So, you’ve filed your VA claim or appeal and now you want to track the status of your VA claim.
In this short article, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider explains the top 3 ways to check your VA claim status in 2024.
Here are 3 options to keep tabs on your VA claim or appeal.
#1. Online Through the New VA.gov Track Claim Status Tool
The fastest and easiest way to check the status of your VA claim is by using the VA’s New Track Claims Tool.
This online tracking tool allows you to access your claim information securely 24/7/365.
You can also login to the main VA website and follow the steps below:
- Sign In or Create an Account: First, go to the VA.gov website and navigate to the “Sign In” section. You can log in with an existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll be asked to create one, which includes verifying your identity to ensure secure access.
- Access Your Claims and Appeals Dashboard: Once logged in, find the “Claims and Appeals” section. You’ll see a box displayed in that section if you have an open claim or appeal. You can also click the “Manage All Claims and Appeals” link.
- View Claim Status: Here, you’ll see a list of your active and past claims. Selecting a specific claim will show its current status, including any actions you might need to take, such as submitting additional documentation. Most of the time you don’t need to do anything other than wait!
#2. By Phone Through the VA Benefits Hotline
The second option to track your VA claim status is to call the VA Benefits Hotline and speak to a VA representative.
Here’s what to do:
- Dial 1-800-827-1000: This number connects you to the VA’s National Call Center, where you can inquire about the status of your claim.
- Navigate the Menu: Follow the voice prompts to navigate to the claims information section. You may be asked to provide personal identification information to verify your account including your VA claim number, which is your social security number.
- Speak to a Representative: Once connected, a VA representative can provide you with the latest information on your VA claim status.
#3. In-Person at a VA Regional Office in Your State
The third and least preferred option to check the status of your VA claim is through an in-person visit to a VA regional office in your state.
Here’s how to do it:
- Find The Nearest VA Regional Office: Use the VA’s online regional office finder to find the location and hours of the nearest VA regional office. You can also call the VA hotline at 1-800-827-1000.
- Schedule an Appointment (if required): Some offices may require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Check ahead to see if this is necessary.
- Prepare Your Questions: Before your visit, prepare a list of questions or concerns about your claim. This will help ensure you cover all bases during your meeting.
What Happens After I File My VA Claim?
After you file a VA disability claim, the VA follows a structured 5-step process to evaluate the evidence and decide your claim.
Here’s an overview of what happens after you submit your claim to the VA:
Claim Received
- Acknowledgment of Receipt: The VA will notify you that your claim has been received. If you submitted your claim online, you’d receive an immediate on-screen message. For mailed applications, expect a letter approximately one week after the VA receives your claim, plus additional time for mailing.
Initial Review
- Claim Examination: The VA starts by reviewing the details of your claim. This initial assessment helps determine the next steps in the evidence-gathering and decision-making process. This is also where the VA decides to order a C&P exam.
Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision
This is the longest phase in the VA claim process and involves several key activities:
- Request for Evidence: The VA may request additional evidence to support your claim. This can include medical records from healthcare providers, information from government agencies, or any other relevant documentation. You’re also encouraged to submit any evidence that you believe supports your case.
- Evidence Review: The collected evidence is thoroughly reviewed to assess your claim. The review process is comprehensive, ensuring that all aspects of your claim are considered.
- Decision Making: Based on the evidence, the VA makes a decision regarding your claim. It’s important to note that if additional evidence is required, your claim may cycle back to the evidence gathering phase, potentially more than once.
Preparation for Notification
- Decision Packet Preparation: Once a decision has been made, the VA prepares a packet that includes all the details of the decision regarding your claim.
Claim Complete
- Decision Notification: The decision packet is sent to you by U.S. mail. This packet contains the outcome of your claim, the evidence considered, and instructions on how to appeal the decision if you disagree with it. It is advised to wait 7 to 10 business days for the packet to arrive before contacting a VA call center for updates.
How Long Are VA Claims Taking Right Now?
In 2024, the average VA claim is taking ~150-160 calendar days from submission to decision.
Click here to see the latest VA claims data.
How Can I Speed Up My VA Claim?
There isn’t a whole lot you can do to speed up your VA claim other than wait (I know it’s hard to be patient).
Here’s a few tips to ensure your VA claim goes as smoothly as possible: (#1) File a fully developed claim with all applicable medical evidence, (#2) Stop uploading documents after claim submission, and (#3) Avoid filing new claims if you still have pending claims.
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 a former active duty Air Force officer with 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 the United 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).
