Veterans Evaluation Services for Veterans in Vermont, Louisiana, Delaware, Connecticut, and New Hampshire
Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) is a private company contracted by the VA to conduct Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for veterans filing disability claims. If the VA schedules you with VES, you do not apply to VES. VES contacts you after the VA refers your claim. The exam is free, VES does not provide treatment, and the report goes to the VA—not to you directly. In Vermont, Louisiana, Delaware, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, VES schedules exams at private clinics, provider offices, or by telehealth.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | A free medical disability exam that the VA uses to decide your disability rating and compensation |
| Eligibility | Veterans who file a VA disability or pension claim and are scheduled by the VA for a C&P exam |
| Application | No VES application; the VA schedules the exam after you file a claim (typically VA Form 21-526EZ) |
| Processing Time | VES typically contacts the veteran within weeks of the VA referral; report completion varies |
| 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 |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) Is
Veterans Evaluation Services is a private company—a Maximus company—that performs medical disability exams for the VA. VES does not decide claims. It does not provide medical treatment. It conducts the examination, completes a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), and sends the report to the VA. The VA rater then uses that report to determine whether your condition is service-connected and how severe it is.
The VA uses contractors because they expand appointment availability and reduce travel for veterans, especially in rural states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and parts of Louisiana. About 93% of C&P exams in 2026 are conducted by third-party contractors, including VES, QTC, OptumServe, and Loyal Source. VES was founded in 2008 specifically to work with the Veterans Benefits Administration to expedite C&P exams. Maximus acquired VES in 2021, and VES has held one or more Medical Disability Exam contracts continuously since 2008.
What VES Does Not Do
VES does not rate your claim. It does not approve or deny benefits. It does not treat your condition. The examiner’s job is to document your medical history, symptoms, and functional limitations in the standardized DBQ format the VA requires. Veterans sometimes confuse the VES examiner with a treating provider or a rating decision-maker. The examiner is neither.
Why This Matters for Your Claim
The C&P exam is often the single most important event in a disability claim. A 50% rating pays $1,132.90 per month in 2026. A 100% rating pays more than three times that amount. How you describe your symptoms and limitations at the VES exam directly affects that outcome. The examiner’s report becomes one of the most heavily weighted pieces of evidence in your claim—in many cases, it is the document that determines whether you win or lose.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If the VA schedules you with VES, attend the exam. Missing a C&P exam can delay or derail your claim. Prepare by reviewing your medical records, writing down your worst-day symptoms, and bringing a medication list. You cannot request VES specifically; the VA assigns the contractor. Your job is to show up prepared and describe your condition accurately.
How VES Operates in Your State
VES does not maintain a traditional “office” in every city. It operates through a network of thousands of clinicians at more than 3,000 locations across the U.S., plus telehealth and mobile options for veterans who cannot reach a provider’s office. In practice, that means a veteran in Vermont, Louisiana, Delaware, Connecticut, or New Hampshire may be scheduled at a local clinic, a provider’s private practice, or by telehealth.
Vermont
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVES conducts C&P exams for Vermont veterans at private facilities and through telehealth. VES maintains a network of clinicians with exams offered as close to the veteran as possible. Vermont veterans may be scheduled at a private clinic in or near Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, White River Junction, or another community. The Vermont VA Regional Benefit Office is at White River Junction, but C&P exams are not necessarily conducted there. Veterans should expect a private clinic or telehealth appointment, not a VA medical center visit.
Louisiana
VES serves Louisiana veterans through its provider network, with exams scheduled at private facilities or provider offices. VES recruits general medicine providers and specialists in cities including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and New Llano. Louisiana veterans may be scheduled in a nearby city or by telehealth, depending on the exam type and provider availability. The state’s VA regional office processes claims, but VES handles the exam scheduling separately.
Delaware
Delaware veterans scheduled with VES are seen at private clinics or provider offices. VES has recruited providers in Dover and surrounding areas, and exams are conducted at the provider’s office or a VES-provided office. Delaware is a small state, so travel distances are generally manageable, but veterans in southern Delaware may be scheduled in a neighboring community or by telehealth. The VA facility locator can help identify the closest medical center or clinic, but the actual VES exam location is assigned after the VA referral.
Connecticut
Connecticut veterans scheduled with VES are seen through the state’s provider network. Connecticut has a relatively dense population, so in-person exam locations are usually available within a reasonable drive. However, Connecticut’s congressional delegation has raised concerns about C&P exam scheduling, noting that some veterans are restricted to slots with providers located farther away than necessary. Veterans who receive a distant appointment should contact VES to ask about closer options or telehealth availability before accepting the appointment.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire veterans are served through VES’s New England provider network. VES has recruited providers in Lebanon and Manchester, and exams may be scheduled at a provider’s office, a leased facility, or by telehealth. New Hampshire is a rural state, and some veterans may need to travel to an exam location. Veterans with transportation barriers should ask VES about telehealth or mobile clinic options when they are contacted.
Comparison: How VES Coverage Works in These Five States
| State | Typical Exam Setting | Telehealth Availability | Regional VA Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | Private clinic in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, White River Junction, or nearby; telehealth | Yes, for qualifying exams | White River Junction |
| Louisiana | Private facility or provider office in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or nearby; telehealth | Yes, for qualifying exams | New Orleans |
| Delaware | Private clinic or provider office in Dover or nearby; telehealth | Yes, for qualifying exams | Wilmington |
| Connecticut | Private clinic or provider office; telehealth for some exam types | Yes, for qualifying exams | Newington |
| New Hampshire | Provider office or leased facility in Lebanon, Manchester, or nearby; telehealth | Yes, for qualifying exams | Manchester |
Eligibility: Who Gets a VES Exam
You do not apply for a VES exam. The VA orders a C&P exam when it needs medical evidence to decide your claim, and then assigns a contractor. Under 38 USC 5103A, the VA has a duty to assist veterans by obtaining a medical examination or nexus opinion when the evidence of record is insufficient. If the VA assigns VES, you will receive a notification with the appointment details.
Who Qualifies for a C&P Exam
You qualify for a C&P exam if you have filed a VA disability claim and the VA determines that an examination is needed to rate your condition. This is not limited to initial claims. The VA may order a C&P exam for:
Initial claims for service connection.
Increase claims for a condition that has worsened.
Secondary condition claims where a new condition is caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.
Pension claims where the VA needs to verify disability status.
TDIU claims (Individual Unemployability) where the VA needs to assess unemployability.
You Cannot Request VES
Veterans cannot choose their contractor. The VA assigns VES, QTC, OptumServe, or Loyal Source based on the region and the type of exam required. If you are scheduled with VES, that is the contractor the VA selected. You can still request a copy of the report and challenge an inadequate exam, but you cannot switch to a different contractor simply because you prefer one.
Telehealth and Mobile Clinics
VES uses telehealth for some exam types, particularly mental health exams and record reviews. Telehealth exams are available for certain conditions, especially mental health evaluations. VES also operates mobile clinics to reach veterans who cannot travel to a provider’s office. If you have transportation barriers, ask VES about telehealth or mobile clinic options when they contact you. Not every exam type is eligible for telehealth, but the option exists.
The VES Exam Process, Step by Step
The VES exam process follows a predictable sequence. Knowing the steps reduces anxiety and helps you prepare.
You file a VA claim. This is typically VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation. The claim triggers the VA’s duty to assist.
The VA reviews the evidence. If the evidence is insufficient, the VA orders a C&P exam and assigns a contractor.
VES contacts you. VES calls or mails an appointment notice. The caller ID may show “VA EXAM-VES”.
You confirm or reschedule. If the date or location does not work, contact VES immediately at 1-877-637-8387. Do not simply skip the appointment.
You attend the exam. Bring your ID, medication list, and any private medical records relevant to the condition. The examiner reviews your file, asks about symptoms and functional limitations, and completes the DBQ.
VES reviews the report for completeness. VES submits the report to the VA.
The VA rates your claim. A VA rater uses the DBQ and other evidence to assign a rating and effective date.
What to Bring to a VES Exam
Photo ID.
DD-214 or discharge documentation. This verifies service dates and character of discharge.
Medication list. Include doses and frequency.
Private medical records. Especially if your treatment has been outside the VA system.
A symptom diary or notes. Write down your worst days, functional limitations, and how the condition affects work and daily life.
A list of questions. You can ask the examiner what to expect, but the examiner cannot give treatment advice.
What Not to Bring
Do not bring weapons, illegal substances, or anything that could create a safety issue. Do not bring a spouse or family member into the exam room unless the examiner permits it; some exams require privacy. You may bring a caregiver if you need physical assistance, but tell VES in advance.
How to Prepare for a VES Exam
Preparation is the difference between a report that accurately reflects your condition and one that understates it. The most common mistake veterans make is minimizing symptoms out of habit, training, or pride. The C&P exam is not the place for military stoicism. Be honest about your worst days, your functional limitations, and the real impact of your condition on your life.
Describe Your Worst Days, Not Your Best
Examiners are trained to assess severity based on your functional limitations. If you tell them “I’m doing okay” because you are having a good day, the report may not capture the frequency and severity of your bad days. Describe the average and the worst, not the best. Use concrete examples: “I cannot lift more than 10 pounds without pain,” “I have migraines three times per week that last four hours,” “I cannot stand for more than 15 minutes.” Veterans should talk about bad days, not just good ones, and be honest and consistent with their symptoms.
Bring Evidence, Not Just Symptoms
The examiner may review your claims file before the exam, but you should bring copies of relevant private treatment records, imaging reports, and medication lists. If you have a pain diary or a log of flare-ups, bring it. The more specific and documented your description, the easier it is for the examiner to complete an accurate DBQ. Service treatment records and private medical records are both relevant.
Know What the DBQ Asks
Each condition has a standardized DBQ. For physical conditions, the exam includes range of motion testing, pain assessment, functional limitation questions, and questions about flare-ups. For mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, the exam includes an in-depth interview about symptoms. You do not need to memorize the DBQ, but knowing the general areas helps you prepare.
The Day of the Exam
Arrive early. Bring your documents. Answer questions directly. Do not exaggerate, but do not minimize. If you need a break, ask for one. If you use a wheelchair, oxygen, or other assistive device, tell the examiner how it affects your daily life. The exam is not a treatment session; it is a documentation session.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make at VES Exams
The most common mistake is minimizing symptoms. Other mistakes can delay your claim or reduce your rating.
Minimizing symptoms. Veterans often say “I’m fine” or “it’s not that bad” out of habit. This leads to understated DBQs and lower ratings.
Missing the exam. Skipping a VES exam can delay or derail your claim. If you cannot attend, call VES to reschedule.
Not bringing records. If you have private treatment records that support your claim, bring them. The examiner may not have them otherwise.
Dressing inappropriately. Wear comfortable clothing that allows the examiner to assess range of motion if needed. Avoid tight clothing or shoes that make physical tests difficult.
Arguing with the examiner. The examiner is not the decision-maker. If you disagree with something, state your position calmly and provide evidence. Save the formal disagreement for the appeals process.
Not requesting a copy of the report. You have the right to request a copy of the C&P exam report. Review it for errors before the VA rates your claim.
The 2026 Medication Rule and What It Means for Your Exam
On February 17, 2026, the VA published an interim final rule amending 38 C.F.R. § 4.10, directing that disability ratings reflect how a veteran functions while using treatment or medication. Under this change, the VA evaluates disability ratings based on how a veteran functions with medication or treatment, rather than how disabling a condition might be without it.
What Changed
Veterans who use medications to manage symptoms where significant improvement is noted may receive lower ratings compared to what they would have received prior to this rule change. VA examiners must now evaluate a veteran’s functional impairment strictly as it presents while medicated. They are explicitly forbidden from estimating the true, baseline severity of the condition without the influence of drugs.
Current Status
The secretary has announced a pause in enforcement, but many evaluators are currently applying the directive. The rule is still in the Federal Register and could return in revised form. Current ratings are stable, but anyone with C&P exams between February 17 and February 19, 2026, should review their notes.
What Veterans Should Do
If you take medication for a service-connected condition, tell the examiner how the condition affects you both with and without medication. Be specific about breakthrough symptoms, side effects, and the underlying disability that medication does not cure. The American Legion has stated that veterans should not be penalized for complying with treatment, and that functional management is not a total cure. If you believe the medication rule affected your exam, you can raise it in an appeal.
When a VES Exam Goes Wrong: Complaints and Appeals
Not every unfavorable exam is a flawed exam. But some VES exams are rushed, incomplete, or based on an incomplete record review. Veterans report exams that lasted less than 15 minutes, examiners who never reviewed their records, and reports with factual errors or omissions. If the report is inaccurate, you have options.
First, Request the Report
You can request a copy of your C&P exam report from the VA. Since VES is a contracted company, you must request the report from your servicing regional office, not from VES directly. Review it carefully. Look for factual errors, omitted conditions, and statements that do not match what you said. If the report is accurate but unfavorable, the issue is the rating decision, not the exam. If the report is inaccurate, you can challenge it.
File a Supplemental Claim or Appeal
The VA appeals process can correct a bad report. You can file a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence, a higher-level review, or a Board appeal depending on the situation. A supplemental claim is often the fastest route when you have private medical evidence that contradicts the VES report. A higher-level review is appropriate when the error is clear from the existing record. As of August 2026, the VA’s average for compensation supplemental claims was about 59 days.
File a Complaint About the Examiner
You can file a complaint about the contractor’s conduct with the VA. The VA Office of Inspector General accepts reports of suspected wrongdoing in VA programs and operations at va.gov/oig/hotline or 1-800-488-8244. You can also contact VES directly at 1-877-637-8387. A complaint does not automatically change your rating, but it creates a record of the problem.
Can You Record a VES Exam?
There is no federal law that explicitly prohibits recording a C&P exam. The federal wiretapping statute generally requires only one-party consent for in-person conversations. However, state laws vary, and some states have stricter consent requirements. The VA’s M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual does not grant veterans an absolute right to record C&P exams. Examiners are not required to allow recording, and a contractor facility may have its own policies prohibiting it. If you announce you are recording and the examiner refuses, walking out or continuing to record after being told to stop can result in the exam being terminated—which is treated as a no-show and can lead to your claim being decided against you based on existing evidence alone.
Comparison: Options When You Disagree With a VES Report
| Option | When to Use | What It Does | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request the report | Always, after the exam | Lets you review for errors | Weeks to months |
| Supplemental claim | You have new and relevant evidence | Reopens the claim with new evidence | About 59 days on average (2026) |
| Higher-level review | The error is clear from the existing record | A senior rater reviews the decision | Months |
| Board appeal | You want a Veterans Law Judge to review | Formal appeal with hearing options | Months to years |
| VA OIG complaint | You suspect wrongdoing or misconduct | Creates an official complaint record | Varies |
| Attorney consultation | The failure is serious or the claim is complex | Legal analysis of your options | Immediate |
VES and the VA: What the Contract Covers
VES operates under federal contracts with the Veterans Benefits Administration. In January 2025, Maximus announced that VES was re-awarded contracts for domestic Regions 1 through 4 through 2026. Under these contracts, which were effective January 1, 2025, VES will continue to provide uninterrupted service to the VBA. The cumulative value of the award accommodates current and anticipated production volumes, and each of the four regional contracts includes a one-year base with a single option year.
In October 2025, VES received a Fiscal Year 2026 delivery order modification valued at approximately $134.3 million from the VA Strategic Acquisition Center. The contract modification updates the Performance Work Statement and has an ultimate completion date of September 30, 2026.
What the Contract Does Not Cover
VES is not responsible for VA rating decisions, back pay, effective dates, or dependent benefits. Those are VA functions. VES is not a treatment provider. If you need healthcare, contact VA healthcare or your private provider. VES is not an advocacy organization. If you need help with a claim, contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or a VA-accredited attorney.
State-Specific Resources for Veterans
Veterans in all five states have access to state-level veterans affairs offices that can assist with claims, appeals, and benefits questions. These offices are separate from VES and the VA, and they do not schedule C&P exams.
Vermont
White River Junction VA Regional Benefit Office: 163 Veterans Drive, White River Junction, VT 05001
Louisiana
New Orleans VA Regional Office: 1250 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70113
Delaware
Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs: veteransaffairs.delaware.gov
Wilmington VA Medical Center: 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805
Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs: portal.ct.gov/ctva
Newington VA Medical Center: 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111
New Hampshire
New Hampshire State Office of Veterans Services: nh.gov/nlveterans
Manchester VA Medical Center: 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH 03104
Common Questions
What is Veterans Evaluation Services?
Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) is a private company contracted by the VA to conduct Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for veterans filing disability claims. VES does not decide claims or provide treatment. It performs the exam, completes a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, and sends the report to the VA for a rating decision.
Can I request VES for my C&P exam?
No. Veterans cannot choose their C&P exam contractor. The VA assigns VES, QTC, OptumServe, or Loyal Source based on the region and exam type. If you are scheduled with VES, that is the contractor the VA selected for your claim.
Is the VES exam free?
Yes. The VES exam is free for the veteran. VES is paid by the VA under its federal contract. You should not pay VES for the exam. If anyone asks you for payment in connection with a VES C&P exam, contact VES directly at 1-877-637-8387.
How do I schedule or reschedule a VES exam?
VES contacts you after the VA refers your claim. To reschedule or ask questions, call VES at 1-877-637-8387. The caller ID may show “VA EXAM-VES.” Do not skip the exam without contacting VES; missed exams can delay your claim.
What should I bring to a VES exam?
Bring a photo ID, DD-214 or discharge documentation, a current medication list, and any private medical records relevant to your condition. A symptom diary or notes about your worst days and functional limitations is also helpful.
Does VES decide my disability rating?
No. VES does not decide ratings or benefits. VES conducts the exam and sends the report to the VA. A VA rater uses the report, along with other evidence, to assign a rating and effective date. VES examiners do not know the rating decision.
What if I disagree with the VES examiner’s report?
Request a copy of the report from the VA and review it for errors. If the report is inaccurate, you can file a supplemental claim with new evidence, request a higher-level review, or appeal to the Board. You can also file a complaint with the VA OIG if you suspect wrongdoing.
Is VES the same as the VA?
No. VES is a private company, a Maximus company, that contracts with the VA. It is not a government agency. The VA is the agency that decides your claim and pays benefits. VES performs the medical exam on the VA’s behalf.
How long does a VES exam take?
Exam length varies by condition. Some exams are 15 to 30 minutes; others, especially musculoskeletal or mental health exams, can take an hour or more. The examiner’s job is to complete the DBQ, not to provide treatment. Do not rush the exam, and do not assume a short exam means a bad outcome—but a very short exam for a complex condition may be a reason to request the report and review it carefully.
Can I bring someone with me to a VES exam?
You may bring a caregiver if you need physical assistance, but tell VES in advance. Some exams require privacy, and the examiner may ask family members to wait outside. A spouse or friend cannot answer questions for you; you must describe your own symptoms and limitations.
Does VES operate in Vermont, Louisiana, Delaware, Connecticut, and New Hampshire?
Yes. VES conducts C&P exams in all five states through its provider network. Exams are scheduled at private clinics, provider offices, or by telehealth. The specific location depends on the exam type and provider availability, not on a fixed VES office in each city.
What is the 2026 medication rule?
On February 17, 2026, the VA published an interim final rule directing that disability ratings reflect how a veteran functions while using treatment or medication. Veterans who use medications that significantly improve symptoms may receive lower ratings. The rule is controversial, and enforcement has been paused, but many evaluators are applying it.
Key Takeaways
VES is a VA-contracted company that conducts C&P exams; it does not decide claims or provide treatment.
You cannot request VES; the VA assigns the contractor after you file a claim.
VES schedules exams at private clinics, provider offices, or by telehealth in Vermont, Louisiana, Delaware, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.
The exam is free for the veteran and is used by the VA to assign a disability rating.
Bring your DD-214, medication list, private records, and notes on your worst days.
Do not minimize symptoms; describe functional limitations with concrete examples.
Request a copy of the report and review it for errors.
If the report is inaccurate, you can file a supplemental claim, request a higher-level review, or appeal to the Board.
A 2026 interim final rule on medication may affect how examiners evaluate functional impairment; its enforcement status is uncertain.
You can file a complaint about the examiner with the VA OIG at va.gov/oig/hotline.
Official Resources
VA.gov — Compensation — official VA disability compensation information: va.gov/disability
VA.gov — File a Claim — VA Form 21-526EZ and online application: va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez
VA.gov — Get Military Service Records — DD-214 and military records: va.gov/records/get-military-service-records
VA Office of Inspector General Hotline — report suspected wrongdoing: va.gov/oig/hotline; 1-800-488-8244
Veterans Evaluation Services — official VES site: ves.com
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs — veterans.vermont.gov
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs — vetaffairs.la.gov
Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs — veteransaffairs.delaware.gov
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs — portal.ct.gov/ctva
New Hampshire State Office of Veterans Services — nh.gov/nlveterans
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