August 5, 2024

How Long Does Evidence Gathering Review and Decision Take? 

Last updated on July 13, 2026

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If you’ve filed your VA claim, you may wonder, “How long does evidence gathering review and decision take?” 

Since every VA claim is unique, the evidence gathering review and decision timeline will be, too.

Let’s take a closer look at the waiting game.

Summary of Key Points

  • Average VA Claim Processing Time: As of June 2026, VA disability claims take an average of about 71.3 days to process, including the evidence gathering review and decision. 
  • VA Claim Steps: The process includes claim receipt, initial review, evidence gathering review and decision, and notification. 
  • VA Claim Timelines Vary: Processing time varies based on claim complexity, the number of disabilities, and evidence collection efficiency. 
  • Expedited VA Claims: Claims can be expedited in cases of extreme hardship, advanced age, terminal illness, ALS, severe injuries, POW status, or Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipients. 

How Long Does Evidence Gathering Review and Decision Take?

HOW LONG DOES EVIDENCE GATHERING REVIEW AND DECISION TAKE?

The timeline for the evidence gathering review and decision process of a VA claim can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case and the type of claim. While each VA claim is unique, the following is a general overview of the typical steps involved: 

  1. VA Claim Received: This initial step involves the VA acknowledging receipt of your VA disability claim. 
  2. Initial Review: The VA conducts an initial review of the claim to ensure all necessary information is included. 
  3. Gathering of Evidence: The VA gathers evidence from you, healthcare providers, and other relevant sources to support your VA disability claim. 
  4. Review of Evidence: Once the evidence is gathered, it is reviewed by the VA. 
  5. Preparation for Decision: The VA prepares to make a decision based on the evidence. 
  6. Pending Decision Approval: The decision is reviewed and approved by the appropriate authority. 
  7. Preparation for Notification: The VA prepares the notification of the decision to be sent to you. 
  8. VA Claim Completed: The final step involves completing the claim and issuing the decision notification. The VA will send you a packet by mail with details of the decision. It may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive. 

Remember, your VA claim process can take more or less time based on your case and VA claim type. To help ensure your VA claim is completed in a timely manner, include all relevant medical evidence, and thoroughly complete your application.  

Major factors that can affect the length it takes to receive a decision on your VA claim include: 

  • The type of VA claim you submit 
  • How many disabilities or injuries you are claiming (and the extent of their severity)
  • How long it takes the VA to collect appropriate evidence for your claim 
VA EVIDENCE GATHERING REVIEW AND DECISION TIMELINE.

VA Claim Evidence Gathering Review and Decision

VA Evidence Gathering Review and Decision Timeline

During the evidence gathering review and decision part of your VA claim, the VA will: 

  • Ask for evidence from you, health care providers, government agencies, or others 
  • Review the evidence 
  • Make a decision 

If the VA needs more evidence during their review, your claim may return to this step again. Because of this, the length of time it takes to process your VA claim can vary significantly.  

The 8-Step VA Claim Process (with Timelines)

💥 Additional Resources

Average Time for a VA Claim by State & Territory

Check the Status of Your VA Claim

EVIDENCE GATHERING REVIEW AND DECISION.

Can You Expedite Your VA Claim?

There are specific situations where you can expedite your VA claim, including: 

  1. If you are in extreme financial hardship or homeless 
  1. You’re of advanced age (85 years old for the Regional Office and 75 years old for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals) 
  1. You’re terminally ill 
  1. You’ve been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease) 
  1. You’re seriously ill or injured during military operations (Defined as a disability resulting from a military operation that will likely result in discharge from military service) 
  1. You’re a former Prisoner of War (POW) 
  1. You’ve received a Medal of Honor or are a Purple Heart recipient 

Use VA Form 20-10207 to request priority processing for your claim due to certain qualifying circumstances or status. 

VA CLAIM EVIDENCE GATHERING REVIEW AND DECISION.

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting the compensation they’re due. At VA Claims Insider, we educate you on how to understand and take control of the claims process so you can get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law. 

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating fast! If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve!

Content Reviewed By

Content Reviewed by: VA Claims Insider Quality Control Team

 

Quality Assurance Team

The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.

About the Author

Brian Reese

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.

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