The Importance of Your VA Rating Decision Letter: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Download a Copy Online!

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If you’re a veteran navigating the disability claims process, your VA rating decision letter is the most important document you’ll ever receive from the VA.  

Why?

Because your VA decision letter contains mission critical information about your VA claim, including whether it’s been approved, denied, or deferred, the rating percentage assigned to your condition, and the effective date for your benefits, among others.

If you disagree with some or all of the VA’s decision, understanding the details of your rating decision letter helps determine your VA appeals strategy and next steps.

In this article from VA disability expert Brian Reese, we’ll explain what the VA rating decision letter is, the different types, why they matter for your VA claim, and how you can dowload copies online quickly.

Let’s get started!

Summary of Key Points

• The VA Rating Decision Letter Explained: Your rating decision letter is the most important document you’ll receive from the VA. Prepared by a VA rater (RVSR), your VA rating decision letter provides the final decision on your claim, including whether it was approved, denied, or deferred, the assigned disability ratings, effective dates for your benefits, and the rationale behind the decision. This letter also includes findings of fact, favorable findings identified, and decisions based on VA regulations and federal law.

• Why You Need to Read Your VA Decision Letter: Carefully reviewing your VA decision letter is critical for understanding how the VA evaluated and decided your claim. Sections like “Evidence” and “Reasons for Decision” reveal the evidence reviewed along with why the RVSR made a particular decision. For example, if critical evidence such as a Nexus Letter or a buddy statement was overlooked or not reviewed, this can form the basis of your appeal strategy.

• The 5 Most Important Sections of Your VA Rating Decision Letter: Key sections include: Introduction: Overview of service details and claim submission information. Decision: Lists the VA’s determination on each claimed condition and the assigned disability ratings. Evidence: Outlines all evidence considered, including medical records, DBQs, Nexus Letters, and lay statements. Reasons for Decision: Explains the VA’s analysis and rationale for approving or denying claims, as well as assigning specific ratings. References: Legal citations and diagnostic codes governing the decision.

• How to Download PDF Copies of Your Decision Letters Online: Veterans can easily download their VA decision letters online by logging in to VA.gov, navigating to the “Manage All Claims and Appeals” section, and selecting “Get Your Claim Letters.” Detailed letters are available in PDF format and listed from newest to oldest on the webpage called “Your VA Claim Letters.”

What is a VA Rating Decision Letter?

A VA rating decision letter is a document prepared by the VA rater (RVSR) 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 howthe VA rater and C&P examiner arrived at their opinions and conclusions for your VA claim.

It also contains findings of fact, favorable findings identified, and decisions based on VA regulations and federal law.

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

Types of VA Decision Letters

There are many different types of VA decision letters depending on the type of claim you filed and the reason for a decision.

For VA decision reviews and appeals, the Legacy system was the standard appeals process until it was replaced by the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) in February 2019, which introduced the Higher-Level Review (HLR), Supplemental Claim, and Board Appeals (there are now three different Board Appeal options).

Here’s a list of some of the different types of VA rating decision letters:

• AMA VA Rating Decision Letter: Communicates the VA’s decision on a claim under the AMA system, detailing conditions granted or denied, ratings assigned, effective dates, and the evidence considered.

• AMA Notice of Action Decision Letter: Accompanies the AMA Rating Decision, summarizing compensation details, effective dates, and outlining appeal options for the veteran.

• AMA Board Decision Letter: Issued when a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals rules on a case under the AMA system. It includes the decision, evidence reviewed, and available appeal options.

• Legacy Rating Decision Letter: Like the AMA Rating Decision, but used in the older Legacy system. It explains decisions on claimed conditions, assigned ratings, effective dates, and evidence reviewed.

• Legacy Notice of Action Decision Letter: Accompanies a Legacy Rating Decision, providing payment details, effective dates, and appeal instructions.

• Legacy Board Decision Letter: Issued when the Board of Veterans’ Appeals makes a decision on an appeal under the Legacy system. It includes the decision, rationale, and appeal rights.

• Statement of the Case (SOC): Sent after a veteran files a Notice of Disagreement (NOD), explaining why a claim was denied or partially denied. It includes evidence reviewed, laws applied, and steps to file an appeal.

• Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC): An update to the SOC, issued when new evidence is submitted. It explains why the claim remains denied and offers steps for further appeal.

• Temporary Total Disability Decision Letter: Sent when a veteran is granted a temporary 100% disability rating for conditions like surgery or hospitalization recovery. It explains the duration and re-evaluation process.

• Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability Decision Letter: Issued when the VA determines that a veteran’s disability is permanent and total, meaning it will not improve, and the veteran is eligible for additional benefits.

• TDIU Decision Letter: Communicates whether the veteran qualifies for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) compensation at the 100% rate due to their inability to work.

• Reduction Proposal or Final Reduction Decision Letter: Sent when the VA proposes or finalizes a reduction in the veteran’s disability rating due to evidence of improvement. It includes reasoning and appeal options.

• Severance of Service Connection Decision Letter: Issued when the VA decides to terminate service connection for a condition, explaining the rationale and appeal rights.

• CUE Decision Letter: Sent when a veteran files a claim based on a Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) in a previous VA decision. It explains whether the error was found and the resulting decision.

Why You Need to Read Your VA Decision Letter Carefully

It is mission-critical to carefully review your VA disability rating decision letter, paying close attention to the section headers labeled “Evidence” and “Reasons for Decision.”

Why is this so important?

Because if you disagree with any part of the VA’s decision, understanding the specific evidence they reviewed (or failed to review or include), including the C&P examiner’s medical opinion from your C&P exam, or any errors in the VA rater’s logic, is super important.

The information you glean from your VA rating decision letter regarding a denial or an underrating forms the foundation of your VA appeal strategy.

Example VA Claim Denial in Your Decision Letter

For example, let’s say the VA rater denies your VA claim for PTSD because they assert there was no evidence of a current disability or medical diagnosis of PTSD in your medical records.

Now, let’s assume you had a medical diagnosis of PTSD from a private psychologist, which included a detailed psychological evaluation and an independent medical opinion (IMO).

However, the VA rater failed to consider it, even though you uploaded it to support your claim, and you noticed it was not listed under the “Evidence” section of your decision letter.

Knowing this mistake by the first VA rater, you can simply file a Higher-Level Review (HLR) and request a new decision from a more senior VA claims adjudicator.

In this example, your PTSD VA claim should be decided in your favor during the HLR appeals process.

Top 5 Most Important Sections in Your VA Decision Letter

Here’s the five most important parts of your VA rating decision letter:

Section #1: INTRODUCTION

This section provides an overview of your service history and key claim details.

It includes:

• Branch of Service and Dates of Active Duty: This information is taken from your DD Form 214. For example, if you served in the Army from January 2010 to January 2014, it should clearly reflect this.

• Date of Claim Receipt: The date the VA recorded receiving your disability claim is listed here. If your VA Form 21-526EZ was submitted on July 1, 2023, the letter should reflect this exact date.

• Why It Matters: Errors in this section, such as incorrect service dates or claim receipt dates, can affect your eligibility and the effective date of your benefits. For example, if the VA lists an incorrect claim receipt date, you may miss out on months of retroactive pay.

Section #2: DECISION

This section is the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) summary of the VA’s rating decision for each condition you claimed.

It includes:

• List of Disabilities Filed: For instance, if you filed claims for PTSD, Tinnitus, and Migraine Headaches, they should all be listed.

• Service Connection Decision: It specifies whether the VA granted service connection for each condition and the rating assigned based on your severity of symptoms.

• Example:
  • PTSD: Granted – 70%
  • Tinnitus: Granted – 10%
  • Migraines: Denied

Why It’s Important: This section shows the outcomes for each condition and provides the foundation for appeals if you believe the ratings or service connection decisions are incorrect. For example, if your migraines were denied but you have a Nexus Letter linking them to service, you may need to appeal.

Section #3: EVIDENCE

This section lists all the evidence the VA claims it reviewed when making its decision.

Examples of evidence might include:

• Service Treatment Records (STRs): Document in-service injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions.

• Example: Treatment for a back injury during deployment.

• VA Medical Records: Records from VA healthcare providers showing diagnosis or treatment of conditions.

• Example: VA treatment for PTSD or diabetes.

• Private Medical Records: Records from civilian doctors or hospitals that support your claim.

• Example: A private physician’s report diagnosing sleep apnea.

• Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs): Forms completed by a VA or private doctor outlining the severity of your condition.

• Example: A DBQ for migraines showing frequency and severity of attacks.

• Nexus Letters: Medical opinions from doctors linking your condition to military service or a service-connected condition.

• Example: A Nexus Letter stating your depression is secondary to service-connected chronic pain.

• Lay Evidence: Statements from you or others supporting your claim (Buddy Statements or VA Form 21-4138).

• Example: A statement from a fellow service member about witnessing your injury in service.

• C&P Exam Report: Findings from your VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.

• Example: A report confirming the severity of your PTSD symptoms.

• Other Supporting Evidence: Additional relevant documents, such as military personnel records or work impact statements.

• Example: Performance evaluations noting reduced job performance due to health issues.

• Common Issues: The VA Rater failing to consider key evidence.

Example:

• Your Nexus Letter is missing from the evidence list, even though it was submitted with your claim.

• A Buddy Letter detailing a fellow service member’s firsthand account of your in-service injury isn’t mentioned.

• The VA rater relying only on “Top Sheeting,” which occurs when he/she only reviews the most recent evidence without considering older, relevant documents. This is a way to save time and make faster rating decisions.

Why It Matters: Ensure all the evidence you submitted is listed in this section. If critical evidence is missing, such as a private doctor’s Nexus Letter linking your disability to service, you may need to appeal using a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim to include the overlooked evidence.

Section #4: REASONS FOR DECISION

This is the most critical section of your VA rating decision letter, as it provides a detailed explanation of how the VA rater arrived at their decisions regarding service connection and rating percentages.

Here’s a breakdown of its key components, common errors, and why this section is so vital:

Analysis of Service Connection

• This part explains whether the VA determined your condition is “at least as likely as not” connected to your military service.

• Example 1: The VA grants service connection for tinnitus because your service treatment records document a history of noise exposure as an infantry soldier.

• Example 2: The VA denies service connection for a back condition, claiming insufficient evidence of in-service injury, even though a private Nexus Letter states the condition is likely caused by repetitive lifting during your deployment.

Rationale for Assigning a Certain VA Rating Percentages

• The VA outlines why a specific percentage was assigned for each service-connected condition.

• This explanation includes the severity of your symptoms and how they align with the criteria in 38 CFR, Part 4, the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

• Example 1: PTSD is rated at 50% because the VA determined you have symptoms such as panic attacks more than once per week and difficulty maintaining relationships but do not exhibit the near-continuous panic or inability to function independently required for a 70% rating.

• Example 2: Migraines are rated at 30% instead of 50%, as the VA concluded your migraines cause “prostrating attacks” but do not result in severe economic hardship.

Consideration of Evidence

• This part details how the VA reviewed and evaluated the evidence submitted with your claim.

• It should address the probative value of your medical records, Nexus Letters, buddy statements, and C&P exam results.

• Example: A private doctor’s Nexus Letter states your sleep apnea is “at least as likely as not” secondary to your service-connected PTSD. However, the VA dismisses this in favor of the C&P examiner’s opinion, which did not consider your complete medical history.

Common Errors in the Reasons for Decision

Discounting Private Medical Evidence

• The VA sometimes gives more weight to a VA C&P examiner’s opinion over private medical evidence without adequate justification.

• Example: The VA discounts a Nexus Letter linking your knee condition to service, claiming the private doctor lacked access to your full medical records, even though their opinion was supported by medical rationale.

Inadequate C&P Exam

• The VA may base its decision on a flawed C&P exam where the examiner:

• Did not review your full medical history.

• Conducted an incomplete or rushed evaluation.

• Provided a generic or vague opinion, such as “without resorting to speculation.”

• Example: The C&P examiner claims your back pain is not service-connected because there is no documentation in your service treatment records, ignoring evidence of repetitive strain and a documented in-service injury.

Flawed Reasoning

• The VA may deny claims using inconsistent or illogical reasoning.

• Example: The VA denies service connection for your hypertension because it wasn’t diagnosed during service, despite a private doctor’s statement that your hypertension is linked to obesity caused by service-connected PTSD.

Failure to Address Aggravation

• When considering secondary service connection, the VA often fails to properly evaluate whether a condition was aggravated beyond its natural progression by a service-connected disability.

• Example: Your VA decision doesn’t explain how your service-connected back pain didn’t aggravate your knee condition, even though the Nexus Letter provides clear evidence of worsening symptoms.

Why This Section Is So Important: This section helps you identify any errors in logic, evidence evaluation, or rating assignment. For example, if the VA ignored a favorable Nexus Letter, you can appeal and request a Higher-Level Review.

Section #5: REFERENCES

This section includes legal citations and references used by the VA to make its decision.

For example:

• 38 CFR, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Governs the rating criteria for all conditions.

• Specific Diagnostic Codes (DCs): Each condition is rated under a DC. Example: Tinnitus (DC 6260) is always rated at 10%, while PTSD (DC 9411) can range from 0% to 100%.

Why It’s Important: Understanding the references can help you determine if the VA applied the correct legal criteria. For example: If you believe your PTSD warrants a 70% rating but were assigned 50%, review 38 CFR §4.130 to ensure the VA applied the correct criteria.

The 5-Step Process to Download Copies of Your VA Rating Decision Letters Online

Thanks to VA.gov, you can now view and download copies of your VA rating decision letters online.

Here’s the 5-step process to download PDF copies of your rating decisions:

Step #1: Log In to VA.gov

• Go to VA.gov and log in.

• You can use options like ID.me or Login.gov.

• Once logged in, proceed to the next step.

Step #2: Click “Manage All Claims and Appeals”

• Once on your VA profile page, which should present itself automatically once you’re logged in, scroll down to the section called “Claims and Appeals.”

• Then click “Manage All Claims and Appeals.”

Step #3: Your Claims, Decision Reviews, or Appeals

• On this page, scroll down to the section called “Your Claims, Decision Reviews, and Appeals.”

• Each claim you’ve filed will show up in a separate box and include details like current status, submission date, and whether a VA decision letter is available.

• Click the “Details” link under the appropriate claim.

Step #4: Claim Status and Letters

• On this page, scroll down to the section called “Claim Status.”  

• If your claim was decided and a VA rating decision letter is available for download, you’ll see a blue box with a link called “Get Your Claim Letters.”

• Click the “Get Your Claim Letters” link to view all your claim letters available online.

Step #5: Download Your VA Rating Decision Letters Online

• Under “Your VA Claim Letters,” you’ll see links to all your VA decision letters from all claims, listed from newest to oldest.

• Click the blue link for each letter to download it in PDF format.

• That’s it! BOOM!

VA Decision Letter Example

Here’s a copy of an actual VA rating decison letter.

It’s broken out by Introduction, Decision, Evidence, Reasons for Decision, and References.

Click the link or button below to download a copy:

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