Has anyone had any experience with Veterans Evaluation Services?

2017-01-14T09:51:11-05:00

I am a 100% but employable disabled Vet. Recently the VA has sent my file to Veterans Evaluation Services for a psych evaluation. I did not file a claim or anything since I got 100%. I have nothing to gain from another evaluation as I would like to remain employable. Has anyone else been through this? Is the VA trying to take away my 100% rating?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 14 at 2017 9:59 AM

2017-01-14T09:59:49-05:00

Haven't had to use this service so far.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Jan 14 at 2017 1:16 PM

2017-01-14T13:16:03-05:00

VES is a contractor for the VA. They will send you to a provider on their list to get whatever info they want. If you challenge or add to a condition, they will run you through everything again. Get professional assistance and find out what they are up to.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 17 at 2017 1:16 AM

2017-01-17T01:16:25-05:00

Just as a condition can get worse, it can improve and granting a lower rating.

A friend of mine with PTSD on his list of disabilities never went to VA for follow ups. After repeated attempts by VA to get him for follow ups, they ended up changing this rating to a lower percentage. About $300 less per month.

I would not say that VA is trying to take away from you. They are trying to validate if your condition is the same, improved or worsen.

It can happen to all of us.

Response by SPC Jacob Luttrell made Jan 21 at 2017 1:52 PM

2017-01-21T13:52:01-05:00

I went to the appointment and it seems to me that they are trying to diagnose me with PTSD. She brought it up several times during the session.I have not had the diagnosis before. I was kinda taken back when she asked if I owned weapons and if they are in my household since this was the first time I have been asked about it. Now I am worried with all of the new gun control that they have been trying to push through that they will want to take them. Not sure on any of this, but that is what it seems to me. I will update when I hear back from the VA.

Response by Cj Collingwood, PhD made Mar 17 at 2017 4:14 AM

2017-03-17T04:14:41-04:00

The VA does a review of claims every few years to see if things have gotten better or worse. No one is trying to take away your benefits, just monitor your case as required by Federal regulations, so the exam may actually be a re-exam. VES is an independent contractor, some examiners have VA experience, some don't, but all have been through vetting and training. The VA makes the determination of SC%, not VES, they just do the exams and send them to the VA adjudicators.

Response by SSG(P) Heriberto Hernandez made Apr 20 at 2017 10:45 PM

2017-04-20T22:45:50-04:00

i have to go on the 26 in san antonio tx i hope it go good for me

Response by SSgt Mose Carter made May 17 at 2017 7:50 PM

2017-05-17T19:50:49-04:00

If you have a 100% rating and have to go back that means that your 100% rating is not permanent and total. If your condition improves your disability rating can be lowered. Permanent and total disability will state that you have no further examinations. Ssgt Mose A Carter

Response by PO3 John Morgan made Aug 21 at 2017 1:56 PM

2017-08-21T13:56:19-04:00

You guessed right they are trying to take away even 10% will drop your disability pay to about half of what you get now. Since doing away with the unemployability was in the open and created a big stink the VA is doing it this way by reevaluating everyone with 100% so they can say you have improved in an area or two and reduce it. Expect it on mine as well and I am unemployable for health reasons and if they do then I believe an attorney and major lawsuit that will probably take 10 years to get it done is in order. Have the proof of them knowing my condition mentioned by the VA doctors but denied by the VA on my claim caused by the same condition that has caused all of my conditions and it is service connected. Exams done by other than doctors in the field of medicine your condition is for does one see a Chiropractor for diabetes, Eye doctor the VA uses that is rated at 2 star and very unprofessional and dirty office and instruments. I rest my case in this explanation VES and VA are the same.

Response by Capt John Brill made Aug 5 at 2019 8:50 PM

2019-08-05T20:50:11-04:00

I had a VES exam in which the doc didn't want to hear any details, just focused on
zeroing my service % from a severe ankle injury during training. VES refused to provide records
and said I had to go thru VA, and VA stonewalled, never responding to fax requests.
Kind of hard to challenge without any access to exam records. VA does not keep VES records in your VA medical file and have to go thru 2 other offices to access them. That is certainly one reason VA would use them, a lot harder to get to their records if you have a challenge, and if a mistake is made, VA is not directly accountable. In 3 exams I had from VES 2 of 3 docs appeared to be foreign nationals which made me a little wary. Whoi's looking at your records? Bottom line, these guys are shady, used to reduce ratings and come in with an agenda, claim of 'serving vets' is bunk.

Response by LCpl Ds Coley made Aug 13 at 2019 12:19 PM

2019-08-13T12:19:47-04:00

I'm a Marine Corps Veteran & it's a disgrace that the Government contracted VES to handle the backlog of C&P claims. I'm currently in Gainesville FL in an facility for homeless Vets . They have no compassion for Veterans especially in a homeless status. They have delayed my reports on two different occasions the 1st for 30 days. They are currently withholding my records from a Physician records read only requested by the VA. If I could rate a zero that wouldn't be low enough. There isn't any honor given to Vets from our Government & this needs to stop. The Doctor who administered my exams was exceptional. He delivered to VES my exams within his specified time. The issue is VES incompetent process as most of the employees aren't Vets & don't have the proper training to serve Vets.

#VeteranAffairs
#Congress
#DonaldTrump

Response by SPC Benny Blankenship made Oct 8 at 2019 7:42 PM

2019-10-08T19:42:36-04:00

Yes in BECKELY wva appt went good
But now cannot get a hold of him for my eval.

Response by PV2 Christian Petrone made Nov 17 at 2019 6:48 PM

2019-11-17T18:48:57-05:00

I just got a call from them. I'm rated 100% and the paper they send me says I'm permanent and total. Are they trying to take my benefits away? Cause I can barely function and I dont k ow what I will do if I lose them.

Response by FN Kevin Thompson made Jan 20 at 2020 11:19 PM

2020-01-20T23:19:29-05:00

I was recommended by another vet.

Response by PO1 Tony Jones made Jan 28 at 2020 10:31 AM

2020-01-28T10:31:47-05:00

VES biggest scam out there. The VA should be ashamed!!

Response by PO1 Tony Jones made Jan 28 at 2020 10:34 AM

2020-01-28T10:34:36-05:00

The absolute worse service out there, and the VA contracts them for one purpose, to disregard your claim professionally. The VA should be ashamed. But their not!

Response by Cj Collingwood, PhD made Jan 29 at 2020 5:53 PM

2020-01-29T17:53:28-05:00

The VA periodically review your case, since some people get better and some get worse. It's required by law, per Congress. They are not trying to take away your rating, just to see if anything has changed.

Response by SSgt Mose Carter made Feb 5 at 2020 12:59 AM

2020-02-05T00:59:10-05:00

You can be a 100% disabled veteran and not be permanent and total. If you are permanent and total, it should state that when you were rated, it also should state that you don't have any further exams. You also can be in hundred percent and have a condition that possibly can get better. That would be a cause to be re-evaluated.

Response by SPC Janae Longtine made Feb 26 at 2020 4:08 PM

2020-02-26T16:08:50-05:00

They were professional, fast and friendly! After 30 years of fighting to get disability for PTSD they were able to get it pushed through! And within a month of seeing them!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2020 1:40 AM

2020-02-29T01:40:14-05:00

I personally think the Company's a front to throw shade on veterans efforts to get some real help. Yes due to the fact that I was lied to about the rescheduling of an appointment and sent to some pretty hole in the wall Doctors Offices miles away from my home only to be denied any satisfaction.
Personally I think VES is a big waste of Taxpayer's Money and Veteran's Time and Money wasted trying get to appointments. I was sent a so called Travel Check that I can't even cash. Come Monday if they don't resolve the issue my next step is the Houston BBB and my local Congress Person.

Response by Lisa Cavanagh made May 10 at 2020 3:55 AM

2020-05-10T03:55:05-04:00

They are not trying to take away your rating. The VA does periodic reviews if there is reason to believe your condition may improve.

Response by Cpl Terrell Rayfield made Jun 29 at 2020 2:09 PM

2020-06-29T14:09:18-04:00

I have an appointment with them I put in a request for an increase through Ebenefits, I'm reading these comments and I'm nervous. 30 mins from now I have an interview. How did your interview work out for you?

Response by Lawrence Landis made Jun 29 at 2020 4:17 PM

2020-06-29T16:17:50-04:00

Yes. It is a cruel hoax

Response by PO2 T Whit made May 24 at 2021 6:27 PM

2021-05-24T18:27:39-04:00

I was 100%. After a ten min telemedicine appointment they are trying to reduce

Response by SSgt Joe Blow made Aug 5 at 2021 1:34 PM

2021-08-05T13:34:33-04:00

Michael Anthony Warren, NP (Nurse Practitioner OKC) opined that my condition less likely than not incurred in or was caused by my military service. VA confirmed both of my disabilities and performed surgery to alleviate my condition. I submitted treatment records from VA Medical Center OKC (2) physician statements, (1) MD, letters, sleep study, surgery info, x-rays, lay statement, DBQ's, etc...

(VA LOST MY SERVICE RECORDS) THIS BOZO IS CLUELESS!?!?!?

RESEARCHING A LAW SUIT FOR NEGLIGENCE/OTHER...

Response by Cpl Janelle Meyer made Nov 3 at 2021 1:32 AM

2021-11-03T01:32:27-04:00

Hello,
I know this post is old, maybe you will see this. I am 100% unemployability as well, but still feel like i can work around my disability and do something else. Wondering if you know the rules about working while on unemployability. Were you able to work? thank you!

Response by SGT Ramon Moses made Nov 8 at 2022 3:47 PM

2022-11-08T15:47:50-05:00

Yes they are, that's what they do, deny claims and back it up with paperwork.

Response by SGT Ramon Moses made Nov 8 at 2022 3:52 PM

2022-11-08T15:52:24-05:00

Yes, this is what they do, and I hope they are watching. This company gets soldiers denied to save Uncle Sam Money. They build up a case against you so you can't get it overturned. Everyone in my area that goes there, gets smiley faces, and denials 100%. Even in cased in which the VA had to reach out for clarity, looked really good, and denied, and those usually don't get denied. And now the local hospitals, police, and EMT's have to deal with people not getting help because of them. Just a bunch of Racist greedy people that work there, and care nothing about the Veterans.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Dec 6 at 2022 5:36 PM

2022-12-06T17:36:28-05:00

The VA is absolutely looking to take away your 100% disability rating -- which seems pretty reasonable on the face of it considering that "100% disabled" and "employable" would immediately strike any reasonable person as an unlikely combination.

VES is a commercial business hired by the VA to make it easier to distance the agency from its adverse decisions by saying the decision was based on an independent evaluation.

From my experience, VES consists of an incompetent bureaucracy that will randomly schedule you for an "evaluation" to be conducted by a "qualified" medical professional -- where the only training required to be "qualified" is having completed a VES class on how to fill out the required forms.

I was sent to a chiropractor to evaluate an endocrinology issue. In my case it wasn't a problem because the issue had been originally diagnosed by the VA doctor and had been treated by several VA doctors over a five year period - all of which was fully documented in my VA medical records and numerous test results over that same five year period -- but VES of course had to waste my time and VA money sending me to their lab for another blood test and to their doctor (the chiropractor) for an evaluation -- he just copied the test results into the form.

You can get the date for the evaluation changed if the date isn't workable for you, but once you get a date scheduled you will need to go to the evaluation.

Response by TSgt Melvin Mitchell made May 13 at 2023 11:16 AM

2023-05-13T11:16:23-04:00

VES is a total scam. I am undergoing a re-evaluation right now and the people that they are sending me to are a joke. When I research the audiologist that I was being sent to all of his online presence said that he is a VA doctor but this is a separate entity and his little makeshift office was a joke. I have no idea what the result will be but this seems like a crony organization that is just there to bilk the taxpayer and misappropriate VA funds. In the past I have been re-evaluated on several occasions and it has always been done at the VA without incident.