‘A Judge is Reviewing Your Appeal’ Time Frame—Explained!

When you file a Board Appeal for your VA disability claim, the “A judge is reviewing your appeal” time frame can feel like a small victory and a source of anxiety. 

This stage indicates progress in the process, but it also raises many questions, including how long it will take before you receive a decision. 

In this post, we’ll break down what this status means, the factors affecting the appeal time frame, and what you can do while waiting for a resolution.

Let’s get to it!

Summary of Key Points

• ‘A Judge is Reviewing Your Appeal’ means a Veterans Law Judge is examining your case to decide on it.  

• The ‘A Judge is Reviewing Your Appeal’ stage typically lasts 1-2 months, though it can take longer depending on the case. 

• You can appeal a VA decision after a year by filing a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence the VA didn’t previously consider. 

What Does ‘A Judge is Reviewing Your Appeal’ Mean

If your VA claim status shows, “A Judge is Reviewing Your Appeal,” it means exactly what it states: A Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is reviewing your appeal.  

At this point, the judge assigned to your appeal is examining your case, looking at all the evidence in your VA claim file to determine whether to uphold or overturn the previous decision on your appeal. 

Once it passes this step, the judge will decide on your VA claim, and you’ll receive a letter in the mail. You can also check the status of your VA appeal online. 

A Judge is Reviewing Your Appeal Time Frame

The exact time frame from receiving the “A Judge is Reviewing Your Appeal” notice to a decision can vary.  

However, claims generally sit in this stage for about 1-2 months, but it can take longer. 

Note: While Legacy Appeals also had this status at one point, the VA no longer accepts new appeals through the legacy process.  

How Long Do VA Appeals Take?

The timeline of a VA appeal will vary from case to case.  

There are various factors that can affect the length of time it takes for the VA to decide on your appeal, including: 

• The type of review 

• The complexity of your case  

• The amount of evidence needed 

• The number of pending appeals 

For example, the Board resolves about 100,000 appeals yearly; however, there are still roughly 200,000 pending appeals.  

The Board decides appeals on a first-come-first-served basis, except for extenuating circumstances (i.e., financial hardship or terminal illness).  

Here is an outline of expected timelines depending on the type of Board Appeal you choose: 

• Direct Review Docket: One Year 

• Evidence Submission: 1.5 Years 

• Hearing: 2 Years  

Can You Appeal a VA Decision After a Year?

Yes, but you can only file a supplemental claim after one year.  

A supplemental claim is beneficial if you have new and relevant evidence the VA didn’t consider before.  

Otherwise, you have one year from the date of your decision letter to submit a request to file an appeal.  

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Author

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.