: Could result in 0-10% instead of 30%

Not mentioning associated conditions like psoriatic arthritis, nail changes, or mucosal involvement

Why: Under DC 7816, psoriasis complications such as psoriatic arthritis and nail/oral mucosal involvement must be rated separately. If you do not mention these, they will not be captured and you will miss separate rating opportunities.

Do this instead: Describe all manifestations of your psoriasis including joint pain, nail pitting or thickening, and any oral lesions. These may qualify for separate diagnostic codes and additional disability ratings.

Impact: Missing secondary conditions that could each receive 10-60% ratings

Prep checklist

  • critical

    Gather complete medication list

    Write down every medication you take for your skin condition: name, dosage, frequency, and how long you have been taking it. Include topical creams, oral medications, injectable biologics, antihistamines, and any over-the-counter products. Note any medications you have previously tried and stopped.

    before exam

  • critical

    Obtain photos of skin during flare-ups

    Gather dated photographs showing your skin during active, worst-day flares. Photographs should clearly show affected areas, including face, hands, body, and scalp. These are admissible evidence the examiner should consider and should be brought to the exam.

    before exam

  • critical

    Request treatment records from all providers

    Obtain records from your VA dermatologist, private dermatologist, primary care providers, and any urgent care or emergency visits related to your skin condition. Include records of hospitalizations, phototherapy sessions, and lab work required for immunosuppressive monitoring.

    before exam

  • critical

    Write out your symptom history

    Document when your condition began (ideally tracing to service), how it has progressed, your worst periods, and how it currently affects your daily life. Prepare to describe frequency and duration of flare-ups in the past 12 months.

    before exam

  • critical

    Identify all affected body areas

    Make a written list of every body area affected by your skin condition. Include scalp, face, neck, ears, chest, back, abdomen, arms, hands, palms, legs, feet, soles, groin, armpits, and nail involvement. This will help you ensure you point out every area during the physical inspection.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Review the General Rating Formula for the Skin

    Understand the rating breakpoints: 10% (5-20% BSA or less than 6 weeks systemic therapy/year), 30% (20-40% BSA or 6+ weeks intermittent systemic therapy/year), 60% (more than 40% BSA or constant systemic therapy). Know where your condition falls and be prepared to describe it accordingly.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Prepare written functional impact statement

    Write down specific examples of how your skin condition has affected your work, relationships, sleep, hobbies, and mental health. Include any days missed from work, activities you have stopped doing, and any psychological treatment sought due to the condition.

    before exam

  • optional

    Check if your state permits exam recording

    Veterans have the right to record their C&P examination in many states. Check your state's laws regarding audio or video recording of medical appointments. If permitted, bring a recording device and inform the examiner at the start of the exam.

    before exam

  • critical

    Do NOT apply thick creams, makeup, or treatments to affected areas

    The examiner must see your skin as it actually is. Avoid applying heavy emollients, camouflage makeup, or prescription topical medications to affected areas on exam day so that the full extent of involvement is visible.

    day of

  • recommended

    Wear loose, easily removable clothing

    Wear clothing that allows the examiner easy access to all affected body areas, including legs, torso, and arms. Avoid tight clothing that might compress or irritate your skin before the exam.

    day of

  • critical

    Bring all supporting documents

    Bring your medication list, treatment records, dated photographs of flare-ups, and any written notes about your symptoms and functional impact. Organize them to quickly reference during the exam.

    day of

  • recommended

    Arrive early and review your notes

    Arrive 15 minutes early. Review your symptom notes, medication list, and the areas you need to point out. This helps ensure you do not forget key information during the exam.

    day of

  • critical

    State clearly that exam-day presentation may not reflect worst-day severity

    At the beginning of the exam, proactively state: 'My skin today is not representative of my condition at its worst. I have brought photographs showing my skin during severe flares.' Hand the examiner your dated photographs.

    during exam

  • critical

    Point out every affected body area during the physical inspection

    Do not wait for the examiner to find all affected areas. Actively direct their attention to each location: scalp, behind ears, neck, face, arms, hands, palms, chest, back, abdomen, groin, armpits, legs, feet, and soles. Lift your hair to show scalp involvement.

    during exam

  • critical

    Describe your worst-day symptoms specifically

    When asked how your condition affects you, describe your worst days - not your average or best days. Use specific language: affected body surface area, frequency of flares, duration of flares, level of pain and itching (scale of 1-10), and functional limitations.

    during exam

  • critical

    Confirm all systemic medications are documented

    After the examiner reviews your medications, confirm that all systemic treatments are recorded. Ask: 'Did you document my biologic injections / methotrexate / oral steroids?' This ensures the treatment intensity section of the DBQ is complete.

    during exam

  • critical

    Describe functional impact on work, sleep, and social life

    When the examiner asks about impact on your life, describe concrete limitations: 'I have missed X days of work this year, I sleep only 3-4 hours per night due to itching, I have stopped attending social events because of my appearance.' Be specific and honest.

    during exam

  • recommended

    Mention psoriasis-related complications separately if applicable

    If you have psoriasis, specifically mention psoriatic arthritis, nail changes (pitting, thickening, separation), and oral mucosal involvement. Under DC 7816, these must be rated separately and need to be documented.

    during exam

  • critical

    Document what occurred during the exam

    Immediately after the exam, write down everything that was discussed, what the examiner examined, what you said, and what the examiner appeared to record. Note any areas that were not examined or questions that were not asked.

    after exam

  • critical

    Request a copy of the completed DBQ

    You are entitled to a copy of your C&P examination report. Request it from your VA regional office or through your VSO. Review it for accuracy, particularly the BSA percentages documented and the treatment medications listed.

    after exam

  • recommended

    File a buddy statement or personal statement if the exam was inadequate

    If the examiner spent less than 10 minutes with you, did not examine your skin directly, or did not ask about your medications and functional impact, document this and consider submitting a personal statement (VA Form 21-4138) noting the deficiencies.

    after exam

  • recommended

    Consult your VSO or claims agent about the exam findings

    Share the DBQ report with your VSO, attorney, or accredited claims agent to evaluate whether the examination was adequate for rating purposes. If findings do not accurately reflect your condition, discuss options for a supplemental claim or requesting a new exam.

    after exam

Your rights during a C&P exam

  • You have the right to a thorough and contemporaneous examination under 38 U.S.C. - 5103A. If the examiner does not physically examine your skin, does not document BSA percentages, or does not inquire about your treatment history, the examination may be considered inadequate for rating purposes.
  • You have the right to submit a personal statement (VA Form 21-4138) describing your symptoms, functional impact, and worst-day presentation. This statement becomes part of your claims file and must be considered.
  • You have the right to submit buddy statements (VA Form 21-10210) from family members, coworkers, or friends who have observed your skin condition and its impact on your daily life.
  • You have the right to submit lay evidence, including your own written statement and dated photographs, describing your condition. Lay evidence is competent evidence for observable symptoms like visible skin lesions.
  • You have the right to request a copy of your C&P examination report (DBQ) from your VA regional office and to review it for accuracy before a rating decision is issued.
  • In many states, you have the right to audio or video record your C&P examination. Check your state's recording consent laws and notify the examiner at the start of the exam if you choose to record.
  • If you believe your C&P examination was inadequate - for example, the examiner did not examine you in person, did not document BSA percentages, or failed to ask about medications - you have the right to challenge the examination and request a new one. Under M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 3.C, VA must obtain clarification or a new examination if the existing one is insufficient for rating purposes.
  • You have the right to seek an independent medical opinion (IMO) or nexus letter from a private dermatologist if you disagree with the C&P examiner's findings. This can be submitted as new and relevant evidence.
  • Under 38 CFR - 4.7 (benefit of the doubt), when there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence, the benefit of the doubt must be given to the veteran. If the examiner's findings could support more than one rating level, you are entitled to the higher rating.
  • For psoriasis (DC 7816), you have the right to have complications such as psoriatic arthritis and nail or oral mucosal involvement evaluated separately under appropriate diagnostic codes, potentially resulting in multiple separate ratings.
  • You have the right to have your claim adjudicated based on your worst-day presentation, not only on your condition as observed on the exam date. Per M21-1 guidance, examiners should consider the full range of the veteran's symptoms over time.

Related conditions

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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.