VA final review is usually brief—often a few days—but can stretch to weeks; overall claim decisions averaged 94.8 days in August 2025.
If your disability case shows “final review” in the tracker, you’re at the last quality check before the packet goes out. This step is a senior look at the decision letter and ratings. It’s quick for clean files, but it can pause if something needs correction or an extra check. Below you’ll see what triggers movement at this stage, how long it tends to last, and smart ways to keep your file from bouncing backward.
VA Final Review Stage: Typical Time Window
“Final review” sits after rating and letter prep. A senior reviewer verifies the write-up, codes, and payments, then clears the letter to post and mail. The VA’s own page shows this step explicitly in the flow, followed by “claim decided” where you can download the letter. That makes this phase shorter than evidence gathering or rating in most cases. For many files it resolves within 1–14 days. Complex claims, pending clarifications, or quality audits can extend that window. The overall system speed matters too, because end-stage work stacks up when earlier phases slow.
| Phase | What It Means | Time Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence Gathering | VA requests records, exams, and forms; longest part for most files. | Often the slowest step |
| Evidence Review & Rating | Rater reviews all records and drafts a decision and codes. | Varies by complexity |
| Preparing Decision Letter | Letter text and payment details are drafted for release. | Usually short |
| Final Review | Senior reviewer checks accuracy and clears the packet. | Often days; can be weeks |
| Claim Decided | Letter posts to your account; mailed copy follows. | Online soon; mail in ~10 business days |
Why This Step Lingers Or Moves Fast
Speed here depends on a few levers:
- Clean evidence trail: If exams and records match the issues claimed, checks are quick.
- Number of issues: More contentions mean more codes and paragraphs to validate.
- Required corrections: If the reviewer catches a typo, wrong code, or missing paragraph, the file returns to the prior step.
- Local workload: Busy regional teams can add days even when a file is polished.
None of these are bad news; they’re normal friction points in the final quality sweep.
What You Can Do While You Wait
There isn’t much to push at this point—your part is mostly done. Still, a few habits help:
- Check your portal once a day. The status can jump straight to “claim decided,” and your letter will appear to download.
- Answer calls or messages from the VA right away. A quick response keeps the file from sliding back to evidence steps.
- Avoid new uploads unless VA specifically asks. New documents often send the claim back to review stages.
How Long The Whole Claim Takes Today
Big picture timing shapes what happens in the last mile. VA reports a rolling average time to finish disability-related claims; the latest public figure at the time of writing shows 94.8 days for August 2025 (see VA status page). That number reflects end-to-end action, not just the last step. It also moves with surges like new presumptives or law changes. If you’re seeing long holds at the end, it can be ripple effects from earlier steps settling across many files.
For clarity on the official flow—showing “pending decision approval,” “preparation for notification,” and the senior check—review VA’s claims process diagram. You’ll also find the current average days to complete and a plain-language breakdown of each step on the main disability status page.
Smart Ways To Keep The Tail End Short
Submit A Tight File Up Front
Late uploads are the common reason a nearly done case bounces backward. A tight package at the start keeps rating and letter drafting clean, which makes the final sweep quick.
Double-check direct deposit details in your profile so payments route correctly on day one.
Show Up For Exams
A missed or rescheduled exam is a time sink that delays everything downstream. If you can’t make a slot, call and reschedule the same day.
Use Clear, Relevant Evidence
Targeted medical records and lay statements that speak to each contention save the rater from fishing and keep edits light in the letter.
Close Variations In Timing By Claim Type
Initial filings, increased-rating requests, and certain presumptive issues don’t march at the exact same pace. Some cases finish fast because the evidence is already in VA systems. Others take longer due to outside records, complex exams, or multi-issue coding. While the last check is often brief, the lead-up determines whether it’s hours or weeks.
What If You Disagree With The Decision?
Once the letter posts, you can pick a review lane if something looks off. Each path has its own timeline and rules on evidence. Here’s a plain snapshot so you can choose confidently:
| Lane | What It Is | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-Level Review | Senior reviewer re-checks the same evidence; no new records allowed. | Often about 4–6 months; VA goal near ~125 days |
| Supplemental Claim | Submit new and relevant evidence for another look. | Commonly 4–8 months |
| Board Appeal | Direct Review is fastest; Evidence or Hearing adds time. | Direct Review near 300–365 days; other dockets 18–24+ months |
When Final Review Takes Longer Than Expected
Quality Checks
Random or targeted quality audits can pause the hand-off. These checks protect accuracy system-wide. They aren’t a sign of trouble by themselves.
Corrections To The Letter
If the senior reviewer finds a typo in a code sheet, a missing paragraph, or a mismatched diagnostic code, the file goes back to letter prep or rating. That adds days but improves clarity and back pay math.
Late Evidence Arrives
Uploads or outside records that land during the last mile can push the claim to an earlier step to re-weigh the record.
Practical Timeline Scenarios
Straightforward Single-Issue Claim
One recent exam, records inside VA, and no new uploads after rating. Final check clears in a day or two, letter posts soon after.
Multi-Issue Claim With Edits
Several codes, partial private records, and a small fix needed in the letter. Senior check sends it back for correction, then clears. Expect a week or two.
How To Read Status Changes Near The End
- “Pending decision approval” signals a reviewer is checking the recommended decision.
- “Preparation for notification” means the letter and payment text are being assembled.
- “Final review” is the senior pass before posting.
- “Claim decided” means you can view or download the letter; mail follows in about 10 business days.
Helpful Official Pages
For current averages and a step-by-step flow, see VA’s plain-language status page. For a deeper look at the eight steps—especially “pending decision approval” and “preparation for notification”—read the claims process description. For appeal-lane timing, the Board’s timeliness pages explain how docket choice affects the wait (see Board decision wait times).