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You’ve filed your VA disability increase claim and now you’re wondering about the expected timeline for a rating decision.
The good news is simple increase claims filed as Fully Developed Claims (FDC) tend to move faster than other types of VA claims.
In our experience, a simple increase claim with one or two conditions typically takes 90-120 calendar days for a decision, while more complex claims take around 140-160 calendar days from submission to decision.
The time it takes to process a VA claim can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the workload at VBA regional offices, the availability of supporting evidence, the number of conditions (contentions) included in the claim, the complexity of the case, and whether Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams are required, among other considerations.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Simple VA Increase Claims Process Faster: Simple VA disability increase claims filed as Fully Developed Claims (FDC) are typically processed faster than other claim types.
- Expected Timelines for a Rating Decision: In 2025, simple increase claims with one or two conditions usually take 90-120 calendar days, while more complex claims take approximately 140-160 calendar days from submission to decision.
- Factors Affecting Processing Time: Processing timelines depend on factors such as the workload at VBA regional offices, availability of supporting evidence, the number and complexity of conditions included in the claim, and whether Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams are required.
- Checking Your VA Claim Status: Veterans can check the status of their claim online at VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000 for updates.
How Long Do VA Disability Increase Claims Take For a Decision?
All types of VA disability claims are moving faster right now, especially VA claims for an increase in your service-connected VA rating.
In 2025, filing a simple VA disability increase claim with one or two conditions typically takes 90-120 calendar days, while more complex claims take around 140-160 calendar days from submission to decision.
Please note that the time it takes to process your VA claim can vary depending on the following factors:
- The current workload at VBA regional offices
- The availability of supporting evidence for your claim
- The number of conditions (contentions) included in the claim
- The complexity of the case
- Whether C&P exams are required
Source: Detailed VBA Claims Data
The 8-Step VA Claim Increase Timeline
Here’s the VA disability process for increase claims along with the average timelines for each step:
| Step | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Step #1: Claim Received | The VA acknowledges receipt of your disability claim. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #2: Under Review | The 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 Evidence | The VA collects evidence to support your claim, possibly requesting additional information from various sources. | 30 to 60 days |
| Step #4: Review of Evidence | The VA reviews all gathered evidence to assess the validity and extent of your disability claim. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #5: Preparation for Decision | The VA prepares to make a decision on your claim based on the evidence and reviews. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #6: Pending Decision Approval | A senior VA official reviews the decision to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #7: Preparation for Notification | The VA prepares your decision packet, including details on the decision, disability rating, and any benefits. | 7 to 14 days |
| Step #8: Decision Notification Sent | The final step involves sending your decision packet by U.S. mail, detailing the decision and options if you disagree. | 7 to 10 days |
How Do I Check the Status of My VA Claim for a Disability Increase?
To check the status of your VA disability increase claim online, follow these steps:
- Visit VA.gov.
- Sign in with your account credentials.
- 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.
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.
Expert Tips and Strategies to Speed Up Your VA Claim!
Did you know you might be able to help the VA help you get your VA claim approved faster?
The VA Rater is not out to deny your claim; it’s on you to give the VA all the evidence the VA Rater needs to make a more accurate rating decision faster.
At VA Claims Insider, we teach veterans the “SEM Method,” which stands for Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating You Deserve Faster!
#1. Strategy:
Your VA claim Strategy should focus on:
- 1-3 disability conditions per 1 claim only – simple, simple, simple, think less is more!
- Fully Developed Claims (FDCs) only and file it online at VA.gov – standard claims take longer.
- High-Value claims only (if eligible).
- Mental health claims, simple increase claims, and/or secondary claims (if eligible)
#2. Education:
Your VA claim Education should focus on:
- High-Value VA disability claims, which are claims that have a high likelihood of being rated at 30% or higher on their own.
- C&P exam preparation so you can crush your C&P exam and get the rating you deserve, faster.
#3. Medical Evidence:
Your VA claim Medical Evidence should focus on:
- Mental health evaluation and Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) is preferred, if and only if, you have a mental health condition.
- Medical evaluations to include first-time Medical Dx, Nexus Letters, and/or VA DBQs for high value claims only.
Do I Need a Nexus Letter for VVA Claim?
Want Expert-Level Help with Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
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We make the confusing and frustrating VA claim process EASY through our 8-step proprietary system and one-on-one coaching; we’re the VA Claim EXPERTS you can trust, and YOU are never alone in this fight against the VA!
You’ll also receive VA disability expert Brian Reese’s SEM Method Blueprint—a proven formula that has helped over 25,000 veterans win their VA disability claims faster:
Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating and Compensation You Deserve FASTER!
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➡️ You’ll hear from your Veteran Coach team within 24 hours of all inquiries during normal business days/hours.
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Veterans: Are You Ready to WIN, SERVICE-CONNECT, and INCREASE Your VA Rating FASTER? We Can Help!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can help lead you to VA claim victory.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1 rated Elite program.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.
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.
