The 8-Step VA Claim Process With Timelines (2024)

The VA disability claim process consists of 8-steps, each with a specific purpose to move your claim from submission to completion.

These steps are designed to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation of your evidence, guiding it through 5 key phases from start to finish.

In this article, we’ll break down each step and the expected VA claim timelines, providing you with a clear roadmap of what to expect.

Let’s go!

Table of Contents

Summary of Key Points

  • VA Disability Claim Steps: The VA disability claim process consists of eight steps, each designed to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation of your evidence, guiding the claim from submission to completion.
  • Timelines for Each Step: The process includes specific timeframes for each step, from initial receipt (7-14 days) to the final decision notification sent (7-10 days). The total time for a claim, on average, is about 155 calendar days.
  • Factors Affecting Processing Times: Several factors can influence the timeline, including the type of claim (e.g., Fully Developed Claims are faster), the complexity and number of claimed conditions, and the time needed to collect additional evidence.
  • Checking Claim Status: You can check your VA claim status online at VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000 to speak with a VA representative. This helps you stay updated on the progress of your claim throughout the process.

Brian Reese Explains the 8-Step VA Disability Claim Process (5-Minute Video)

The VA Claim Process with Timelines by Step

Here’s a simplified table detailing the VA claim process along with the expected timelines for each step:

VA Claim StepDescriptionTimeline
Step #1: Claim ReceivedThe VA acknowledges receipt of your disability claim.7 to 14 days
Step #2: Under ReviewThe VA reviews your claim to ensure all necessary information is included and understands the specifics of your case.14 to 30 days
Step #3: Gathering of EvidenceThe VA collects evidence to support your claim, possibly requesting additional information from various sources.30 to 60 days
Step #4: Review of EvidenceThe VA reviews all gathered evidence to assess the validity and extent of your disability claim.7 to 14 days
Step #5: Preparation for DecisionThe VA prepares to make a decision on your claim based on the evidence and reviews.7 to 14 days
Step #6: Pending Decision ApprovalA senior VA official reviews the decision to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.7 to 14 days
Step #7: Preparation for NotificationThe VA prepares your decision packet, including details on the decision, disability rating, and any benefits.7 to 14 days
Step #8: Decision Notification SentThe final step involves sending your decision packet by U.S. mail, detailing the decision and options if you disagree.7 to 10 days

The VA Disability Claims Process Explained

STEP #1: Claim Received

In Step #1, the VA notifies you that they have received your disability claim.

  • If you file your disability claim online, you’ll receive an on-screen confirmation message from the VA after submitting the application.
  • If you mail your application, the VA will send you a letter confirming receipt of your claim. This letter typically arrives within 1-2 weeks, and the status should also appear in your VA account within 7-14 days.

This step normally takes around 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #2: Under Review

In Step #2, a Veteran Service Representative (VSR) reviews your claim to ensure all necessary information is included.

  • The claim will move to Step #3 if no additional evidence is required. This is more likely if you submitted a Fully Developed Claim (FDC), which is highly recommended.
  • Avoid submitting a standard claim unless absolutely necessary, as FDCs tend to expedite the process.

This step normally takes around 14-30 calendar days.

STEP #3: Gathering of Evidence

The VA evidence gathering, review, and decision is the longest step in the VA claim process.

In Step #3, the VSR will undertake the following:

  • Request evidence from you, healthcare providers, governmental agencies, or others. This may include scheduling Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams.
  • Review the collected evidence.
  • Forward the claim to a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) for review.

Note: If additional evidence is needed during this phase, your claim may return to this step multiple times. This back-and-forth is a common part of the process and nothing to worry about.

This step normally takes around 30-60 calendar days.

STEP #4: Review of Evidence

In Step #4, all required evidence has been received and is under review by the RVSR.

  • If the RVSR determines that more evidence is needed, the claim will return to Step #3.
  • This back-and-forth is a standard part of the VA claim process. If the VA needs something from you, they will notify you.

This step typically takes around 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #5: Preparation for Decision

In Step #5, the RVSR will:

  • Review your entire claim application, medical records, supporting documents, personal statements, buddy letters, and C&P exam results.
  • The RVSR then recommends a decision and begins preparing the necessary documents to detail the decision.

This step normally takes 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #6: Pending Decision Approval

In Step #6, the RVSR makes a preliminary award decision on your claim.

  • This often involves a second-tier reviewing authority for final approval.

This step typically takes 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #7: Preparation for Notification

In Step #7, your VA Decision Letter packet is prepared for mailing.

  • This packet includes detailed information about the decision on your claim, including your disability rating and any awarded benefits.

This step usually takes around 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #8: Decision Notification Sent

In the final step of the VA claim process, the VA sends you a packet by U.S. mail that includes all details of the decision on your claim.

  • You should receive this packet within 7 to 10 days.

For updates or questions about your VA disability claim status, you can always call 1-800-827-1000 and ask to speak with a VA representative.

This step typically takes 7-10 calendar days.

How Long Does a VA Claim Take Right Now?

On average, it takes about 155 calendar days for the VA to decide a disability claim from submission to decision.

However, processing times can vary based on several factors:

  • Evidence Collection: The VA may need additional evidence from healthcare providers or other sources, which can delay the process. Submitting all necessary evidence upfront can help speed up your claim.
  • Type of Claim: Fully Developed Claims (FDC) are usually processed faster than traditional claims. If you have all necessary documentation, consider filing an FDC to expedite the process.
  • Number and Complexity of Conditions: More complex claims or those involving multiple conditions may take longer, often requiring multiple C&P exams.

How Can I Check My VA Claim Status?

To check your VA claim status online, follow these steps:

  • Sign in with your account credentials (such as DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me).
  • Navigate to the “My VA” dashboard at the top right.
  • Look for the “Check Your Claim or Appeal Status” section for the most current updates.

At any time during the process, you can also call 1-800-827-1000 and select the option to speak to a VA representative about the current status of your claim or appeal.

About the Author

Brian Reese

Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).

Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start.

As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.

He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).

The 8-Step VA Claim Process With Timelines (2024)

FAQs

The 8-Step VA Claim Process With Timelines? ›

The VA benefits claim process takes an average of 103 days. Gathering evidence like medical records can speed up the process and improve chances of success. Certain conditions like PTSD may change the timeline. Decisions can be appealed if necessary.

What are the 8 stages of a VA claim? ›

What happens after I file a VA disability claim?
  • Claim received. We'll let you know when we receive your VA disability claim. ...
  • Initial review. ...
  • Evidence gathering. ...
  • Evidence review. ...
  • Rating. ...
  • Preparing decision letter. ...
  • Final review. ...
  • Claim decided.

What is the timeline for the VA decision phase? ›

The VA benefits claim process takes an average of 103 days. Gathering evidence like medical records can speed up the process and improve chances of success. Certain conditions like PTSD may change the timeline. Decisions can be appealed if necessary.

How long are VA disability claims taking right now? ›

That makes it imperative for a quick and simple service to claim for disability benefits. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. While the average time for a VA disability claim can vary, it's currently between 120-150 days and patience will be required.

How long are VA disability claims taking in 2024? ›

However, the journey to approval can often feel like a maze, with each turn leading to more uncertainty. The average number of days it takes for the VA to process disability-related claims is 155.5 days as of April 2024.

What are the steps in the VA claim process? ›

A general rule for speeding up the claims process is to submit as much evidence as possible with your claim.
  1. FILE AN INITIAL CLAIM WITH VA. ...
  2. VA RECEIVES CLAIM. ...
  3. UNDER REVIEW. ...
  4. GATHERING OF EVIDENCE. ...
  5. REVIEW OF EVIDENCE. ...
  6. PREPARATION FOR DECISION. ...
  7. PENDING DECISION APPROVAL. ...
  8. PREPARATION FOR NOTIFICATION.

How do I know if my VA claim will be approved? ›

You can check the status of your VA claim, decision review, or appeal online right now. You'll need to sign in first with Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet. If you don't have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account now.

What is the 70-40 rule for VA disability? ›

The VA 70/40 rule for TDIU requires veterans to have a combined disability rating of 70% or higher and at least one service-related disability rated at 40% or higher to be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits.

How long after the C&P exam will I get a decision in 2024? ›

The entire VA claim process takes about 150 calendar days from submission to decision. You can expect to receive a VA rating decision within 90 to 120 calendar days after your final C&P exam.

What is the largest VA back pay? ›

There is no limit to the amount of back pay a veteran can receive.

What is the most approved VA disability? ›

Yes, some VA claims are more commonly approved than others. Service connection for tinnitus is granted more frequently than any other disability. More than 2.3 million veterans have benefits for tinnitus. Hearing loss may be more difficult to get approved despite being the second most commonly approved disability.

How far back does VA retroactive pay go? ›

The VA uses your effective date to calculate retroactive VA disability payments. There's no limit to the amount of back pay you can receive for VA disability compensation. The effective date can be as early as the day after you were discharged from the military.

What is the 8 year rule for VA disability? ›

The 8-year provision actually goes both ways. The veteran needs to have been totally disabled for at least 8 years before death and then the benefit will be granted to surviving spouses for the same 8 years.

How long does step 3 of a VA claim take? ›

30 to 60 days

What is the current backlog of VA disability claims? ›

Texas (27,178), Florida (23,452), California (17,753), Georgia (12,151), and North Carolina (10,924) have the highest number of backlogged VA claims.

What is the VA backlog update for 2024? ›

Before fiscal year 2024, VA had only had three 9,000 claim production days in history. As a result of this record pace, Veteran claims pending over 125 days – known as the backlog – has decreased by more than 42,000 claims over the past three months.

What are the three things for a successful VA claim? ›

For a veteran to establish a service-connected disability, a viable claim must include these three elements:
  • Current Diagnosis. • Chronic physical or mental disability. ...
  • Documented Event In Service. • Eligible periods of service. ...
  • A Link Between the Two.

What are the phases of VA compensation? ›

After your claim is established, the phases it goes through are evidence development, rating, post-decision review, and authorization. Your claim may go back to the gathering evidence phase at any point if the VA discovers more information is needed.

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