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Navigating the VA disability claims process can be frustrating and overwhelming—especially when it comes to Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams, which play a critical role in determining your VA disability rating.
These exams are usually conducted by contracted third-party providers (93% of the time), not VA employees, making it essential to know who’s handling your exam, what to expect, how to contact them, and what to do if you get a bad C&P exam.
In this 2025 update, we’ve compiled the most current list of VA C&P exam contractors, along with links to their websites and customer service phone numbers.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Increased Reliance on Contractors for C&P Exams: As of summer 2024, 93% of VA C&P exams are conducted by third-party contractors like Leidos QTC, Optum Serve, Veterans Evaluation Services (VES), and Loyal Source. This shift has streamlined exam scheduling but raised concerns about the cost, quality control, and lack of oversight and accountability.
- Contractor Training and Standards: Contractors are required to follow the same training and certification standards as VA providers, ensuring consistency in evaluations. They also handle pre-discharge exams for service members filing claims before separation.
- Challenges in Oversight and Quality: Despite spending $10.4 billion on exam contracts since FY2017, issues persist with scheduling errors, travel distance violations, exam quality, and reporting accuracy, leading to delays and rework that frustrate veterans.
- Pro Tips to Navigate the Process: Veterans can verify their exam details by calling 800-827-1000, carefully review their C&P exam reports, and challenge errors immediately with supporting evidence. Here’s a list of our top 10 C&P exam tips.
List of Third-Party C&P Exam Contractors
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) currently contracts with several third-party medical companies to perform Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for veterans, including:
- Leidos QTC Health Services, customer service phone number 800-682-9701.
- Loyal Source Government Services (LSGS), customer service phone number 833-832-7077.
- Optum Serve Health Services (formerly LHI), customer service phone number 866-933-8387
- Veterans Evaluation Services (VES), customer service phone number 877-637-8387. If you’re outside the continental U.S., click here for a list of international phone numbers depending on your location.
Pro Tip: If you would like to confirm that you do indeed have a C&P exam scheduled, or you have questions, call the VA hotline phone number at 800-827-1000.
The Rise of Contracted C&P Exams for Veterans
Over time, the VA has increasingly relied on contracted C&P examiners to handle the high volume of disability exams for veterans.
Key Facts About C&P Exams for Veterans:
- As of summer 2024, 93% of C&P exams were conducted by contractors compared to just 44% in 2017.
- Contractors follow the same training and certification requirements as VA providers.
- Contractors handle pre-discharge exams for service members applying for benefits before separation.
- VA exam requests have increased 30% since the PACT Act was passed, which expanded eligibility for toxic exposure claims.
- VA spent $10.4 billion on exam contracts between FY 2017 and FY 2023.
Despite their expansion, contracted exams face oversight challenges related to errors, timeliness, and facility standards.
To address these issues, VA established the Medical Disability Examination Office (MDEO), which tracks performance metrics and enforces corrective actions.
Challenges and Veteran Concerns With the C&P Exam System
While C&P exams are a critical part of the VA disability claims process, many veterans face significant challenges with the system—especially when exams are conducted by contracted third-party providers.
These issues can delay claims, result in inaccurate disability ratings, or even lead to denials of rightful benefits.
Here’s the top 12 concerns highlighted by veterans regarding the C&P exam system:
1. Scheduling Conflicts and Accessibility Issues
Veterans frequently report being scheduled for exams at inconvenient times or distant locations, often with little notice.
These logistical barriers are especially challenging for veterans with mobility issues, mental health conditions, or transportation difficulties.
Pro Tip: If you can’t attend your scheduled exam, immediately notify the VA or contractor to reschedule. Missing a C&P exam without notice can delay or even derail your claim.
2. C&P Exam Errors and Incomplete DBQ Reports
Errors in C&P exams are alarmingly common and can lead to:
- Delays and Rework Requests: Incomplete or inaccurate reports may require additional exams, dragging out the process.
- Incorrect Ratings or Denials: Poorly conducted exams often result in underrated disabilities or outright denials—forcing veterans into lengthy appeals.
Pro Tip: Request a copy of your C&P exam report as soon as it’s available. Review it carefully and challenge errors immediately with supporting evidence and a written rebuttal.
3. Bias and Inconsistencies in Examiner Opinions
The VA disability claims process is supposed to be non-adversarial, meaning the benefit of the doubt should favor veterans.
However, some veterans face biased examiners who allow personal opinions to influence their evaluations.
Examples include:
- Discounting Symptoms or Severity: Examiners downplay conditions, failing to acknowledge the full impact on daily life.
- Questioning Service Connection: Some examiners apply higher standards than the 50/50 “tie goes to the runner” rule required under VA law.
Pro Tip: Bring private medical records, buddy statements, and DBQs to reinforce your claim and counter examiner bias.
4. Dismissing Private Medical Evidence
Veterans often rely on private Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs), Nexus Letters, and DBQs to strengthen their claims.
Unfortunately, some C&P examiners dismiss private evidence simply because it was prepared by a fee-based provider—despite being allowed under VA rules.
Ironically, C&P examiners are also fee-based providers.
Pro Tip: Reference M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – General Criteria for Sufficiency of Examination Reports if your private medical evidence is discredited. The VA must consider private medical evidence—and you have the right to submit it.
5. Lack of Oversight and Accountability
Contracted examiners often operate with minimal oversight, leading to poor-quality reports or biased evaluations without consequences.
Even when the VA detects errors, contractors simply rework reports at no cost—leaving veterans to bear the burden of fighting bad decisions.
Pro Tip: Document your experience and report examiner misconduct to the VA, your Congressional representative, or through an appeal to push for corrections.
6. Difficulty Accessing C&P Exam Results
Many veterans face delays or barriers when trying to access copies of their exam results, making it harder to challenge errors or prepare appeals.
Pro Tip: Here’s how to request C&P exam results:
- Option #1: The fastest way to get your C&P exam results is to have your accredited VSO download copies of the final exam report from the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS). This is a system that only accredited representatives have access to. Also note that not all accredited representatives can access VBMS. Ask yours!
- Option #2: The alternate method to get your C&P exam results is by filing an FOIA request for a copy of your VA C File. Note this option can take at least 12-18 weeks or longer. The good news is you’ll get all your records, literally every document for every claim you’ve ever filed, including your VA Rating Code Sheet.
7. Inconsistent Medical Opinions Across C&P Examiners
Veterans undergoing multiple exams often report conflicting medical opinions from different examiners, leading to delays and confusion in the claims process.
Pro Tip: Always request copies of your reports and review them carefully. Address discrepancies by submitting a written rebuttal supported by evidence.
8. Misunderstanding of Presumptive Conditions
Some examiners misinterpret VA laws regarding PACT Act presumptive conditions or Gulf War Illnesses, resulting in improper denials due to lack of understanding.
Pro Tip: Bring DBQs, Nexus Letters, and 38 CFR references to explain how your condition qualifies as presumptive under VA guidelines.
9. Lack of Specialized Medical Knowledge
Contract examiners often lack the expertise to properly evaluate complex conditions like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or autoimmune diseases.
Pro Tip: Did you know you can request a new examiner before your C&P exam? Yep, it’s true! Request an examiner with specialized knowledge when scheduling your exam. If the examiner lacks expertise, document it and request a re-evaluation.
10. Examiner Fatigue and Rushed Evaluations
Examiners who handle back-to-back appointments may rush evaluations, resulting in missed symptoms and incomplete reports.
Pro Tip: Be thorough and assertive during your exam. Focus on your worst days and clearly explain how your condition negatively affects your daily life and work.
11. Poor Communication With Veterans
Many veterans feel examiners fail to listen, dismiss concerns, or provide clear explanations about the evaluation process.
Pro Tip: Ask questions during your exam and document responses. Follow up with a written statement if necessary and submit concerns to the VA or Medical Disability Examination Office (MDEO).
12. Facility Standards and Accessibility Concerns
Some contracted C&P exam facilities fail to meet safety, cleanliness, or accessibility standards, making it difficult for disabled veterans to access services comfortably.
Pro Tip: Document issues during your visit and report concerns to the VA and Medical Disability Examination Office (MDEO) to ensure corrective action.
Source List
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
