We know that everybody’s experiences with the Big 3 are different so this blog is general. The purpose of this is to let you know there are 3 and what the primary objective is.
If you're a nurse practitioner exploring opportunities to perform Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams for veterans, you'll likely hear three names over and over again: LHI (Optum Serve), VES (Veterans Evaluation Services), and QTC (a Leidos company). These are the primary contractors that partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to facilitate disability evaluations across the country. While they all share the same mission — helping the VA determine eligibility and rating decisions — each company operates a little differently, and those differences can impact your experience as a provider.
At the end of the day, all three contractors offer legitimate and meaningful ways to serve veterans while using your clinical skills. The best fit will depend on your work style, preferred level of autonomy, comfort with documentation, and how much support you need starting out. No matter which you choose, always remember accurate, objective, and VA-compliant documentation is the key to success.
