Scars: C&P Exam Prep
The C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam is where a scars claim is usually won or lost. Here is exactly what the examiner measures, and how to describe your condition accurately and completely so the rating reflects your real life.
Describe your worst day and how often it happens — not your average day
C&P exams are snapshots. If you happen to feel okay that day and describe an okay day, that is what gets rated. The law (Sharp v. Shulkin) requires the examiner to account for your flare-ups and worst days, but only if you describe them. Give concrete frequency and duration: "three or four days a week I cannot…", "twice a month it lays me out for two days", not "sometimes it is bad."
The honest line: Report the full, honest picture — the bad days you tend to downplay included. Never invent or exaggerate symptoms. Overstating is both wrong and easy for an examiner to catch, and it can sink an otherwise valid claim.
What the examiner will assess
Taken from the Scars/Disfigurement DBQ (21-0960F-1) — these are the rating drivers.
- 1Location — head/face/neck scars are rated on 8 characteristics of disfigurement (DC 7800)
- 2Measured length × width and total area in square centimeters/inches
- 3Whether each scar is deep (underlying soft-tissue damage) or superficial
- 4Whether scars are unstable and/or painful — the number sets DC 7804 (1 = 10%, 2–3 = 20%, 5+ = 30%)
- 5Any limitation of function of the affected body part (DC 7805)
How the rating tiers work
The examiner's findings map onto these tiers under 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7800 (head/face/neck), 7801/7802 (other scars), 7804 (painful/unstable), 7805 (other effects). Know which describes your real function so you can report the details that matter.
Symptoms to describe (if you have them)
- • Painful or tender scar
- • Unstable scar (skin breaks down over the scar)
- • Visible disfigurement, especially of the head, face, or neck
- • Tightness or pulling limiting movement
- • Numbness or altered sensation around the scar
- • Itching or irritation
Functional limits that raise a rating
- • Range of motion when a scar crosses a joint
- • Comfort with prolonged pressure or contact on the scar
- • Confidence and social interaction with facial disfigurement
- • Tasks aggravated by a painful or unstable scar
Which exam you might get
A clinician examines you at a VA facility or a contractor (LHI, QTC, VES, MSLA). Bring your notes; you can hand them over.
Same questions over video. Have your notes on paper, not the same screen, and a quiet, private space.
No appointment — the examiner reviews your file. Everything rests on what is already documented, so your statements and medical records must carry the full picture.
Mention connected (secondary) conditions
Scars commonly leads to these. If you have any, raise them — they can each be rated on their own, and examiners will not connect the dots for you.
What to bring
- ✓ A short written summary of your worst days: what happens, how often, how long it lasts.
- ✓ A symptom log or calendar if you keep one — dates beat memory.
- ✓ Names and doses of medications, and whether they actually help.
- ✓ Any private treatment records the VA may not have.
- ✓ A buddy statement or family note describing what they witness, if you have one.
- ✓ Your list of secondary conditions you believe are connected (see below).
Terms the examiner uses, in plain English
Before and after the exam
Educational content, not professional advice
This article is published by Military Transition Toolkit for educational and planning purposes. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. VA rating criteria, benefits, and regulations change — verify anything benefits-affecting against VA.gov, 38 CFR Part 4, or a VA-accredited representative (VSO, agent, or attorney) before filing.
MTT is a veteran-owned planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or any military branch.
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