Filing your VA disability claim is a big milestone — but once you hit “submit,” a new kind of waiting game begins.
What happens next?
How long will it take?
And how do you know if things are on track?
This guide walks you through the typical VA claims timeline, step by step — so you can feel more informed and less in the dark.
Step 1: Claim Received
📍 Timeframe: Immediately after submission
Once you file your claim (online, by mail, or with support), the VA marks it as received. This status just means your claim is in the system and queued for review.
What you’ll see:
- “Received” confirmation on VA.gov
- A claim date — which protects your effective date for benefits
- A claim ID number
At this point, there’s nothing else you need to do — but it’s a good time to make sure all documents were submitted correctly.
Step 2: Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision
📍 Timeframe: Typically 30–90 days (varies)
This is where most of the action happens behind the scenes.
The VA may:
- Request your military service and medical records
- Order a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam
- Review any nexus letters, personal statements, or other evidence
- Ask for clarification on submitted items
Your claim may move in and out of this stage multiple times as new evidence is added or reviewed.
If you’re using Woobie’s Claims Accelerator, we’ll track this for you — and step in if the VA asks for more documentation or schedules an exam.
Step 3: Pending Decision Approval
📍 Timeframe: 1–2 weeks (on average)
This means the rater has reviewed your file and made a decision. It’s now being double-checked by another VA staff member for accuracy and policy compliance.
You won’t see much change during this stage — but it’s a sign that your claim is almost ready for final review.
Step 4: Preparation for Notification
📍 Timeframe: A few days to a week
Here, the VA is preparing to send your decision letter, which will explain:
- Which conditions were approved or denied
- Your disability rating(s)
- Your monthly compensation amount
- The effective date of your benefits
This decision will be available on your VA.gov account — but a mailed letter typically follows.
Step 5: Decision Letter Received
📍 Timeframe: Within a week of final status update
Once you receive your decision, review it closely. Look for:
- Any missing conditions
- Lower-than-expected ratings
- Errors in effective dates
If anything looks off — or you simply have questions — Woobie can help you review it and explore next steps like a supplemental claim or Higher-Level Review.
What Can Slow Down the Timeline?
Every claim is different, but common slow-downs include:
- Missing medical records
- No-show C&P exams
- Incomplete documentation
- Long queues at certain VA regional offices
Working with a guide early on can reduce these delays significantly — especially if they help you build a clean, complete file from day one.
What If It’s Taking Too Long?
If your claim hasn’t moved in months, you can:
- Call the VA’s hotline (800-827-1000)
- Check your VA.gov account for updates
- Reach out to your representative or support team (like Woobie) for help escalating
In rare cases, you may qualify for an expedited review — especially if you’re facing financial hardship, homelessness, or terminal illness.
Final Thoughts: Waiting Is Hard — But It Doesn’t Have to Be Unclear
Filing is just the first step. But understanding the timeline turns waiting into preparation — and confusion into calm.
Want to see where you stand? Try the VA Disability Calculator or reach out through the Claims Accelerator to get real-time support from people who know the system.
The VA clock doesn’t always move fast.
But you don’t have to sit in the dark while it ticks.
We’ll help you watch the road — and know when the turn is coming.