Sioux Falls, SD: Veterans Evaluation Services in Sioux Falls: What to Expect
A Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) exam in Sioux Falls is a Compensation and Pension (C&P) medical evaluation performed by a VA-contracted provider — not VA staff — to assess a disability claim. Exams are free to the veteran, typically last 15 to 60 minutes, and result in a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) submitted directly to the VA. The Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office at 2501 W. 22nd Street processes the claim afterward.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam performed by a VA-contracted provider |
| Eligibility | Veterans with a pending VA disability claim who receive a VES exam request |
| Application | No application — VES contacts the veteran to schedule after VA orders the exam |
| Processing Time | Exam results (DBQ) sent to VA; claim decision typically follows within 90–180 days |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VBA); VES is a Maximus company under contract |
| Required Forms | Photo ID; VES questionnaire; VA Form 21-526EZ is the underlying claim form |
| Updated For | 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) medical examinations for veterans filing disability claims. VES is not part of the VA. It is a contractor, like QTC and OptumServe/LHI, that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) hires to handle the majority of C&P exams nationwide.
Who qualifies: Any veteran with a pending VA disability claim that requires a medical examination. VA orders the exam; VES schedules and performs it.
Why it matters: Since 2014, VA has outsourced more than 80 percent of all C&P exams to contractors. In Sioux Falls and across South Dakota, a veteran filing a disability claim is more likely to see a VES examiner than a VA physician.
What veterans should do next: If you receive a call, letter, or text from VES, do not ignore it. Contact VES at 1-877-637-8387 to confirm or reschedule your appointment. Missing a C&P exam can result in denial of your claim.
VES at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | Maximus |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Contract Type | VA Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) |
| Contact Number | 1-877-637-8387 |
| veteranfeedback@vesservices.com | |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas |
| Exams Performed | General medical, mental health, audiology, TBI, orthopedics, and more |
VES holds multiple significant VA contracts. In January 2025, the VA awarded VES an Indefinite Delivery Contract valued at $5 billion with a 10-year performance period for regional medical disability examinations.
What to Expect During a VES C&P Exam in Sioux Falls
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityA VES C&P exam is a structured medical evaluation, not a treatment appointment. The examiner reviews your claim file, asks questions about your condition, and may perform a physical examination. The exam typically lasts 15 minutes to one hour depending on the complexity of the condition.
What it is: A medical evaluation to (1) confirm or deny service connection for your claimed condition, and/or (2) establish the severity of your disability for rating purposes.
Who qualifies: Veterans who filed VA Form 21-526EZ and whose claim requires a medical opinion or examination.
Why it matters: The C&P exam is often the single most important piece of evidence in a disability claim. The examiner’s DBQ directly influences the rating decision.
What veterans should do next: Arrive prepared with a written list of symptoms, bring your photo ID, and answer questions honestly and completely.
The VES Exam Process: Step by Step
Step 1: VA Orders the Exam
After you file VA Form 21-526EZ, the Veterans Benefits Administration reviews your claim and determines whether a C&P exam is needed. VA then sends a request to VES.
Step 2: VES Contacts You
VES will call, email, or mail you to schedule the exam. You may receive a brief questionnaire to complete before the appointment. VES gives you an appointment time and location; the list of facilities is not publicly released.
Step 3: The Exam
The exam may include:
Verbal examination — The examiner asks detailed questions about your condition, symptoms, frequency, and functional impact.
Physical examination — For musculoskeletal, neurological, or other physical conditions, the examiner may assess range of motion, strength, and other clinical signs.
Questionnaires — For mental health exams, you may complete screening tools like the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), or PCL-5 (PTSD) in the waiting room.
Step 4: DBQ Completion
After the exam, the provider fills out a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for your specific condition and submits it to VA through VES’s automated system. DBQs are condition-specific forms tailored to VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities.
Step 5: VA Rating Decision
VA receives the DBQ and combines it with your service records, medical history, and other evidence to issue a rating decision.
Types of VES Exams in Sioux Falls
| Exam Type | What It Evaluates | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General Medical | Overall health, chronic conditions | 20–60 min |
| Mental Health (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety) | Psychiatric symptoms, functional impairment | 45–60 min |
| Musculoskeletal | Joints, spine, range of motion, chronic pain | 15–30 min |
| Audiology/Hearing Loss | Hearing thresholds, tinnitus | 30–45 min |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Cognitive function, residuals | 60+ min |
| Cardiovascular/Respiratory | Heart, lung function | 20–40 min |
How to Prepare for a VES Exam in Sioux Falls
Preparation for a VES exam means knowing your condition, documenting your symptoms, and being ready to describe how your disability affects daily life. Veterans who prepare thoroughly tend to have more accurate DBQs and better claim outcomes.
What it is: A structured approach to presenting your medical history and symptoms to a contracted examiner.
Who qualifies: All veterans scheduled for a VES C&P exam.
Why it matters: The examiner only knows what you tell them and what is in your claim file. If you underreport or forget to mention symptoms, the DBQ may understate your disability.
What veterans should do next: Use the preparation checklist below before your appointment.
VES Exam Preparation Checklist
Know what condition the exam is for. Read your VA exam request letter carefully. Contact VES at 1-877-637-8387 if you are unsure which condition is being evaluated.
Write down your symptoms. List every symptom, how often it occurs, and how it limits your daily activities. Include flare-ups and bad days, not just good days.
Bring your medication list. Include prescriptions, dosages, and how long you have taken each medication.
Bring relevant medical records. If you have private treatment records or recent imaging, bring copies. Do not assume the examiner has them.
Bring your photo ID. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for check-in.
Arrive early. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. Late arrivals may be treated as no-shows.
Be honest and specific. Do not exaggerate symptoms, but do not downplay them either. Describe your worst days, not just your best days.
Do not ask about your claim status. The examiner does not make rating decisions and cannot tell you the outcome of your claim.
What to Say — and What Not to Say
| Do Say | Don’t Say |
|---|---|
| “On my worst days, I cannot lift my arm above shoulder height.” | “I’m doing okay today.” |
| “I have flare-ups about three times a week that last two days.” | “It comes and goes.” |
| “I take ibuprofen every day for pain, which brings it from an 8 to a 5.” | “The medication helps a lot.” |
| “I have trouble sleeping because of nightmares about my service.” | “I sleep fine most nights.” |
VES Mental Health Exams in Sioux Falls
Mental health C&P exams through VES are conducted by psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers using the appropriate DBQ for PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. These exams focus on the frequency and severity of symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning.
What it is: A psychiatric or psychological evaluation to assess the severity of a service-connected mental health condition.
Who qualifies: Veterans claiming PTSD, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma (MST), or other mental health conditions related to service.
Why it matters: Mental health ratings are based on symptoms and functional impairment, not just a diagnosis. The examiner’s description of your symptoms directly affects your rating percentage.
What veterans should do next: Write down your symptoms and how they affect work, relationships, and daily life before the exam. For MST-related claims, you may request the sex of your examiner during scheduling.
Common Mental Health Exam Questions
How often do you feel depressed or anxious?
How is your sleep? Do you have nightmares?
Do you have intrusive thoughts or flashbacks?
How do you get along with coworkers, family, and friends?
Have you had suicidal thoughts? If so, how often?
What activities have you stopped doing because of your condition?
Mental Health DBQ Rating Factors
| Rating | Symptom Severity | Functional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Mild symptoms, no medication | No impairment |
| 10% | Mild symptoms with medication | Occasional decrease in work efficiency |
| 30% | Moderate symptoms, occasional panic attacks | Occasional inability to function |
| 50% | Frequent panic attacks, difficulty in relationships | Reduced reliability and productivity |
| 70% | Suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic | Deficiencies in most areas |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment | Persistent danger to self or others |
Where VES Exams Take Place in Sioux Falls
VES exams in Sioux Falls are conducted at contracted provider clinics, not at the VA Medical Center. The specific location is provided when VES schedules your appointment. The list of VES facilities is not publicly released.
What it is: Private clinics, medical offices, or telehealth appointments arranged by VES.
Who qualifies: Veterans scheduled for a VES exam.
Why it matters: You cannot walk into a VES office without an appointment. VES will tell you exactly where to go.
What veterans should do next: Confirm the address with VES when you schedule. If you have transportation issues, ask about telehealth options or mileage reimbursement.
Sioux Falls VA Health Care System
The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System at 2501 West 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105-5046 is the main VA health care facility in the region, but it is not where VES exams are performed. The Sioux Falls VA provides primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and emergency care to enrolled veterans.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2501 West 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105-5046 |
| Phone | (605) 336-3230 |
| Toll-Free | (833) 983-0492 |
| Services | Primary Care, Specialty Care, Mental Health, Emergency Care |
| Affiliation | VA Sioux Falls Health Care System |
The Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office
The Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office (also called the VA Dakotas Regional Benefit Office) at 2501 W. 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 processes disability compensation claims, pension claims, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation for veterans in South Dakota and North Dakota.
What it is: The VA benefits office responsible for processing your disability claim after the VES exam is complete.
Who qualifies: Eligible veterans in South Dakota and North Dakota.
Why it matters: This office receives the DBQ from VES, combines it with other evidence, and issues the rating decision.
What veterans should do next: File claims online at VA.gov or work with a South Dakota Veterans Service Officer. The Dakotas Regional Office can be reached at 800-827-1000 or (605) 333-6864.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2501 W. 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 |
| Toll-Free Phone | 800-827-1000 |
| Direct Phone | (605) 333-6864 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM CT |
| Services | Compensation, pension, job lab, vocational rehabilitation |
A 2024 VA Office of Inspector General inspection found that the Sioux Falls VARO “lacked effective controls and accuracy in processing some disability claims”. This makes accurate exam documentation and thorough preparation by the veteran even more important.
How to Reschedule or Cancel a VES Exam
You can reschedule a VES exam by calling 1-877-637-8387. Do not simply skip the appointment. Missing a VES exam without a valid reason can lead to denial of your claim.
What it is: The process for changing your appointment date or time.
Who qualifies: Any veteran scheduled for a VES exam who cannot attend.
Why it matters: A no-show can delay your claim by months or result in a denial. VES may not reschedule if you simply fail to appear.
What veterans should do next: Call VES as soon as you know you cannot attend. Have your appointment confirmation and VA claim number ready.
VES Contact Information
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1-877-637-8387 |
| International | +1-713-255-5656 |
| veteranfeedback@vesservices.com | |
| Website | ves.com |
| Do NOT Call | The provider’s clinic directly |
If you receive a bill for a VES exam, contact VES immediately at 1-877-637-8387. C&P exams are provided at no cost to the veteran.
What Happens After a VES Exam?
After the VES exam, the provider completes the DBQ and submits it to VA through VES. The Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office then reviews the DBQ along with your service records, medical evidence, and other documentation to issue a rating decision.
What it is: The VA rating process that follows the C&P exam.
Who qualifies: All veterans who attended a C&P exam for a pending claim.
Why it matters: The DBQ is not the only evidence VA considers, but it carries significant weight in the rating decision.
What veterans should do next: Check your claim status on VA.gov. You can also request a copy of your DBQ through the VA regional office or your Veterans Service Officer.
Timeline After the Exam
| Step | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| DBQ submitted to VA | Within 1–2 weeks of exam |
| VA review of evidence | 30–90 days |
| Rating decision issued | 90–180 days from claim filing |
| Decision letter mailed | Within 7–10 days of decision |
How to Get a Copy of Your DBQ
Contact your Veterans Service Officer and ask them to request a copy from the VA.
Call the VA at 800-827-1000 and request an appointment to view your file.
Use the VA’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process to request records.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make at VES Exams
The most common mistakes at VES exams are missing the appointment, underreporting symptoms, and treating the exam like a routine doctor visit. Each can lower your rating or delay your claim.
What it is: Errors or omissions that reduce the accuracy of the DBQ and harm the claim outcome.
Who qualifies: All veterans scheduled for a C&P exam.
Why it matters: The rating decision is only as good as the evidence in your file. A weak DBQ can mean a lower rating or denial.
What veterans should do next: Review the common mistakes below and avoid them.
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Missing the exam | Claim denial or delay | Call VES immediately if you cannot attend |
| Downplaying symptoms | Lower rating | Describe your worst days, not just good days |
| Exaggerating symptoms | Examiner notes inconsistency | Be honest and specific |
| Not knowing the condition being evaluated | Incomplete DBQ | Read your exam request letter carefully |
| Asking about claim status | Wastes exam time | The examiner cannot answer claim questions |
| Not bringing medical records | Incomplete evidence review | Bring copies of relevant records |
| Arriving late | Treated as no-show | Arrive 15 minutes early |
A 2022 Office of Special Counsel whistleblower complaint alleged substandard quality of exams conducted by VES and other contractors. While not all exams are deficient, veterans should take an active role in ensuring the examiner has accurate information.
VA Disability Compensation Rates (2026)
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment to veterans with service-connected disabilities. The 2026 rates took effect December 1, 2025, reflecting a 2.8% COLA.
| Disability Rating | Monthly Rate (Veteran Alone) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,437.00 |
| 70% | $1,810.00 |
| 80% | $2,103.00 |
| 90% | $2,362.00 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Rates for veterans with dependents are higher. VA disability compensation is not taxed by the federal government or the state of South Dakota.
Appeals Process After a VES Exam
If VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than the evidence supports, you have three appeal options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).
What it is: The three lanes for disagreeing with a VA rating decision.
Who qualifies: Any veteran who received a decision they believe is incorrect.
Why it matters: Filing an appeal within the deadline preserves your effective date and potential back pay.
What veterans should do next: File a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals within one year of the decision date.
Three Appeal Options
| Appeal Lane | Best For | Filing Form | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | New and relevant evidence | VA Form 20-0995 | 30–90 days |
| Higher-Level Review | No new evidence; reviewer error | VA Form 20-0996 | 60–120 days |
| Board Appeal | Direct review by Veterans Law Judge | VA Form 10182 | 1–3 years |
A South Dakota Veterans Service Officer can assist with all levels of appeal at no charge. Contact the SD DVA at 605-333-6869.
South Dakota State Benefits for Veterans
South Dakota offers several state benefits that supplement federal VA benefits.
What they are: State-funded programs for veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses.
Who qualifies: South Dakota resident veterans who meet specific program requirements.
Why they matter: These benefits can reduce property taxes, fund education, and provide emergency financial assistance.
What veterans should do next: Contact the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-333-6869 or visit vetaffairs.sd.gov.
Key South Dakota Veterans Benefits
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Veterans Bonus | Up to $500 for qualifying service in the Gulf War period and up to $500 for service from 1993 onward |
| Property Tax Exemption | For disabled veterans meeting eligibility requirements |
| Veteran ID Card Designation | State-issued ID with veteran status |
| Veterans and Military License Plates | Specialty plates for eligible veterans |
| Education Benefits | Tuition assistance at South Dakota institutions |
| Burial Allowance | Up to $100 means-tested, plus headstone setting reimbursement |
| State Veterans Cemetery | Free burial for eligible veterans |
Common Questions
1. What is Veterans Evaluation Services (VES)?
VES is a private company contracted by the VA to perform Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for veterans filing disability claims. VES is not part of the VA. It is one of several contractors, including QTC and OptumServe/LHI, that conduct the majority of C&P exams nationwide.
2. How do I know if my exam is through VES?
VA will notify you that your exam is scheduled with a contractor. VES will contact you directly by phone, email, or mail to schedule the appointment. If you are unsure, call VES at 1-877-637-8387.
3. Do I have to pay for a VES exam?
No. C&P exams are provided at no cost to the veteran as part of VA’s duty to assist. If you receive a bill, contact VES immediately at 1-877-637-8387.
4. What should I bring to a VES exam in Sioux Falls?
Bring a valid photo ID, your medication list, relevant medical records, and a written list of symptoms. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Do not bring children or pets unless necessary.
5. How long does a VES exam take?
Most VES exams last between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on the condition. Mental health exams may take 45–60 minutes, while musculoskeletal exams are often shorter.
6. Can I reschedule my VES exam?
Yes. Call VES at 1-877-637-8387 to reschedule. Do not simply skip the appointment. Missing a C&P exam without a valid reason can result in denial of your claim.
7. What happens after my VES exam?
The provider completes a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and submits it to VA. The Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office then reviews the DBQ along with other evidence and issues a rating decision, typically within 90–180 days.
8. What is a DBQ?
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a condition-specific medical form the examiner fills out after your exam. DBQs are tailored to VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities and collect the medical evidence VA needs to rate your claim.
9. Can I request the sex of my VES examiner?
Yes, for mental health exams, gynecological exams, breast exams, and anal/rectal exams. If your claim involves military sexual trauma (MST), the law permits you to choose the sex of your examiner.
10. What if I disagree with the VES examiner’s findings?
You have three appeal options: Supplemental Claim (with new evidence), Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal. A South Dakota Veterans Service Officer can help you choose the best path at no charge.
11. Where is the Sioux Falls VA Regional Office?
The Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office is at 2501 W. 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Phone: 800-827-1000 or (605) 333-6864. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM CT.
12. What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?
Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net. The crisis line is available 24/7.
Key Takeaways
VES is a VA contractor that performs C&P exams for disability claims. It is not part of the VA. In Sioux Falls, exams are held at contracted provider clinics, not the VA Medical Center.
The VES C&P exam typically lasts 15–60 minutes and results in a DBQ submitted directly to VA.
VES phone number: 1-877-637-8387. Use it to schedule, reschedule, or ask questions.
The Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office at 2501 W. 22nd Street processes disability claims for South Dakota veterans. Call 800-827-1000.
Preparation is critical. Write down symptoms, bring medical records, and describe your worst days — not just good days.
Missing a C&P exam can result in denial of your claim. Call VES if you cannot attend.
VA disability compensation rates for 2026 range from $180.42/month (10%) to $3,938.58/month (100%).
Three appeal options exist under the AMA: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal.
South Dakota state benefits include a veterans bonus, property tax exemption, education benefits, and state cemetery burial.
Free help is available from South Dakota Veterans Service Officers at 605-333-6869.
Official Resources
VA.gov — Apply for benefits, check claim status, manage health care: https://www.va.gov
Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) — Exam scheduling and questions: https://www.ves.com
VES Phone — 1-877-637-8387
VA Sioux Falls Health Care System — Health services and clinic locations: https://www.va.gov/sioux-falls-health-care/
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs — State benefits and VSO directory: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov
Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 crisis support: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
National Archives — Request DD-214: https://www.archives.gov
USA.gov — Government services and information: https://www.usa.gov
SSA.gov — Social Security and Medicare: https://www.ssa.gov
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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