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As a veteran who has filed a VA disability claim, you’re no stranger to paperwork. At some point, all those forms and letters may start to meld together, but if you receive a VA development letter, you need to pay attention.
A VA development letter is an update on the status of your VA disability claim. If you’ve received one, there are some steps you need to take.
In this post, we’ll discuss what to expect in your VA development letter, your options for review, and what you need to do in response.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- A VA development letter is a common part of the claims process and just means the VA needs some more information about your claim.
- You can view your VA development letter online at VA.gov.
- Responding quickly to your VA development letter will help prevent future delays in processing your claim.
What is a VA Development Letter?
To understand a VA development letter, it’s important to first understand the VA disability claim process. Here are the main steps:
- Filing a claim
- Initial review
- Gathering evidence
- VA’s review of evidence
- Preparation for a decision
- Pending decision approval
- Preparation for notification
- Claim is completed
- Appeals and revisions (if necessary)
Receiving a VA development letter is a common part of the VA claims process. While the goal is to file a fully developed claim, sometimes things get overlooked or left out. The VA development letter not only updates you on the status of your claim but is also a request for more information or clarification.
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Types of Information Requested in a VA Development Letter
To make a well-informed decision about your claim, the VA may request:
- Medical records and documentation: The VA may ask for additional medical records or documentation related to your disability claim. This could include records from your treating physicians or medical facilities you’ve visited. An example is a missing diagnosis or form.
- Service records and discharge paperwork: The VA may request your service records and discharge paperwork to verify your military service and determine if your disability is related to your time in the service.
- Other evidence: Other evidentiary paperwork requested by the VA may include a nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and your service, which can be provided by a medical professional, or letters from yourself or others related to the symptoms of your current diagnosis.
Responding promptly to your VA development letter is crucial to keeping your claim moving along in the process.
How to View Your VA Development Letter Online
You can view your VA development letter, as well as your VA decision letter, online at VA.gov or through the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app.
To access your VA development letter and other documents, you’ll first have to create a free account through ID.me or Login.gov.
Responding to Your VA Development Letter
When you receive your VA development letter, read it carefully to make sure you understand what the VA is requesting, as well as relevant deadlines.
Next, collect your documents (make copies for your own records) and prepare to submit them either online or through certified mail. The more prompt you are in submitting those files, the faster the VA can return to reviewing your claim.
If you need guidance on understanding the requests within your VA development letter, reach out to your VA representative or find a local Veteran Service Organization (VSO).
Conclusion
If you’ve received a VA development letter requesting more information about your VA disability claim, don’t panic. This is a common part of the claims process and just means that the VA needs more information to make a well-informed decision about your claim.
Gather all the requested information and respond as quickly as possible to prevent any additional delays in your claims award.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view my VA development letter online?
How long does it take to receive a development letter from the VA?
There is no exact timeframe for receiving a VA development letter; it varies greatly depending on the complexity of your claim and the VA’s workload. If the VA requires more information to process your claim, you’ll likely receive a VA development letter anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
What does the development phase mean on a VA claim?
During the development phase of the VA claims process, the VA is actively reviewing your claim and any evidence or supporting documentation you provided. You’ll receive a VA development letter during this time if the organization needs more information about your claim to continue processing it.
What does a “subsequent development letter” mean for a VA claim?
A VA development letter and a subsequent development letter are both official updates from the VA regarding your claim and addressing the need for additional information. However, the development letter is sent during the development or initial review stage of the claims process, whereas the subsequent development letter is sent later in the process when the VA still doesn’t have enough evidence for a fully developed claim.
Is a VA development letter good or bad?
A VA development letter is neither good nor bad; it just means the VA needs more information in order to continue reviewing and processing your claim. If you submit a fully developed claim, you’re less likely to receive a VA development letter or be asked to submit more evidence.
Author – Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
