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!

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.

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:

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:

• Visit VA.gov.

• 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

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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).