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If your VA claim was deferred, don’t panic—it’s not a denial.
A deferred VA claim simply means the VA needs more evidence or clarification before making a final decision on your disability benefits.
In fact, a deferral can sometimes work in your favor by giving you the chance to strengthen your claim.
In many cases, a VA Rating Specialist (also called a VA Rater) will issue a partial rating decision—approving some conditions while deferring others for further review.
Most deferrals are resolved in 30-90 calendar days depending on what’s missing.
The most common causes are:
- (1) additional evidence needed under the VA’s duty to assist, or
- (2) a pending medical opinion or C&P exam clarification, or
- (3) a missing or incomplete Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ).
If the VA asks you for something, respond by the deadline; if not, hurry up and wait—and use the steps outlined below.
Pro Tip: A deferral protects you from a premature VA claim denial and preserves your potential effective date for back pay.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- A deferred VA claim is not a denial—it’s a temporary pause while the VA gathers more evidence, clarification, or medical opinions.
- Most deferrals resolve in 30–90 days, though timelines vary depending on missing records, exams, or DBQ corrections.
- Common causes include additional evidence needed under the VA’s duty to assist, pending medical opinion/C&P clarification, or an incomplete Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ).
- Stay proactive by responding to VA requests on time, monitoring VA.gov, and strengthening your file with private records, nexus letters, or completed DBQs.
What Is a Deferred VA Claim?
A VA claim deferral is a temporary pause so VA can gather what it needs to decide your claim—records, a medical opinion, or a fix to an exam report.
It’s very common and often results in a cleaner, more favorable decision once the gaps are closed.
- See VA’s “After You File” overview (how evidence gathering/claim exams work)
- 38 CFR § 3.159 (VA’s duty to assist)
The 3 Most Common Reasons Why Your VA Claim Was Deferred
#1. Additional Development Needed (38 CFR § 3.159)
The VA still needs records (service treatment records, private medical records, personnel records), or an exam to resolve conflicting evidence.
What to do now:
- If VA requested records, submit VA Form 21-4142 and 21-4142a for each provider.
- Upload any private records you already have (diagnoses, imaging, labs).
- If evidence conflicts, add a short Statement in Support of Claim clarifying the facts.
- If causation is the gap, consider a private nexus letter and, if helpful, a DBQ.
Example:
USMC artillery veteran’s hearing loss increase deferred while VA requests 2008–2011 audiology notes. Veteran submits 21-4142s plus a private audiogram. Result after development: 0% → 10%.
Authority & cases:
- 38 CFR § 3.159; Douglas v. Shinseki (development can be sought even when there’s favorable evidence)
- Mariano v. Principi (development shouldn’t be used to justify a denial).
#2. Pending Medical Opinion or Exam Clarification
The C&P examiner didn’t provide a clear, supported opinion—or wrote “can’t opine without speculation”—so the VA rater requests an addendum or a new exam.
What to do now:
- Don’t contact the examiner directly; wait for VA to coordinate.
- Bring a concise symptom timeline to any re-exam (onset, flares, functional impact).
- If the prior opinion was weak, consider a private nexus + DBQ addressing direct, secondary, or aggravation theories.
Example:
Army vet’s back claim deferred “pending medical opinion.” Private orthopedist DBQ cites imaging + biomechanics; VA grants 20% plus secondary radiculopathy.
Helpful resources:
Official VA C&P Exam page and my expert-guide on dominating your C&P exam.
#3. Missing or Incomplete DBQ
Missing DBQ, boxes unchecked, sections blank, or a negative medical opinion without evidence-based rationale. The VA may defer to fix the DBQ or order an addendum.
What to do now:
- If VA ordered the fix, it’s internal—monitor your VA.gov claim status.
- If you see clear omissions, upload a short note (“DBQ missing sections X/Y; please ensure completion”) and consider a complete public DBQ from your private provider.
Example:
Migraine claim deferred—attack frequency section blank. VA requests addendum; private neuro DBQ shows prostrating attacks 2–3/week with severe symptoms and negative work/life impacts. Result: 50%.
How Long Do Deferred VA Claims Take?
- Exam clarification/addendum: ~2–6 weeks
- Re-exam scheduling + write-up: ~4–10 weeks
- Outside record retrieval: ~30–120+ days
Exact timelines depend on the gap and where records live. Keep contact info current and check VA.gov weekly.
How Often is a VA Deferred Claim Approved?
“Deferred” is not a decision—it’s just a pause.
When you supply the missing evidence, your odds look like any other fully developed claim.
- Overall approvals: Historically, VA reports show roughly ~60% approved / ~40% denied across disability claims. Exact rates vary by year, condition, and evidence quality.
- No deferral stats: VA doesn’t publish a “deferral approval rate.” A deferral just means VA needs more info (records, exam, or medical opinion) before deciding.
- What drives outcomes: Your evidence. If you close the gaps—clear diagnosis, nexus (if needed), DBQ completeness, consistent treatment records—your deferred issue can be granted like any other.
- Practical takeaway: The better documented your file, the higher your odds. Respond fast to VA requests, attend C&P exams, and submit strong, organized evidence.
What to Do Today (7-Step Checklist)
- Check VA.gov for any “We need…” letters.
- If records are requested, submit 21-4142/4142a for each provider.
- Upload private medical records and any buddy statements using VA Form 21-10210.
- If causation is the issue, add a well-reasoned nexus letter (direct, secondary, or aggravation).
- Cooperate with any addendum/re-exam; bring a one-page symptom timeline.
- Keep a symptom journal (dates, severity, work/daily impact).
- Don’t miss deadlines. If you need time, notify VA and document it.
What is VA Claim Deferred for PACT Act?
VA is confirming your exposure + presumptive status for toxic exposures.
Make sure your service locations/dates and diagnosis match the PACT Act presumptives.
If you have location evidence (orders, awards, unit logs), upload it.
Deep dive resources:
Partial VA Rating Decisions; Why Some Items Get Decided and Others Defer
VA raters can issue a partial decision on contentions that are ready and defer the rest still in development.
Track each contention separately; benefits and back pay can flow earlier on the granted issues while others finish development.
Deferred vs. Denied vs. Remanded vs. Pending VA Claims
| Status | What it means | Typical next step | Appealable now? |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA Claim “Deferred” | VA needs more info before deciding | VA gathers more evidence/opinion | No (not a final decision) |
| VA Claim “Denied” | VA decided against you | Choose HLR, Supplemental Claim, or Board Appeal | Yes |
| VA Claim “Remanded” | Board sent back for further development | RO follows remand orders; development continues | No (remand isn’t final) |
| VA Claim “Pending” | VA still working on your claim | Wait; respond to any VA letters/requests | No (no decision yet) |
How to Prevent VA Claim Denials, Lowball Ratings, and Deferrals: Brian Reese’s SEM Method Framework
Here is the winning formula for VA claim success:
Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating You Deserve Faster!
- Strategy: Filing with a clear game plan. Don’t throw in every condition at once (“kitchen sink claim”). Instead, focus first on high-value conditions that move the needle—like mental health, sleep apnea, migraines (headaches), radiculopathy, GI issues etc. File as a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) with organized medical evidence.
- Education: Learn how the VA disability system actually works. Know the Caluza Triangle (diagnosis + in-service event + nexus), review the rating criteria in 38 CFR Part 4 the VASRD, and get educated for your C&P exam like it’s a job interview. Knowledge lets you avoid common mistakes and appeal strategically.
- Medical Evidence: The VA doesn’t decide based on feelings—it requires proof. That means:
- A current diagnosis in a medical record.
- A nexus letter that it’s “at least as likely as not” your condition is linked to service or another service-connected condition for secondary service connection.
- Severity of symptoms documentation: frequency, severity, duration, and functional impact on work, life, and social functioning.
Learn more: VA Claim Evidence Checklist (What to Include)
VA Claim Deferred: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a deferred VA claim bad?
No. It’s a pause to gather evidence or an opinion. It’s not an approval or a denial.
What is a partial rating decision?
VA decides the issues it can now and defers the rest while it gathers more evidence.
Does “deferred” mean denied?
No. Deferred = not decided yet. VA still needs proof (records, C&P exam, medical opinion).
Why would VA defer part of my claim?
Missing or conflicting evidence, no C&P exam yet, or VA needs outside records/medical opinions.
How long does a deferred VA claim take?
Commonly 30–90 days, longer if VA must request outside records or schedule a new exam/opinion.
Do I need to do anything?
Only if VA asks. Respond fast, attend any C&P exam, and upload requested records.
What should I do to help a deferred issue?
Submit what’s missing: DBQs, strong nexus letters, private treatment notes, buddy statements.
Can a deferred claim be approved?
Absolutely—once the needed evidence/opinion supports service connection or the rating sought.
Will a deferral affect my back pay?
It can delay timing, but your effective date is preserved based on your claim/intent-to-file.
What’s the difference between deferred and denied?
- Deferred = VA is still gathering info.
- Denied = final decision against you (you can appeal via Supplemental, HLR, or Board).
Can I prevent a deferral?
Hard to say. Increase your odds: submit a complete packet up front—DBQs, nexus letter, lay/buddy statements, and any key private records.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
If your VA claim was deferred, remember: a deferral is not a denial.
It’s the VA’s way of gathering more evidence, exams, or opinions before making a decision—and it protects your back-pay effective date.
Stay proactive: respond to VA requests, track your status weekly, and strengthen your file with solid medical evidence or a private nexus letter.
These steps can turn a delay into a win.
At VA Claims Insider, we’ve helped 25,000+ veterans just like you overcome deferrals, denials, and delays using our SEM Method: Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating You Deserve.
You don’t have to fight this battle alone—we’ve got your six!
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About the Author
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.
