Veterans Services

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.

What We Do

We help service members, veterans, and their families navigate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system to file for disability compensation. 

The list of health conditions that qualify for VA compensation changes often. A “no” from the VA yesterday may be a “yes” today – you owe it to yourself to visit us if you haven’t recently.

We can also familiarize you with many other federal and state veterans benefits you may have earned, and help connect you to partner organizations who can help you claim them.

Who We Serve

If you have served any time in the military, you may be eligible for benefits.

Eligibility for specific federal and state benefits programs varies. Make an appointment with one of our trained and experienced veterans service officers to help figure out which programs you qualify for.

We are particularly interested in helping:

• Young veterans
  You have plenty on your plate already as you transition into civilian life. We’re here to help you navigate the VA system and get the education, health care, and other benefits you’ve earned.
• Gulf War veterans
  Many of your current health issues – including a bunch the VA didn’t previously consider – might be linked to past military service. Conditions include gastrointestinal disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and many more. Learn more here
• Vietnam era veterans – including Navy “blue water” veterans
  Did you get the runaround from the VA when you came home? Times have changed, and so has the VA – including the list of health conditions considered service related. A “no” yesterday may be a “yes” today. Conditions include different forms of cancer, diabetes, skin disease, and many more: Learn more here

How To Get Service

Are you ready for our Veterans Service Office to help you? Make an appointment by calling 503-650-5631 or emailing veterans@clackamas.us. We are open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

Depending on your needs, we may ask you to bring some or all of the following documents to your appointment:

• Proof of military service
• Doctor's name, address, and telephone number
• Private medical records
• Certificate of current marriage
• Names of previous spouses and dates of previous marriages
• Current bank statement
• Information about other financial assets like annuities, IRAs, CDs, and rental property income
• A summary of out of pocket medical expenses

But don’t worry - if you are missing documents or other information needed to process your claim, we will help you get them.

Other Resources

• Our Social Services division offers a variety of resources for seniors, people with disabilities, homeless, and low-income residents.
• Our Children, Family and Community Connections division offers veteran-specific employment assistance and job training.
• The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of state benefits, resources, and services.
• If you’re not a Clackamas County resident, visit our Metro area partners

Veterans Advisory Council

The Clackamas County Veterans Advisory Council advises the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Health, Housing and Human Services on all matters relating to issues and services affecting veterans, their families and dependents, ensuring their needs are recognized and addressed in a timely manner.