Veteran Evaluation Services: Find a Trusted Provider (2026)

Veteran Evaluation Services: How to Find a Trusted Provider

Veteran evaluation services fall into two categories: the medical examiners who conduct VA claim exams (mostly third-party contractors assigned by VA) and the accredited representatives who help you file claims. You cannot choose your exam contractor, but you can and should verify any claims assistance provider through VA’s Office of General Counsel accreditation database at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation before signing anything.

Quick Facts

What Are Veteran Evaluation Services?

“Veteran evaluation services” is a broad term that can refer to two very different things — and confusing them can cost you money or delay your claim. The first is the medical evaluation side: the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam ordered by VA to assess your claimed condition. The second is the claims assistance side: the accredited representative who helps you gather evidence, file paperwork, and appeal denials.

Why it matters: C&P exams are scheduled and paid for by VA. You never pay for a C&P exam, and you cannot hire a company to conduct one for you. Claims assistance, on the other hand, should almost always be free through an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO). If someone is charging you for either service, that is a red flag worth investigating.

What you should do next: Before you engage any company that markets itself as a “veteran evaluation service,” ask two questions: Are you VA-accredited? and Who assigned you? If the answer to the first is no, walk away. If the answer to the second is “you,” you may be talking to a claim shark.

Who Conducts VA C&P Exams in 2026?

Approximately 93% of C&P exams are conducted by third-party contractors, not VA medical staff. The VA currently contracts with four primary companies to perform claim exams. These contractors conduct the exam but do not decide your rating — a VA Rating Veterans Service Representative makes that determination.

Source: VA.gov contractor information and usmilitary.org, 2026

What this means for you: You cannot request a specific contractor. VA assigns contractors based on your location and availability. If you receive a letter or phone call from one of these numbers, it is a legitimate VA exam notification — but always verify the caller ID and call the number on your official exam letter before sharing personal information.

Contract examiners are required to follow the same training and certification standards as VA providers. The examiner assigned to your case is not always a physician — nurse practitioners and physician assistants are also authorized to conduct these evaluations. For specialized exams like audiology or mental health, you will see a provider with specific expertise in that area.

What you should do next: If you are contacted by a company claiming to conduct a VA exam but the caller ID does not match one of the four contractors above, do not provide personal information. Call VA at 800-827-1000 to verify.

Can You Choose Your C&P Exam Provider?

You cannot choose your C&P exam contractor, but you can request a male or female provider for certain sensitive exams. VA policy allows you to request the specific sex of your medical provider for gynecological, breast, anal/rectal, and mental health examinations. You can also make this request if your claim is related to a mental or physical health condition resulting from Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

How to make the request: When you confirm your appointment with the contractor, tell them you are requesting a male or female provider. The contractor will attempt to accommodate your request based on provider availability.

What you should do next: If you have a sensitive exam scheduled, call the contractor’s number on your appointment letter as soon as possible to make your request. Early requests are easier to accommodate than last-minute ones.

What Is a VA-Accredited Representative?

A VA-accredited representative is an individual authorized by VA’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) to assist veterans with VA benefit claims. There are three types of accredited representatives, and each has different rules about when they can charge fees.

Source: VA accredited representative FAQs, VA.gov

What it is: Accreditation means the person or organization has met VA’s standards for character, reputation, and competence. Accredited VSO representatives are recommended by a recognized VSO. Accredited attorneys must be members in good standing of at least one state bar. Accredited claims agents must pass a written test about VA laws and procedures.

Why it matters: Only accredited representatives can legally represent you before VA, and only accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge fees — and only after your initial claim is decided. Unaccredited companies that charge you for claims assistance are operating outside the law.

What you should do next: Before you sign anything or pay anyone, verify their accreditation at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation. The search is free, takes seconds, and is the single most important step you can take to protect yourself.

How to Find an Accredited Representative

You can find and verify an accredited representative through VA’s Office of General Counsel accreditation search. The search is free and allows you to look up representatives by name, state, city, or ZIP code.

Step-by-Step Search Instructions

1. Go to va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp. This is the official VA accreditation database.

2. Choose your search type. You can search for accredited attorneys, claims agents, VSO representatives, or recognized VSOs.

3. Enter your search criteria. Search by name, state, city, or ZIP code. If you leave all fields blank and search for recognized VSOs, you will get a full list of organizations VA recognizes for claims assistance.

4. Review the results. Verify the representative’s accreditation status, organization affiliation, and contact information.

5. Contact the representative directly. Ask what services they provide, whether they charge fees, and what to expect during the claims process.

Source: VA OGC Accreditation Search and benefits.va.gov guidance

VSO vs. Attorney vs. Claims Agent: Which Do You Need?

What you should do next: Start with a VSO representative. Their services are free, they are experienced with initial claims, and you can always switch to an attorney or claims agent later if your claim becomes complex.

Warning Signs of a Claim Shark

A “claim shark” is an unaccredited company or individual that charges veterans fees to help with VA claims, often making promises they cannot legally keep. This practice is illegal under federal law, and VA has issued multiple fraud alerts warning veterans about these schemes.

Red Flags to Watch For

• They promise a specific rating. Only VA can determine your disability rating. Anyone who guarantees you a 100% rating is lying.

• They promise to accelerate your claim. No outside company can speed up VA’s claims process.

• They charge a percentage of your back pay. Accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge fees only after your initial claim is decided, and only with a signed fee agreement. Unaccredited companies that take a cut of your benefits are breaking the law.

• They do not ask you to sign a VA Power of Attorney form. A legitimate representative will ask you to sign VA Form 21-22 (for VSO) or VA Form 21-22a (for attorney or claims agent). If they skip this step, they are not representing you legally.

• They contact you unsolicited. Legitimate representatives do not cold-call or spam email veterans.

• They use high-pressure sales tactics. Claims assistance should never feel like a sales pitch.

• They are not in the VA OGC accreditation database. This is the fastest way to check. If they are not there, they are not accredited.

Source: VFW Predatory Claim Sharks and VA fraud alerts

What you should do next: If you have already paid a claim shark or suspect one is targeting you, report it. Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 or file a report through VSAFE at vsafe.gov or 1-833-388-7233.

New Laws and Protections Against Claim Sharks in 2026

States and Congress are actively passing legislation to crack down on unaccredited claims companies. In 2026, California passed S.B. 694, which prohibits unaccepted companies from charging veterans for benefits assistance. Bipartisan federal legislation — the Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act — was introduced in March 2026 to combat predatory practices used by claim sharks, including auto-dialer spam of government lines.

What the Proposed Federal Law Would Do

• Amend current law to make clear that only VA-accredited individuals can assist veterans with VA benefit claims.

• Reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees.

• Increase warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices.

Why it matters: Until federal legislation passes, protections vary by state. Some states have banned claim sharks outright; others have not. Regardless of your state’s laws, the safest approach is to work only with VA-accredited representatives and never pay for initial claims assistance.

What you should do next: Check your state’s laws on veteran claims assistance. If you are unsure, contact your state department of veterans affairs or a recognized VSO for guidance.

Telehealth Evaluations: What Qualifies in 2026?

Telehealth C&P exams are available for certain conditions where the evaluation can be fully and adequately assessed through a live video interview without an in-person physical exam. This option has expanded in 2026 and is increasingly common for mental health evaluations.

Conditions That May Qualify for Telehealth Evaluation

Source: VA vendor portal telehealth guidance, 2026

How to request a telehealth exam: When you confirm your appointment with the contractor, ask if your condition qualifies for a telehealth evaluation. A telehealth exam is appropriate when the diagnosis and severity can be fully assessed through a live telehealth interview.

What you should do next: If you prefer a telehealth exam for a qualifying condition, make the request when you confirm your appointment. Early requests are easier to accommodate.

How to Verify a Provider Before You Engage

Verification takes less than five minutes and protects you from fraud, unnecessary fees, and delayed claims. Here is the exact process.

Step 1: Check VA OGC Accreditation Database

Go to va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp. Search by name, state, or ZIP code. If the person or company does not appear, they are not accredited. Do not engage them.

Step 2: Confirm the Representative Type

Is the person a VSO representative, an accredited attorney, or an accredited claims agent? Each has different fee rules. VSO representatives never charge for initial claims. Attorneys and claims agents can charge fees only after your initial claim is decided.

Step 3: Ask About VA Forms

A legitimate representative will ask you to sign VA Form 21-22 (VSO) or VA Form 21-22a (attorney/claims agent). These forms appoint them as your representative. If they do not ask you to sign one, they are not legally representing you.

Step 4: Check for Red Flags

Review the claim shark warning signs above. If any apply, walk away.

Step 5: Ask for References

Ask the representative for references from other veterans they have helped. A legitimate representative will be able to provide them.

What you should do next: Save the VA OGC accreditation search link to your phone or bookmarks. It is the single most important tool for protecting yourself from claims fraud.

Common Questions

What is a veteran evaluation service?
The term can refer to two things: the C&P exam ordered by VA to assess your disability claim, or a company that helps veterans file claims. C&P exams are scheduled and paid for by VA — you cannot hire a company to conduct one. Claims assistance should be free through an accredited VSO.

Who conducts C&P exams in 2026?
Approximately 93% of C&P exams are conducted by four VA contractors: Leidos QTC Health Services, Veterans Evaluation Services (VES), OptumServe Health Services, and Loyal Source Government Services. The remaining exams are conducted at VA medical facilities.

Can I choose my C&P exam provider?
You cannot choose your exam contractor. VA assigns contractors based on location and availability. However, you can request a male or female provider for reproductive health, breast, rectal, or mental health exams, and for claims related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

How do I find an accredited VA representative?
Search VA’s Office of General Counsel accreditation database at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation. You can search by name, state, city, or ZIP code. The search is free and takes seconds. Always verify accreditation before engaging any representative.

What is the difference between a VSO, an attorney, and a claims agent?
VSO representatives work for organizations like VFW, American Legion, or DAV. Their services are always free. Accredited attorneys are licensed lawyers who can charge fees only after VA decides your initial claim. Accredited claims agents passed a written VA laws exam and have the same fee rules as attorneys.

What is a claim shark?
A claim shark is an unaccredited company or individual that charges veterans fees for claims assistance. This is illegal. They often promise a 100% rating or faster processing, both of which they cannot deliver. Only VA can determine ratings and processing times.

How do I report a claim shark?
Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 or report through VSAFE at vsafe.gov or 1-833-388-7233. You can also contact your state’s department of veterans affairs or a recognized VSO for guidance.

Can I get a C&P exam via telehealth?
Yes, for certain conditions. Mental health evaluations, hypertension, sinusitis, rhinitis, migraines, and some ear conditions may qualify for telehealth. Ask the contractor when you confirm your appointment.

What happens if I miss my C&P exam?
Missing your exam without a valid reason can result in automatic denial of your claim. If you cannot attend, contact the contractor at least 48 hours in advance to reschedule. VA policy generally allows one reschedule for good cause.

Do I need to pay for claims assistance?
You should never pay for assistance with an initial VA claim. Accredited VSO representatives provide free assistance. Attorneys and claims agents can charge fees only after your initial claim is decided, and only with a signed fee agreement.

Are claim sharks illegal?
Yes. Under federal law, only VA-accredited representatives can assist veterans with VA benefit claims, and only accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge fees — and only after an initial decision. Unaccredited companies that charge for claims assistance are breaking the law. Several states have passed additional laws banning these practices.

How do I know if a representative is legitimate?
Verify their accreditation in VA’s OGC database. Ask if they will sign VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a. Ask about fees upfront. A legitimate representative will be transparent about their accreditation, their fees, and their process.

Key Takeaways

• “Veteran evaluation services” can mean C&P exam contractors or claims assistance providers — they are not the same thing.

• C&P exams are scheduled and paid for by VA; you cannot hire a company to conduct one.

• Approximately 93% of C&P exams are conducted by four contractors: QTC, VES, OptumServe, and Loyal Source.

• You cannot choose your C&P exam contractor, but you can request a male or female provider for sensitive exams.

• VA-accredited representatives are VSO representatives, accredited attorneys, and accredited claims agents.

• VSO representatives provide free claims assistance; attorneys and claims agents can charge fees only after your initial claim is decided.

• Claim sharks are unaccredited companies that charge illegal fees — they often promise 100% ratings or faster processing.

• Verify any representative’s accreditation at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation before engaging them.

• Report claim sharks to VA at 1-800-827-1000 or through VSAFE at vsafe.gov.

• Telehealth C&P exams are available for mental health, hypertension, sinusitis, and other qualifying conditions in 2026.

Official Resources

• VA Claim Exam (C&P Exam) — Official VA guidance on what to expect.

• VA Accredited Representative FAQs — Official information on accreditation types.

• VA OGC Accreditation Search — Verify any representative’s accreditation.

• Get Help Filing Your Claim or Appeal — Find an accredited representative.

• VSAFE — Report Fraud — Report claim sharks and benefits fraud.

• VA Fraud Alerts — Current fraud warnings from VA.

• VA.gov — Official VA website.

• VA Benefits Hotline — 1-800-827-1000.

• Ask VA — Online inquiry portal.

• Federal Trade Commission — Veteran Scams — FTC guidance on scams targeting veterans.

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