Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
You’ve submitted your VA disability claim and now you’re wondering how long it takes to get a rating decision.
The good news is the VA is deciding claims faster right now.
And the number of pending claims and backlogged claims continues to decrease.
According to published VBA data, the average VA claim takes around 140 calendar days from submission to decision in 2025.
Please note that the timeline it takes to process a VA claim can vary wildly based on several factors including the workload at the VBA regional offices, availability of evidence to support your claim, the number of contentions filed for, the overall complexity of your claim, and whether C&P exams are necessary, among other things.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Average Processing Time for VA Claims in 2025: The VA is processing claims faster in 2025, with the average claim taking around 140 calendar days from submission to decision, according to published VBA data.
- Factors Impacting VA Claim Decisions: Processing times can vary significantly based on factors such as the workload at VBA regional offices, the availability of evidence, the number and complexity of conditions in the claim, and whether a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is required.
- Proactive Steps to Expedite Your Claim: Veterans can speed up the process by submitting all required evidence, keeping claims simple (1-3 conditions per submission), and being prepared for C&P exams. Filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) through VA.gov can also reduce processing times.
- Tracking the Status of Your VA Claim: Veterans can check the status of their claim by logging into VA.gov and navigating to the “Check Your Claim or Appeal Status” section, or by calling the VA’s toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000 to speak with a representative.
How Long Does It Take to Get a VA Disability Rating?
In 2025, the average time it takes to get a VA disability rating is approximately 140 calendar days from claim submission to decision.
However, it’s important to note that this timeline can vary significantly depending on several factors.
These include the workload at your VBA regional office, the availability of evidence supporting your claim, the number of contentions (conditions) included, the complexity of your case, and whether a C&P exam is required.
While the VA works diligently to streamline the process, each claim is unique, and some may take longer than others.
To help ensure your claim moves as quickly as possible, be proactive by providing all required evidence and attending any scheduled exams.
Source: Detailed VBA claims data
The VA Claim Process and Average Timelines
Here’s the 8-step VA disability claims process along with the average timelines for each step:
| Step | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Step #1: Claim Received | The VA acknowledges receipt of your disability claim. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #2: Under Review | The 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 Evidence | The VA collects evidence to support your claim, possibly requesting additional information from various sources. | 30 to 60 days |
| Step #4: Review of Evidence | The VA reviews all gathered evidence to assess the validity and extent of your disability claim. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #5: Preparation for Decision | The VA prepares to make a decision on your claim based on the evidence and reviews. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #6: Pending Decision Approval | A senior VA official reviews the decision to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #7: Preparation for Notification | The VA prepares your decision packet, including details on the decision, disability rating, and any benefits. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #8: Decision Notification Sent | The final step involves sending your decision packet by U.S. mail, detailing the decision and options if you disagree. | 7 to 10 days |
How Do I Check the Status of My VA Claim?
To check your VA claim status online, follow these steps:
- Visit VA.gov.
- Sign in with your account credentials.
- 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.
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.
Expert Tips and Strategies to Speed Up Your VA Disability Claim
Did you know you might be able to help the VA help you get your VA claim approved faster?
The VA Rater is not out to deny your claim; it’s on you to give the VA all the evidence the VA Rater needs to make a more accurate rating decision faster.
At VA Claims Insider, we teach veterans the “SEM Method,” which stands for Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating You Deserve Faster!
#1. Strategy:
Your VA claim Strategy should focus on:
- 1-3 disability conditions per 1 claim only – simple, simple, simple, think less is more!
- Fully Developed Claims (FDCs) only and file it online at VA.gov – standard claims take longer.
- High-Value claims only (if eligible).
- Mental health claims, simple increase claims, and/or secondary claims (if eligible)
#2. Education:
Your VA claim Education should focus on:
- High-Value VA disability claims, which are claims that have a high likelihood of being rated at 30% or higher on their own.
- C&P exam preparation so you can crush your C&P exam and get the rating you deserve, faster.
#3. Medical Evidence:
Your VA claim Medical Evidence should focus on:
- Mental health evaluation and Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) is preferred, if and only if, you have a mental health condition.
- Medical evaluations to include first-time Medical Dx, Nexus Letters, and/or VA DBQs for high value claims only.
Find out if you should get a Nexus Letter
If you’ve already submitted your VA claim, you can call 1-800-827-1000, speak to a representative, and ask for the status of your claim.
Want Expert-Level Help with Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
How does VA Claims Insider help veterans?
We make the confusing and frustrating VA claim process EASY through our 8-step proprietary system and one-on-one coaching; we’re the VA Claim EXPERTS you can trust, and YOU are never alone in this fight against the VA!
You’ll also receive VA disability expert Brian Reese’s SEM Method Blueprint—a proven formula that has helped over 25,000 veterans win their VA disability claims faster:
Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating and Compensation You Deserve FASTER!
Start today and unlock an exceptional level of service you deserve for serving our country:
➡️ You’ll hear from a VA Claim Expert over email within 15 minutes of signing up today.
➡️ You’ll hear from your Veteran Coach team within 24 hours of all inquiries during normal business days/hours.
➡️ Our terms are clear and simple: If we don’t win, you don’t pay. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Click the red button below to start the process of winning your VA claim right now!
Veterans: Are You Ready to WIN, SERVICE-CONNECT, and INCREASE Your VA Rating FASTER? We Can Help!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can help lead you to VA claim victory.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1 rated Elite program.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
