Home › Guides › The 8 Stages of a VA Disability Claim (Timeline)

The 8 stages of a VA disability claim

Every VA claim moves through the same eight stages. Here is what each one means and roughly how long it takes. Note: submitting new evidence sends the claim back to the evidence-gathering stage.

1. Claim received ~1 week

VA has your claim in their system. Online filers get instant confirmation; mailed claims confirm by letter in about a week.

2. Initial review ~1–2 wks

A reviewer checks the basics and makes sure nothing obvious is missing. They'll contact you if something is.

3. Evidence gathering 1–3+ months

VA collects records and, if needed, schedules a C&P exam. Usually the longest step. Submitting new evidence later sends the claim back here.

4. Evidence review a few wks

VA reviews everything gathered. If they need more, it goes back to evidence gathering.

5. Rating a few wks

VA decides your claim and assigns a disability rating (0–100%) for each condition.

6. Preparing decision letter ~1–2 wks

VA writes up your decision. If approved, it lists your rating, monthly payment, and start date.

7. Final review ~1 wk

A senior reviewer quality-checks the decision. Problems can send it back for correction.

8. Claim complete packet in ~7–10 business days

The decision is final and VA mails you a full packet.

Track your own claim
Wingman shows you exactly what to gather at each step.
Open Wingman free →

Related guides:
All guides How a VA claim works

Education only. Wingman is a free, veteran-built self-help tool. It is not legal advice, not VA-accredited, and it never files anything for you. Every claim turns on your own facts and current VA rules — always confirm anything important with a free accredited VSO (find one at va.gov).