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The VA preparation for decision stage is the fifth step of the VA claim process and is when the VA prepares to decide on your claim based on submitted evidence.
This post will answer frequent questions about the VA preparation for decision stage, including why your claim might get stuck here.
Keep reading to learn more about what this step means for your VA disability benefits!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- VA preparation for decision is the stage of the claim process when the VA prepares to decide on your claim based on the evidence it has received.
- If your VA claim is stuck in the preparation for decision stage, it could be due to the type of claim you filed, its complexity, or how long it takes the VA to collect relevant evidence.
- After the preparation for decision stage, the VA will review the draft decision, prepare a notification packet, and then notify you with their decision letter.
What Does VA Preparation for Decision Mean?
The VA preparation for decision is the fifth step of the disability claims process and is when the VA prepares to decide on your claim based on all the evidence you’ve submitted.
This is vital because it will determine whether you receive a VA disability rating for your condition.
In this step, a rating veteran service representative (RVSR) will perform a final review of your entire VA claim application, including:
- Medical records
- Supporting documents
- Personal statements
- Buddy letters
- C&P exam results
The RVSR then recommends a decision and prepares the necessary documents to detail the decision and VA benefits, if applicable.
Seeing your VA claim in the preparation for decision stage is generally a good sign; however, if additional evidence is submitted after the initial review, your claim will return to the evidence gathering step.
What is the VA Preparation for Decision Timeline?
The VA preparation for decision timeline is the stage of your VA claim where the VA reviews all the evidence gathered for your disability claim and begins drafting a decision.
At this point in the VA claims process, the VA has received your claim, made an initial review of your case, and has gathered and reviewed the submitted evidence.
The 8 steps of the VA claim process are:
- Claim Received
- Under Review
- Gathering of Evidence
- Review of Evidence
- Preparation for Decision
- Pending Decision Approval
- Preparation for Notification
- Final Decision Notification Sent
How Long Does a VA Claim Stay in Preparation for Decision?
Every case is unique; however, you can expect the preparation for decision VA claim step to last 7-14 days (about 2 weeks).
However, factors such as claim complexity, the workload of the VA regional office, and the number of submitted claims being evaluated can affect this timeline.
In addition, if the VA needs additional medical evidence, the VA disability review process may be delayed.
Is Your VA Claim Stuck in Preparation for Decision?
Don’t worry if your VA claim is stuck in preparation for decision; it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
Various factors can affect why your claim is stuck in the preparation for decision phase, including:
- The type of claim you filed
- How many injuries or disabilities you have claimed and how complex they are
- How long it takes the VA to collect the evidence they need to decide your claim
If your claim is stuck in the preparation for decision stage, you can contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 for updates.
What Happens After the Preparation for Decision Stage?
Once the preparation for decision stage is complete, your claim moves to the following phases:
Pending Decision Approval
A senior claims processor or decision review officer reviews the draft decision for accuracy and ensures it aligns with VA regulations.
Preparation for Notification
After the decision is approved, your VA claim enters the preparation for notification stage, where the VA prepares a notification packet to send to you. This packet includes your rating decision and information about your disability compensation.
Decision Notification Sent
The VA mails you the decision packet. At this point, you’ll know the outcome of your claim and your VA disability rating. If your VA is denied and you believe you rightfully deserve VA disability benefits, you can file an appeal.
In addition, you can file an appeal if you feel you rightfully deserve a higher VA disability rating. However, it’s essential to understand how the VA rates your specific condition. For example, the highest VA rating for tinnitus is 10%.
How to Check the Status of a VA Claim
The easiest way to check your VA claim is online, which will provide the most up-to-date information about your claim.
You can sign in with your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. You can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account now if you don’t have any of these accounts.
Note: As of November 2024, the VA takes an average of about 139.3 average number of days to decide on a claim.
Related Guides
VA Claims Process With Timelines
Is Preparation for Notification a Good Sign?
Is Preparation for Decision a Good Sign?
We Are Preparing Your Claim Decision Packet to be Mailed
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Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
