VA Claim Approval Time

How Long Does It Take To Get A VA Claim Approved?

VA Claims
October 01, 2024•3 min read

Submitting a claim to the VA can be a challenging process to navigate. Unfortunately, many Veterans who attempt to submit a claim without expert guidance may wait a year or longer before receiving a final rating. 

However, utilizing the VetVantage software often results in claim approvals in significantly less time after Veterans file their claims with the VA. 

Here’s what you need to know about the types of claims you can make, how long you might wait for a decision, and the advantages of using VetVantage to ensure your claims process proceeds as smoothly as possible. 

 

Understanding the VA Claim Process 

There are several steps in the VA claim process. 

With VetVantage, Veterans gain a thorough understanding of the steps, documents, and evidence they need in order to submit their claims. After submission, here’s what you can expect: 

  1. Submission Confirmation 

  • The VA will notify you once your disability claim is received. 

  • For online claims, confirmation is immediate. For mailed claims, expect a confirmation letter in 7-14 days. 

  1. Initial Review 

  • A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) reviews your claim within 2-3 weeks. 

  • Without proper guidance, claims are more likely to face delays if flagged for missing evidence. 

  1. Gathering Evidence 

  • If additional evidence is required, the VA may: 

  • Request documents from you, healthcare providers, or other agencies. 

  • For claim increases, VetVantage connects you with experienced, private providers to complete medical evaluations and VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs). 

  1. Reviewing the Evidence 

  • Once all evidence is submitted, the VSR reviews it within 7-14 days. Further evidence may still be requested, depending on the claim. 

  1. Preparation for Decision 

  • A Veteran Service Representative (RVSR) reviews the evidence and makes a recommendation within 7-14 days. 

  1. Pending Decision Approval 

  • Recommendations are reviewed, and a final award decision is made within 7-21 days. 

  1. Preparation for Notification 

  • A Senior Veterans Service Representative (SVSR) authorizes the release of the decision packet, which is mailed to you within three weeks. 

 

Factors Affecting VA Claim Timelines 

The time it takes to process a VA claim depends on factors like: 

  • The type of claim filed. 

  • The number and complexity of claimed disabilities. 

  • The time required to substantiate evidence. 

With VetVantage, delays are minimized by ensuring you have all the medical evidence and documentation needed for a strong case. 

 

Average Timeframes for VA Claims 

For Veterans filing on their own, VA claim decisions often take a year or more due to backlogs and incomplete submissions. 

When working with VetVantage, most claims are processed in 6-8 months, thanks to the quality of the submission. 

 

What to Know About Supplemental Claims 

If the VA has previously decided your claim and you have new and relevant evidence, you may consider filing a Supplemental Claim. This also applies to changes in laws, such as the PACT Act, which adds: 

  • Over 20 presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures. 

  • New presumptive locations for Agent Orange and radiation exposure. 

 

How to Check Your VA Claim Status 

You can check your claim status by signing in to your Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one for free. 

 

With VetVantage, you’re never alone in the VA claims process. Our tools are here to ensure your submission is accurate, complete, and optimized for success. 

Take control of your benefits today with VetVantage—Fast. Easy. Veteran-approved

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