Typical Claim Timeline

Claim Submitted

Day 1

You submit your claim via VA.gov or mail. You receive a confirmation email.

👉To Do: Check VA.gov for "Claim Received" status.

Initial Review

Day 7-30

VA reviews your claim to ensure basic eligibility and that you filled out the forms correctly.

👉To Do: Watch for letters requesting missing forms.

Gathering Evidence

Month 1-4

The longest phase. VA requests C-File, medical records, and schedules C&P Exams.

👉To Do: ATTEND YOUR C&P EXAMS. This is critical. Do not miss them.

Review of Evidence

Month 3-6

All exams are done. The Rater (RVSR) reviews the DBQs from the doctors.

👉To Do: Wait. Do not upload new evidence unless absolutely necessary, as it resets the clock.

Preparation for Decision

Month 4-7

The Rater proposes a rating decision and writes the decision letter.

👉To Do: The "Pending Decision Approval" status often appears briefly here.

Preparation for Notification

Month 5-8

The decision is finalized. Mailed packet is prepared.

👉To Do: Check VA.gov/letters generator. The letter often appears online before the mail arrives.

Note: Timelines vary wildly based on claim type (New vs. Supplemental), region, and complexity. This is an average based on current Fully Developed Claim (FDC) data.