3rd Party Contractors Performing Compensation and Pension Exams (C&P Exams) on Behalf of the VA 2025-2026

Information obtained from VA.GOV as of 12/2025

The Department of Veterans Affairs uses 3rd party contractors to perform most Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams. The following list are the names of the currently contracted entities:

1. Veterans Evaluation Services (VES).
2. OptumServe Health Services (Optum Health, also known as LHI or Logistics Health Incorporated).
3. Leidos QTC Health Services (QTC).
4. Loyal Source Government Services.

These 3rd party contractors conduct many of the C&P exams on behalf of the VA to help process disability claims. However, not all C&P exams are performed by these contractors, you may also have an exam conducted by a provider within a VA medical facility.

These 3rd party contractors typically make best efforts to perform these required exams as close to your home of record as possible. Please keep in mind that the VA considers 50 miles travel distance for these exams as an acceptable maximum distance. In some rare cases, the VA or these companies may request you travel outside of this maximum distance. You will be automatically reimbursed for your travel mileage.

Scheduling

The VA or a VA 3rd party contractor will mail you a letter with the date and time of your exam.

Example of C&P notification letter you will receive in the near future

You may also get a phone call or email from the VA or the 3rd party contractor. They may ask you to provide certain personal information and identification (ID) to confirm your identity.

Note: You can not start the scheduling process for claim exams yourself. The VA or a 3rd party contractor will begin the scheduling process by contacting you.

What to expect when you receive a letter or phone call

You’ll need to confirm your appointment. Call the number on the exam letter to confirm the place and time. If you get a phone call, you can confirm the place and time on the call.

What to do if you need to reschedule your exam

If you need to reschedule your exam, tell the VA or contractor who arranged the exam at least 48 hours in advance. Rescheduling your exam may delay your claim. Please contact the VA or the 3rd party contractor’s phone number that they provided.

Note: If your exam is with a contractor, you can only reschedule once per exam. The new appointment must be within 5 days of the original appointment. If you’re not available during those 5 days, tell the contractor. Then call the VA at 800-827-1000 and follow the prompts to speak with a representative.

What happens if you miss the exam

First contact your Veterans Services Officer (VSO) or call our office at 503-650-5631 and let us know what is going on. We will assist you with any of the next steps. Missing your exam could result in an automatic denial of the claim. The VA may also decide your claim based on the existing evidence which could affect your benefits. If you missed your exam for what the VA considers a good reason (called “good cause”), they may reschedule a new appointment for you. These are some examples of good cause: If someone in your immediate family dies, if you’re homeless, if you’re hospitalized, or if you have a terminal illness.