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February 7, 2023

How to Download Your VA Decision Letter Online! (5-Step Process)

Last updated on May 9, 2024

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free.

Today, you’ll learn how to download your VA decision letter online in a few simple steps.

With VA.gov, you can now view and download all your VA rating decision letters in one place, without having to get your VA C File!

In this post, you’ll find a step-by-step tutorial with screenshots, so you know exactly what to do and how to do it.

Okay, let’s begin.

What is a VA Decision Letter?

What is a VA Decision Letter Did You Know graphic.

A VA decision letter is a document prepared by the VA Rater that formally explains the VA’s rationale for approving, denying, or deferring your VA disability claim.

Your VA disability rating decision letter includes the VA’s final rating decision and analysis as well as WHY and HOW the VA Rater and C&P examiner arrived at their opinions and conclusions for your VA claim.

In my opinion, it’s the #1 most important document you’ll ever receive from the VA!

Can I See My VA Decision Letter Online?

Graphic with a "Download" button.

Yes, you can now download a copy of your VA rating decision letter online at VA.gov!

Follow the 5 step process below to get a copy of VA rating decision letter.

How to View VA Decision Letter Online

Step #1: Login to Your VA.gov Profile

Login at VA.gov

In step #1, you have multiple options to login to VA.gov.

Select the option that’s best for you.

I use my DS Logon.

Once you’re logged in, proceed to step #2.

Step #2: Click “Check Your Claim or Appeal Status”

Click check your claim or appeal status

In step #2, you’ll see four boxes on the screen: Health care, Disability, Education, and Records.

Under the “Disability” box in the top right, click the link that says “Check your claim or appeal status.”

Step #3: Scroll Down to “Claims or Appeals” and Click “View Details”

Scroll down to claims or appeals and click view details

In step #3, keep scrolling down until you see a header called “Your claims for appeals.”

For each decided claim, you’ll see the name of the claim, current status, whether you have a VA rating decision letter ready to view, and when your claim was first submitted.

Underneath each gray box, click the link at the bottom that says “View details.”

Click “View details.”

Step #4: Under “Your Compensation and Pension Claim” Click “Get Your Claim Letters

Your compensation and pension claim click get your claim letters

In step #4, you’ll see a header called “Your compensation and pension claim.”

Under the “Status” tab, scroll down until you see a link called “Get your claim letters.”

Click “Get your claim letters.”

Step #5: Under “Your VA Claim Letters” Click to “Download Your VA Disability Rating Letter”

Click to download your VA rating decision letter

Finally, in step #5, you’ll see all your VA decision letters online, listed in order from newest to oldest.

Click each blue hyperlink to download them in .pdf format.

That’s it!

The 5 simple steps to download all your VA decision letters online!

What if my VA Rating Decision Letter Isn’t Available Online?

Man with headphones on taking notes on laptop.

If for some odd reason your VA decision letter isn’t available online, you have another option.

Pick up the phone and call the VA hotline at 1-800-827-1000 and speak to a representative.

Ask him/her to email you a .pdf copy of your VA rating decision letter.

Boom that’s it!

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About the Author

Brian Reese
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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