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There is no fixed timeline for step 3 of a VA disability claim. While some claims move through this phase in 30 to 60 days, others take several months depending on claim complexity and whether additional exams or records are required.
Most claims spend the longest amount of time in step 3 because this is when the VA gathers evidence and determines whether it has enough information to issue a decision.
This post will explain how long step 3 of a VA claim typically takes, why delays happen, and what you can expect as your claim moves forward.
Summary of Key Points
- Step 3 is the longest stage of a VA disability claim, as the VA gathers evidence, schedules C&P exams, and reviews medical records.
- There is no exact timeline for step 3; some claims may take anywhere from 30 days to several months, depending on complexity.
- Claims may return to step 3 multiple times, which is normal and doesn’t signal approval or denial.
Table of Contents
What is Step 3 of a VA Claim?
Step 3, known as Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision, is typically the longest phase of the VA claims process.
During this step, a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) collects and reviews the evidence needed to decide on your claim.
This may include requesting records from you, medical providers, or government agencies, as well as scheduling Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams if required.
Once the evidence is gathered, the claim moves into review and evaluation, which may include assessment by a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR).
If the VA determines more evidence is needed or you submit additional evidence after step 3, your claim may return to step 3 multiple times. This is common and doesn’t mean something is wrong with your claim.
>> View Our Main Guide on VA Timelines
How Long Does Step 3 of a VA Claim Take?
There is no set or guaranteed timeline for step 3 of a VA disability claim. While some claims move through this phase in one to two months, others remain in step 3 for several months when additional information is required.
The length of time depends on factors such as:
- The type of claim you filed
- How many disabilities you claimed
- The complexity of your claim
- How long it takes the VA to collect the necessary evidence
Claims involving secondary service connection or aggravation may take longer because they require more detailed medical evidence.
As of January 2026, VA disability claims take an average of 84.7 days to process, including the evidence gathering, review and decision step.
What Affects How Long Step 3 Lasts?
The VA has a legal duty to assist you in developing your claim. That means it can’t move forward until it believes it has made reasonable efforts to obtain all relevant evidence.
Common reasons step 3 slows down include:
- Waiting for C&P exam scheduling or results
- Delays in receiving private medical records
- Multiple claimed conditions requiring separate exams
- Secondary or aggravation claims needing medical opinions
- Incomplete or unclear evidence that triggers follow-up requests
What to Expect Next
After step 3 is complete, your claim moves to the Evidence Review stage, where the VA reviews all evidence in your file.
If the VA determines more evidence is needed, or if you submit additional evidence, your claim may return to step 3.
Once the evidence review is complete, an RVSR applies VA laws to determine service connection, disability ratings, and effective dates.
The VA then issues a rating decision and moves your claim toward notification and payment if benefits are awarded.
Conclusion
There is no set timeline for how long step 3 lasts, and spending extra time here doesn’t indicate approval or denial.
Step 3 often feels like the slowest part of the VA claims process, but that’s because it’s where the VA builds the record used to decide your claim.
Understanding what happens in step 3 puts you in a stronger position to track progress, respond to VA requests, and avoid unnecessary delays.
Want to See the Full VA Claim Timeline?
Step 3 is just one part of the process. Learn what typically happens next — and how long each stage of a VA claim can take from start to finish.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my VA claim be in step 3?
Step 3 can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how complex your claim is and whether the VA needs exams or additional records. This phase often takes the longest since the VA is gathering and reviewing evidence.
What does it mean when a VA claim goes back to step 3?
When a claim returns to step 3, the VA has determined that more evidence is needed, or additional evidence has been submitted and must be reviewed before a decision can be made. This usually happens when records are missing, clarification is required, or a C&P exam must be scheduled.
How long does it take to get to step 3 in a VA disability claim?
Some claims may reach step 3 within a few weeks after filing, following the VA’s initial review. Claims submitted with clear, complete evidence may move into this phase faster.
Can I speed up step 3 of my VA claim?
There is no guaranteed way to shorten step 3, but attending your C&P exam, responding promptly to VA requests, and submitting organized evidence early may reduce delays.
What happens after step 3?
After step 3, your VA file moves to the evidence review stage, where an RVSR reviews the evidence and applies VA regulations to determine service connection, ratings, and effective dates. If your file is complete, the VA will decide on your claim and determine your disability rating.
Content Reviewed By
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
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.
