What happens after filing a VA disability claim?

Filing a disability claim is a big step. Once it is in, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) takes over much of the work. Knowing what happens next can make the wait easier to manage.

The stages of a claim

VA describes a claim as moving through these stages. You can see which one your claim is in by checking your claim status on VA.gov.

1. Claim received. VA lets you know your claim has arrived.
2. Initial review. A reviewer checks basic information, such as your name and Social Security number.
3. Evidence gathering. VA collects the evidence it needs to decide your claim.
4. Evidence review. VA reviews all the evidence in your file.
5. Rating. VA decides your claim and, if it applies, your rating.
6. Preparing decision letter. VA writes the letter that explains its decision.
7. Final review. A senior reviewer checks the claim and the decision.
8. Claim decided. Your decision letter is ready to view.

A claim does not always move in a straight line. If VA needs more evidence, a claim can move back to an earlier stage. That is a normal part of the process.

Evidence gathering

This stage is often the longest. VA works to collect the records it needs to make a decision.

Definition

Duty to assist: VA's legal duty to make reasonable efforts to help you get evidence that supports your claim. This can include requesting your service records, VA treatment records and, with your permission, private medical records.

VA may contact you during this stage. It might ask for more information, or ask you to sign forms so it can request records. Respond as soon as you can, and keep copies of what you send.

You can also add evidence yourself. To learn what kinds of evidence matter, see What evidence supports a VA disability claim?

The C&P exam

VA may ask you to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. A VA provider or a VA contract provider does the exam. It helps VA decide whether a condition is service connected and how to rate it.

You will usually get a letter with the date and time. Missing an exam can delay your claim, so contact the scheduler right away if you need to change it. Learn more in What is a C&P exam?

Your decision letter

When your claim is decided, VA sends a decision letter. You can also view it on VA.gov. The letter generally explains:

• What VA decided for each condition you claimed.
• Any rating VA assigned and the date it takes effect.
• The evidence VA considered and the reasons for its decision.
• Your options if you disagree.

Read the letter carefully, and keep it in a safe place. The date on the letter matters, because review deadlines are counted from that date.

If you disagree with the decision

Under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), you have three main options to ask VA to take another look at a decision. These apply to most decisions dated on or after February 19, 2019.

• Supplemental Claim. You add new and relevant evidence that VA did not have before. VA says you can file at any time. It recommends filing within 1 year from the date on your decision letter to keep your effective date.
• Higher-Level Review. A more senior reviewer looks at the same evidence for an error or a difference of opinion. You cannot add new evidence. You generally have 1 year from the date on your decision letter to request it.
• Board Appeal. A Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals reviews your case. You generally have 1 year from the date on your decision letter to request it.

A Board Appeal has three paths. You can ask for a direct review of the existing evidence. You can submit new evidence within 90 days of VA receiving your request. Or you can request a hearing with a judge.

You do not have to choose an option alone. Accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives can help you at no cost. Accredited attorneys and claims agents can also help, and they may charge fees. VA explains these choices on its accredited representative page (opens in a new tab).

Waiting on a claim can feel slow, but each step has a purpose. If you would like a clearer picture of where your claim stands and what may come next, you can talk with our team about your situation.