Home / Blog / Timeline of a VA Disability Claim: How Long Until I Get Paid?

You have taken the first step toward receiving VA disability benefits by preparing and submitting your claim. The next steps of the process can be nerve-wracking and unsettling as you wait for the VA to make its decision. If you believe you have a strong case, you may believe that any delay is indicative that there is some trouble with your claim. If you were uncertain about whether your claim would succeed in the first place, due perhaps to the high rate of denial that many veterans experience, you may be anxious to file your appeal and wonder when you will be able to do so.

In this post, learn what happens once the VA receives your claim for disability benefits and how long it is normal for the initial review to take.

What Is the Average VA Claim Timeline?

Timelines can vary depending on the type of claim you file, standard, supplemental, or fully developed. While these numbers are only averages, they provide a helpful guide so you know what to expect:

Fully Developed Claims (FDC): 100 – 140 days: These are typically the fastest to process because all required documentation is submitted upfront. However, delays can still occur if the VA needs to verify information or if a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is required.
Standard Initial Claims: 120 – 180 days: Standard claims take longer because the VA may need to gather medical records, service documents, or other evidence on your behalf. The timeline depends on how quickly this information is received and reviewed.
Appeals or Supplemental Claims: 4 months to 2+ years: If your original claim is denied or you need to file for additional benefits, the appeal or supplemental process can vary widely. The timeline depends on the appeal route you choose, Supplemental Claim Lane, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal, and the complexity of your case.

While these estimates provide a general roadmap, individual claims may move faster or slower based on evidence availability, VA workload, and your responsiveness to requests. Understanding each step in the process and how long it typically takes can help you stay informed and better manage your expectations.

You Have Filed Your Claim: Now What?

Once you have prepared your VA disability claim, you can submit the claim either by mail, electronically, or by dropping it off in person to your regional VA office. No matter how you choose to submit your claim, the next steps in the process are the same and take place mostly within the VA system. The entire process takes about 106 days to complete from the time the VA receives your claim.

The VA Reviews Your Claim

As an initial step, the VA will review your claim to ensure it is completed correctly. The VA will also check to ensure they have all the information they need from you to begin processing your claim. If additional information is needed, or if they detect an error in the way the claim is filed at this stage, you will be notified.

The VA Gathers Records and Evidence

Next, the VA will begin contacting medical providers you identified who have knowledge of your disability. You may also be asked to submit to a Compensation and Pension exam (C&P exam). This exam will help the VA decide whether your disability is related to your military service and what disability rating you should receive. Again, if the VA needs anything from you during this time, you will be notified.

The VA Reviews Medical Evidence and Rates Your Disability

Once the VA has collected and reviewed your medical records and any other supporting evidence, a VA claims processor (also called a rater) will assess the strength of your claim. They determine if your condition is service-connected and assign a disability rating based on the severity of your condition. This rating determines the amount of monthly compensation you will receive. If the VA finds that more information is needed, they may return to the evidence-gathering phase.

Preparation for Decision Notification

After your claim has been rated, it moves into the final stages of processing. The VA prepares a packet that outlines your award decision and any supporting rationale. This packet includes your decision letter and payment information, if applicable. At this stage, your file is finalized and prepared for delivery.

The VA Issues a Decision

On average, the VA will issue its decision within 106 days of the date it received your claim. Your claim may take longer to decide if you claim multiple disabilities or if you delay in responding to requests from the VA. Once the VA does reach its decision, you will be notified by mail within 7 to 10 days by a letter that explains the VA’s decision and the reasons for its decision. If you are awarded benefits, you should start to receive disability payments within 15 days.

When Do VA Payments Start After Approval?

If your claim is approved, you’ll typically begin receiving monthly payments within 15 days via direct deposit. If you are owed back pay, this is often issued in a lump sum. The amount depends on your effective date (usually the date you filed) and your disability rating. Be sure your banking information is current in the VA system to avoid delays.

What Can Delay Your VA Disability Timeline?

Top 7 VA Disability Claims

A variety of factors can extend the 106-day average. Common issues include incomplete applications, missing medical evidence, complex conditions with multiple diagnoses, and the need for multiple C&P exams. Appeals also extend the timeline substantially, if your initial claim is denied and you choose to appeal, the Supplemental Claim Lane, Higher-Level Review Lane, or Board Appeal route will each follow separate, longer timelines depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of cases in queue.

How to Track the Progress of Your Claim

Veterans can track their claims online using the VA.gov website or by calling the VA’s toll-free number. The online tool shows real-time updates at each stage of your claim’s journey, from submission to review, and ultimately to decision. Staying engaged and informed helps you anticipate what stage your claim is in and prepares you to respond quickly if the VA requests additional documents or scheduling for exams.

Get Experienced Help With Your VA Disability Case

Although the VA disability claims process is intended to be friendly and accessible to veterans, there are times when the process can become confusing or bogged down. You can avoid potential delays and work through slowdowns in the process more easily with help from an experienced VA benefits lawyer like Unruh Law, P.C. If you have any questions about the VA disability process, or if you are concerned about a letter you have received from the VA, contact Unruh Law, P.C. right away at 415-691-6913 or through our website and request a free consultation to discuss your situation.

Timeline of a VA Disability Claim: How Long Until I Get Paid?

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