Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) is one of the VA's main contractors for Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams. Owned by Maximus, VES handles VA exams across most of the continental United States. In 2026, millions of veterans go to VES exams as part of their disability claims.
Who is VES?
VES is a Maximus company that holds the VA's domestic C&P exam contracts for Regions 1 through 4. Maximus was re-awarded these contracts effective January 1, 2025. The contract covers most US states.
What to expect at a VES exam
- Medical history review. The examiner reads your records and asks about your condition.
- Symptom interview. Expect detailed questions about how the condition affects daily life.
- Focused physical or mental health exam. The format depends on the condition.
- Examiner credentials. Most exams are run by MDs, DOs, NPs, or PAs. Specialty exams (mental health, audiology) use credentialed specialists.
- No treatment. VES exams gather information for the VA — the examiner doesn't treat you.
How to prepare for a VES exam
- Bring photo ID and the appointment letter.
- Bring a current medication list.
- Keep a symptom journal. Note flare-ups, bad days, and how symptoms limit work.
- Be honest about your worst days. Many veterans unintentionally minimize symptoms.
- Bring a buddy. They can take notes or wait nearby.
Common VES exam mistakes
- Downplaying symptoms. Examiners only see one snapshot. Be candid about your worst symptoms.
- Missing the appointment. Missed exams can lead to claim denial. Call ASAP if you can't make it.
- Forgetting medical records. Bring copies of any private medical care for the condition.
- Going alone for mental health exams if you can bring someone supportive.
VES contact information
- Phone: 877-637-8387 (caller ID shows “VA EXAM-VES”).
- Website: ves.com
- Reschedule through the phone number above or VES online portal.
VES vs. Optum Serve
The other major VA exam contractor is Optum Serve (UnitedHealth, formerly LHI). Exam content is identical — only the contractor and scheduling system differ. Quality varies more by individual examiner than by company.
VES vs. QTC and Loyal Source
VES, QTC, and Loyal Source are all VA contract exam companies, and the exam itself is the same at each. Which company contacts you depends on your region and how the VA assigns the exam — you don't get to pick. All three use the same Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), and the VA rater weighs their reports identically. If you're searching for the "best" contractor, save the energy: exam quality varies by the individual examiner, not the company. Focus your preparation on documenting symptoms, not on who runs the clinic.
What happens after the VES exam
The examiner submits a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to the VA — usually within 30 business days. The VA rater uses the DBQ alongside your medical records to assign a rating.
Here is the typical timeline from exam to decision. VES submits the DBQ to the VA. Your claim then moves to the “Preparation for Decision” stage, where a rater reviews the DBQ against your records. Most veterans see a decision within one to three months after the exam, though complex claims with multiple conditions can take longer. You can track each stage move on va.gov or by phone at 800-827-1000.
Is a VES exam a good sign?
Yes — getting scheduled for a VES exam is generally a good sign. It means the VA accepted your claim as valid enough to spend money developing evidence for it. It does not predict approval or a rating percentage, and it is not a trick. The VA orders an exam when the record needs current medical evidence — which is true for most legitimate claims. Treat it as your best chance to get your symptoms documented accurately.
How to get a copy of your VES exam results
You can request a copy of your completed C&P exam report from the VA — VES itself won't release it to you. Three routes work:
- Submit VA Form 20-10206 (Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request) to get your claims file, including the DBQ.
- Call 800-827-1000 and ask for the exam results to be mailed.
- Ask your VSO or attorney. Accredited representatives can usually pull the DBQ directly from the VA's claims system within days — the fastest route.
Reviewing the DBQ matters: if the examiner under-recorded your symptoms, that's the evidence a rater will use, and catching it early lets you submit a rebuttal statement or request a new exam before the decision.