Skip to content

July 31, 2024

The 8-Step VA Claim Process With Timelines

Last updated on September 27, 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.

The VA disability claim process consists of 8-steps, each with a specific purpose to move your claim from submission to completion.

These steps are designed to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation of your evidence, guiding it through 5 key phases from start to finish.

In this article, we’ll break down each step and the expected VA claim timelines, providing you with a clear roadmap of what to expect.

Let’s go!

Summary of Key Points

  • VA Disability Claim Steps: The VA disability claim process consists of eight steps, each designed to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation of your evidence, guiding the claim from submission to completion.
  • Timelines for Each Step: The process includes specific timeframes for each step, from initial receipt (7-14 days) to the final decision notification sent (7-10 days). The total time for a claim, on average, is about 155 calendar days.
  • Factors Affecting Processing Times: Several factors can influence the timeline, including the type of claim (e.g., Fully Developed Claims are faster), the complexity and number of claimed conditions, and the time needed to collect additional evidence.
  • Checking Claim Status: You can check your VA claim status online at VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000 to speak with a VA representative. This helps you stay updated on the progress of your claim throughout the process.

Brian Reese Explains the 8-Step VA Disability Claim Process (5-Minute Video)

The VA Claim Process with Timelines by Step

Here’s a simplified table detailing the VA claim process along with the expected timelines for each step:

VA Claim StepDescriptionTimeline
Step #1: Claim ReceivedThe VA acknowledges receipt of your disability claim.7 to 14 days
Step #2: Under ReviewThe VA reviews your claim to ensure all necessary information is included and understands the specifics of your case.14 to 30 days
Step #3: Gathering of EvidenceThe VA collects evidence to support your claim, possibly requesting additional information from various sources.30 to 60 days
Step #4: Review of EvidenceThe VA reviews all gathered evidence to assess the validity and extent of your disability claim.7 to 14 days
Step #5: Preparation for DecisionThe VA prepares to make a decision on your claim based on the evidence and reviews.7 to 14 days
Step #6: Pending Decision ApprovalA senior VA official reviews the decision to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.7 to 14 days
Step #7: Preparation for NotificationThe VA prepares your decision packet, including details on the decision, disability rating, and any benefits.7 to 14 days
Step #8: Decision Notification SentThe final step involves sending your decision packet by U.S. mail, detailing the decision and options if you disagree.7 to 10 days

The VA Disability Claims Process Explained

STEP #1: Claim Received

In Step #1, the VA notifies you that they have received your disability claim.

  • If you file your disability claim online, you’ll receive an on-screen confirmation message from the VA after submitting the application.
  • If you mail your application, the VA will send you a letter confirming receipt of your claim. This letter typically arrives within 1-2 weeks, and the status should also appear in your VA account within 7-14 days.

This step normally takes around 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #2: Under Review

In Step #2, a Veteran Service Representative (VSR) reviews your claim to ensure all necessary information is included.

  • The claim will move to Step #3 if no additional evidence is required. This is more likely if you submitted a Fully Developed Claim (FDC), which is highly recommended.
  • Avoid submitting a standard claim unless absolutely necessary, as FDCs tend to expedite the process.

This step normally takes around 14-30 calendar days.

STEP #3: Gathering of Evidence

The VA evidence gathering, review, and decision is the longest step in the VA claim process.

In Step #3, the VSR will undertake the following:

  • Request evidence from you, healthcare providers, governmental agencies, or others. This may include scheduling Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams.
  • Review the collected evidence.
  • Forward the claim to a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) for review.

Note: If additional evidence is needed during this phase, your claim may return to this step multiple times. This back-and-forth is a common part of the process and nothing to worry about.

This step normally takes around 30-60 calendar days.

STEP #4: Review of Evidence

In Step #4, all required evidence has been received and is under review by the RVSR.

  • If the RVSR determines that more evidence is needed, the claim will return to Step #3.
  • This back-and-forth is a standard part of the VA claim process. If the VA needs something from you, they will notify you.

This step typically takes around 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #5: Preparation for Decision

In Step #5, the RVSR will:

  • Review your entire claim application, medical records, supporting documents, personal statements, buddy letters, and C&P exam results.
  • The RVSR then recommends a decision and begins preparing the necessary documents to detail the decision.

This step normally takes 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #6: Pending Decision Approval

In Step #6, the RVSR makes a preliminary award decision on your claim.

  • This often involves a second-tier reviewing authority for final approval.

This step typically takes 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #7: Preparation for Notification

In Step #7, your VA Decision Letter packet is prepared for mailing.

  • This packet includes detailed information about the decision on your claim, including your disability rating and any awarded benefits.

This step usually takes around 7-14 calendar days.

STEP #8: Decision Notification Sent

In the final step of the VA claim process, the VA sends you a packet by U.S. mail that includes all details of the decision on your claim.

  • You should receive this packet within 7 to 10 days.

For updates or questions about your VA disability claim status, you can always call 1-800-827-1000 and ask to speak with a VA representative.

This step typically takes 7-10 calendar days.

How Long Does a VA Claim Take Right Now?

On average, it takes about 155 calendar days for the VA to decide a disability claim from submission to decision.

However, processing times can vary based on several factors:

  • Evidence Collection: The VA may need additional evidence from healthcare providers or other sources, which can delay the process. Submitting all necessary evidence upfront can help speed up your claim.
  • Type of Claim: Fully Developed Claims (FDC) are usually processed faster than traditional claims. If you have all necessary documentation, consider filing an FDC to expedite the process.
  • Number and Complexity of Conditions: More complex claims or those involving multiple conditions may take longer, often requiring multiple C&P exams.

How Can I Check My VA Claim Status?

To check your VA claim status online, follow these steps:

  • Sign in with your account credentials (such as DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me).
  • Navigate to the “My VA” dashboard at the top right.
  • Look for the “Check Your Claim or Appeal Status” section for the most current updates.

At any time during the process, you can also call 1-800-827-1000 and select the option to speak to a VA representative about the current status of your claim or appeal.

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.

Related Articles

Elite Membership

Dear Veteran,
Here’s the brutal truth about VA disability claims:

According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA…

This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month.

As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and I’m on a mission to change it.

Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider.

Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time.

If accepted into our ELITE membership program, you’ll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time.

It’s FREE to get started, so click “Go Elite Now” below to complete our 3-step intake process.

  1. Complete Basic Information
  2. Sign Members Agreement
  3. Join the Mastermind Group

If you’re stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you!

Click “Go Elite Now” below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes.

Go Elite Now!

Why Choose VA Claims Insider

You’ve exhausted your free resources

You're not alone. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you.

Veteran Community

You’re ready to get the rating you deserve

We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you.

Explore Elite Membership

We win ONLY when YOU win

Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Ambassadors having gone through our programs.

Schedule a Call

Fellow Veterans:

For a limited time, you can book a no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

Book A Call

Fellow Veterans:

For a limited time, you can book a no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

Book A Call