Veterans Evaluation Services in Vermont: How VES C&P Exams Work in 2026
Featured snippet: Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) is a VA-contracted company that conducts Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for Vermont veterans. VES schedules exams at private clinics or by telehealth, close to the veteran’s home. The exam is free, does not provide treatment, and helps VA decide disability claims. Veterans cannot request VES; VA assigns a contractor.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | A VA-contracted medical examination provider for disability compensation and pension claims |
| Eligibility | Veterans who file a VA disability or pension claim and are scheduled by VA for a C&P exam |
| Application | No VES application; VA schedules the exam after a claim is filed |
| Processing Time | Varies; VES typically contacts the veteran within weeks of VA referral |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) |
| Required Forms | None specific to VES; VA Form 21-526EZ is the underlying claim form |
| VES Contact | 1-877-637-8387 (caller ID “VA EXAM-VES”); international +1-713-255-5656 |
| Vermont VA Regional Office | White River Junction VA Regional Benefit Office, 163 Veterans Drive, White River Junction, VT 05001 |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
What Is Veterans Evaluation Services (VES)?
Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) is a private company contracted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to perform Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for veterans filing disability claims. VES was founded in 2008 to work directly with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to expedite C&P exams and make them more convenient for veterans.
What VES does: VES does not decide claims and does not provide medical treatment. It conducts the medical examination and sends the results to VA. VA uses the exam report to determine whether a disability is related to military service and how severe it is.
Why VA uses contractors: Approximately 93% of C&P exams are now conducted by third-party contractors, including VES, QTC, OptumServe, and Loyal Source. Contractors expand appointment availability and reduce travel for veterans, especially in rural states like Vermont.
What veterans should do next: If VA schedules a VES exam, attend it. VA places significant weight on C&P exam results. Missing an exam can delay or derail a claim.
Does VES Operate in Vermont?
Yes. VES conducts C&P exams for Vermont veterans at private facilities and through telehealth. VES maintains a network of clinicians across the United States and internationally, with exams offered as close to the veteran as possible.
Vermont veterans may be scheduled with VES at a private clinic in or near Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, White River Junction, or another community. When no suitable in-person location is available, VES may schedule a telehealth exam for conditions that can be evaluated remotely.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityImportant: Veterans cannot request a specific contractor. VA assigns VES, QTC, OptumServe, or Loyal Source based on location and availability. A Vermont veteran may be scheduled with VES for one claim and a different contractor for a later claim.
What Is a C&P Exam and Why Does VES Perform It?
A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination VA requests when it needs more information to decide a disability or pension claim. VA uses the exam to determine two things: whether the claimed condition is related to military service (service connection) and how severe the condition is (the rating).
VES performs the exam, not the decision. The examiner completes a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) or equivalent report and submits it to VA. A VA rating specialist reviews the report alongside the service treatment records, private medical records, and any other evidence to assign a rating.
Not every claim requires a C&P exam. VA may decide a claim on existing medical evidence if the record is complete. An exam is requested when the evidence is insufficient to evaluate service connection or severity.
How Vermont Veterans Get Scheduled with VES
VA schedules the exam after reviewing the claim. VES then contacts the veteran by phone or email to set the appointment date, time, and location. If VES cannot reach the veteran, it schedules the appointment and mails the details.
Step-by-Step Scheduling Process
File a VA claim (for example, VA Form 21-526EZ) or an appeal that requires a new exam.
VA reviews the evidence and determines an exam is needed.
VA assigns a contractor — VES, QTC, OptumServe, or Loyal Source — based on location and availability.
VES contacts the veteran by phone or email to schedule. The caller ID may display “VA EXAM-VES.”
Confirm or reschedule the appointment. If the date or location does not work, contact VES immediately at 1-877-637-8387.
Attend the exam with identification and any relevant records.
VES submits the report to VA, and VA continues processing the claim.
GovDelivery notifications: VA may send an email through govDelivery warning the veteran that a contractor will contact them about an exam. This is a legitimate VA notification, not a scam.
What to Expect at a VES C&P Exam in Vermont
A VES C&P exam is a medical evaluation, not a treatment appointment. The examiner reviews the claim file, asks about symptoms and daily functioning, and performs any necessary physical or mental health examination.
Typical Exam Flow
Identity verification and paperwork. The examiner confirms identity and reviews the purpose of the exam.
Records review. The examiner reviews the VA claim file, service treatment records, and any private records submitted.
Medical history and symptoms. The examiner asks about the condition, onset, frequency, triggers, and treatment.
Physical or mental health examination. For physical conditions, this may include range-of-motion testing, pain assessment, and functional limitation questions. For mental health conditions, it is a structured interview.
Functional impact. The examiner asks how the condition affects work, sleep, relationships, and daily activities.
Conclusion. The examiner does not tell the veteran what rating to expect and does not provide treatment.
VES does not provide treatment. If a veteran has a medical emergency, they should contact a VA hospital or private provider, not VES.
There is no cost. Veterans should never pay for any part of a VES examination or diagnostic test. If a bill arrives, contact VES immediately at 1-877-637-8387.
Documents Vermont Veterans Should Bring to a VES Exam
Veterans should bring a government-issued photo ID and any records that support the claim but were not already submitted to VA. VES receives the VA claim file, but it does not automatically receive records the veteran has never sent to VA.
Bring if available:
Government-issued photo ID
DD-214 or proof of service
Private medical records, imaging, or lab results not already filed with VA
A list of medications and treatments
A personal statement or symptom log
Contact information for treating providers
Any prior VA decision letters relevant to the claim
Do not bring: Weapons, illegal substances, or anything prohibited at the exam facility. Veterans should confirm the facility’s rules in advance.
VES vs. QTC vs. OptumServe: How Contractors Compare
VA uses several contractors for C&P exams. The table below compares them on the factors Vermont veterans most often ask about.
| Contractor | Caller ID Display | Phone Number | Exam Settings | Telehealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VES | “VA EXAM-VES” | 1-877-637-8387 | Private clinics, provider offices | Available for some conditions |
| QTC (Leidos) | “VA EXAM-QTC” | 800-682-9701 | QTC clinics, provider offices | Available for some conditions |
| OptumServe | “VA EXAM-Optum” | 866-933-8387 | Provider offices, telehealth | Available for some conditions |
| Loyal Source | “Loyal Source” | 833-832-7077 | Provider offices | Limited |
Source: VA claim exam contractor list.
Key difference for Vermont veterans: Contractor assignment depends on location and availability, not veteran preference. Rural areas may have fewer in-person options, making telehealth more likely for some conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with a VES Exam
| Mistake | Why It Matters | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping the exam | VA may decide the claim without the exam or deny it for lack of evidence | Attend or reschedule immediately; do not simply not show up |
| Assuming VES decides the rating | The examiner reports findings; VA assigns the rating | Focus on describing symptoms accurately, not on arguing for a rating |
| Downplaying symptoms | Understating severity can lead to a lower rating | Describe the worst days and the functional impact honestly |
| Paying a bill | VES exams are free; a bill indicates an error | Contact VES at 1-877-637-8387 immediately |
| Giving private insurance information | Not required for a VES exam | Do not provide insurance information unless VA specifically requests it |
| Bringing no records | Records not already in the VA file may not be considered | Bring private records not yet submitted to VA |
| Not preparing for telehealth | A poor connection or unsuitable space can disrupt the exam | Test the platform and find a private, quiet space in advance |
What Happens After the VES Exam?
After the exam, VES submits the report to VA. VA reviews the report with the rest of the evidence and issues a rating decision. The veteran does not receive the exam report directly from VES; VA provides the decision and, if requested, the evidence used.
Timeline: The time from exam to decision varies by claim complexity and VA workload. Veterans can check claim status on VA.gov → My VA → Track Claims or the VA mobile app.
If the decision is unfavorable: Veterans can request a Higher-Level Review, file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. A new C&P exam may be ordered in some appeals.
Vermont State Benefits for Veterans (Separate from VES)
VES exams support federal VA disability claims. Vermont also offers state benefits that are separate from the federal C&P process and require separate applications. The table below summarizes the major programs.
| Vermont Program | What It Provides | Who Qualifies | How to Apply | VES/COLA Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption | $10,000 minimum off appraised value; towns may increase municipal portion up to $40,000 | Veterans rated 50%+ service-connected, receiving VA pension, permanent medical military retirement, or eligible surviving spouse | Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs; file by May 1 | Rating must be established through VA; VES exam may support the rating |
| Military Retirement Income Exemption | Full exemption for AGI ≤ $125,000; phased out to $175,000 | Military retirees and survivor benefit recipients | Vermont income tax return | Not affected by VES |
| Vermont Veteran Tax Credit | $250 refundable credit | Discharged veterans with AGI ≤ $25,000 (phased out to $30,000) | Vermont income tax return | Not affected by VES |
| State Employment Preference | 5 points added to passing state exam score; more for service-connected disability | Veterans with 90 days of service and acceptable discharge | State job application | Not affected by VES |
| Green Mountain Passport | $2 lifetime pass for free day use at Vermont state parks and historic sites | Vermont veterans | Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs | Not affected by VES |
| Vermont Veterans Dental Program | Funds for dental services | Eligible resident veterans | Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs | Not affected by VES |
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Vermont)
Vermont provides a property tax exemption of at least $10,000** off the appraised value of a qualifying veteran’s primary residence, applied to both the municipal and statewide education grand lists. A town may vote to increase the municipal portion up to **$40,000.
Who qualifies: Veterans receiving VA disability compensation for a service-connected disability rated 50% or higher, veterans receiving Improved Pension, veterans receiving permanent medical military retirement pay, and eligible surviving spouses.
Deadline: The exemption form must be filed by May 1 with the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs or the local town office.
Why it matters: A VA rating of 50% or higher is the gateway to this exemption. The VES C&P exam may be the examination that supports the rating, making the exam directly relevant to the state benefit even though the two programs are administered separately.
Military Retirement Income Exemption (Act 71)
Act 71, signed June 25, 2025, exempts all military retirement and survivor benefit income from Vermont income tax for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of **$125,000 or less**. The exemption phases out between $125,000 and $175,000, with no exemption at $175,000 or above.
Who qualifies: Taxpayers receiving retired pay under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, including Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard, Space Force, NOAA, and Public Health Service retirees. Survivor benefit recipients also qualify.
How to claim: The exemption is claimed on the Vermont income tax return. No separate application is required.
Vermont Veteran Tax Credit
The Vermont Veteran Tax Credit is a $250 refundable credit** for Vermont resident or part-year resident veterans with adjusted gross income of **$25,000 or less. The credit phases out between $25,000 and $30,000, and no credit is available above $30,000.
How to claim: Claim the credit on the Vermont income tax return. Veterans married to another veteran filing jointly with combined AGI under $30,000 may both be eligible.
How VES Exams Connect to Vermont VA Resources
VES exams are part of the federal VA claims process. Vermont veterans have several free resources to help navigate that process and the state benefits that follow.
White River Junction VA Regional Benefit Office
The White River Junction VA Regional Benefit Office at 163 Veterans Drive, White River Junction, VT 05001 is the VA benefits office serving Vermont. It helps veterans with disability compensation, education benefits, life insurance, pensions, and home loans. Public Contact Team staff are available by walk-in or appointment, including virtual appointments.
Phone: VA benefits hotline (1-800-827-1000).
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs
The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, at 118 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-4401, has trained Veterans Service Officers who help veterans file federal and state benefit claims and appeals. The office administers the state property tax exemption, the Green Mountain Passport, and other state programs.
Phone: 802-828-3379 or 888-666-9844.
VA Medical Centers and Clinics in Vermont
The White River Junction VA Medical Center provides health care at 8 locations in Vermont and northwestern New Hampshire, including community-based outpatient clinics in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Newport, and Rutland, Vermont, and Keene and Littleton, New Hampshire.
Important distinction: VA medical facilities provide treatment. VES exams are forensic evaluations for claims and do not provide treatment. A veteran may see a VA primary care provider for treatment and a VES examiner for a claim exam.
Common Questions
What is Veterans Evaluation Services (VES)?
VES is a private company contracted by VA to perform Compensation and Pension exams for veterans filing disability claims. VES was founded in 2008 and conducts exams at private facilities and through telehealth. It does not decide claims or provide treatment. The exam report goes to VA, which issues the rating decision.
Does VES operate in Vermont?
Yes. VES schedules exams for Vermont veterans at private clinics and through telehealth, as close to the veteran’s home as possible. VA assigns VES based on location and availability. Veterans cannot request a specific contractor.
How do I know if my exam is with VES?
VES will contact you by phone or email, and the caller ID may display “VA EXAM-VES.” The VES phone number is 1-877-637-8387. VA may also send a govDelivery email warning that a contractor will contact you.
Is a VES exam free?
Yes. Veterans should never pay for any part of a VES examination or diagnostic test. If you receive a bill, contact VES immediately at 1-877-637-8387. Do not provide private insurance information to a VES examiner or facility.
What should I bring to a VES C&P exam in Vermont?
Bring a government-issued photo ID, your DD-214, a medication list, and any private medical records or imaging that were not already submitted to VA. VES receives the VA claim file but does not automatically receive records you have never sent to VA.
Will VES tell me my disability rating?
No. The VES examiner reports findings to VA; VA assigns the rating. The examiner may ask about symptoms and functional impact, but the rating decision comes later from VA. Do not argue for a specific rating during the exam.
Can I reschedule a VES exam?
Yes. Contact VES at 1-877-637-8387 as soon as possible if the date, time, or location does not work. Do not simply skip the exam. Missing a C&P exam can delay or negatively affect the claim.
Does a VES exam affect my Vermont property tax exemption?
Indirectly. The Vermont disabled veteran property tax exemption requires a VA rating of 50% or higher (or VA pension or permanent medical retirement). A VES exam may support the rating that makes the state exemption possible. The state exemption itself is administered by the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, not VES.
What if I disagree with the VA decision after a VES exam?
You can request a Higher-Level Review, file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. A new exam may be ordered in some appeals. Accredited representatives at the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs or a Veterans Service Organization can help.
Where is the VA regional office for Vermont?
The White River Junction VA Regional Benefit Office is at 163 Veterans Drive, White River Junction, VT 05001. It is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The VA benefits hotline is 1-800-827-1000.
Key Takeaways
Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) is a VA-contracted company that performs C&P exams for disability and pension claims.
VES operates in Vermont, scheduling exams at private clinics or by telehealth as close to the veteran as possible.
VA assigns the contractor; veterans cannot request VES. The caller ID may display “VA EXAM-VES,” and the phone number is 1-877-637-8387.
VES exams are free and do not provide treatment. Veterans should never pay a bill or provide private insurance information.
Bring records not already submitted to VA, plus a photo ID and medication list.
The examiner does not decide the rating; VA issues the decision after reviewing the exam report.
Vermont’s disabled veteran property tax exemption requires a VA rating of 50% or higher (or pension/permanent medical retirement) and must be filed by May 1.
Vermont’s military retirement income exemption is full for AGI up to $125,000 under Act 71, phasing out to $175,000.
The Vermont Veteran Tax Credit is $250 for veterans with AGI of $25,000 or less.
Free help is available through the White River Junction VA Regional Benefit Office and the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs.
Official Resources
VA.gov — VA Claim Exam (C&P Exam): https://www.va.gov/disability/va-claim-exam/
VA.gov — Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/
VA.gov — White River Junction VA Regional Benefit Office: https://www.va.gov/white-river-junction-va-regional-benefit-office/
VA.gov — VA Form 21-526EZ: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez/
VES — Official Site: https://www.ves.com/
VES — FAQs: https://www.ves.com/faqs/
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: https://veterans.vermont.gov/
Vermont Department of Taxes — Military and Veterans: https://tax.vermont.gov/prs/individuals/income-tax-returns/who-needs-to-file/military-personnel
Vermont Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: https://veterans.vermont.gov/office-veterans-affairs/programs-administered-office-veterans-affairs/property-tax-exemption
USA.gov — Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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