In VA disability claims, the evidence-gathering, review and decision stage often runs 30–120 days, depending on exams and records.
This guide breaks down what drives timing in this stage, how to read status messages, and what you can do to keep your claim moving. You’ll see plain ranges, specific actions, and clear next steps that fit real claims.
Why Timelines Vary
This stage bundles document requests, medical exams, file checks, and a rating write-up. Cases move faster when records are complete, exams are quick, and no new issues arise. Delays come from missing files, rescheduled exams, or new evidence late in the game.
What Happens In This Stage
- The file is screened for what’s already in hand.
- Requests go to VA facilities and private providers.
- A compensation and pension exam may be booked.
- A rater reviews the file and drafts a decision.
- A senior reviewer clears the package for release.
Table: Common Factors And Time Impact
| Factor | What It Means | Typical Time Impact |
|---|---|---|
| C&P exam needed | One or more exams must be scheduled and read | 2–8 weeks |
| Private records missing | Provider replies to a records request | 2–6 weeks |
| New evidence added | Claim returns to the review queue | 1–4 weeks |
| Multiple contentions | Many issues rated in one claim | 2–6 weeks |
| Duty to assist rework | VA must chase extra records | 2–8 weeks |
Where The Official Steps Fit
VA describes eight steps from filing to completion. The stage in question covers “Gathering of Evidence,” “Review of Evidence,” and “Preparation for Decision.” If the rater finds gaps during review, the file loops back to the gather step, which adds more time. You can read VA’s step-by-step outline on the claims process page for context.
Average Processing Time Today
Across initial disability claims, VA posts an average that moves during the year. Recent updates show a little over three months on average for a full claim from start to finish. Within that span, the evidence and review segment often makes up the largest share, though simple claims can pass through in weeks. VA updates appear on the after-you-file guide, which also explains each status label.
How Long This Evidence Phase Usually Takes
Most claims spend 30–120 days here. Shorter cases tend to be fully developed at filing, include clear nexus proof, and need no new exams. Longer cases involve multiple body systems, overseas providers, or missing service records. Old records on paper, or a provider that responds by mail, slow things down.
What Triggers A Return To Gathering
A return happens when a rater flags gaps. The most common triggers are a new diagnosis without records, a private doctor note that mentions tests not in the file, or a mismatch between exam results and the claimed symptoms. The claim then waits while the file is topped up and the examiner or provider replies.
Who Works Your File
A Veterans Service Representative builds the file and requests records. A Rating Veterans Service Representative writes the decision. Quality review checks the draft for errors. If a senior reviewer changes the draft, the file may sit in a mini queue before release. Each handoff adds a little time.
How To Read Online Status
- Gathering of Evidence: VA is sending requests or waiting for replies.
- Review of Evidence: a rater is reading the file.
- Preparation for Decision: the rater is drafting.
- Pending Decision Approval: a senior reviewer checks the draft.
- Preparation for Notification: letters are prepared and mailed.
Action Steps To Avoid Delays
- File a fully developed claim when you can. Upload private records and a nexus letter at filing.
- List every provider with full contact details, phone, and fax.
- If scheduled, attend exams on time and bring aids or records the examiner will need.
- Reply to evidence requests inside the stated window.
- If you add new evidence, try to add it in one upload so the claim does not bounce around multiple times.
When A Case Sits For Weeks
A long pause often traces to a missing record batch or an exam report that needs a clarifying addendum. Regional workloads vary. A hurricane, a clinic move, or a contractor backlog can ripple through dates. If your claim appears stuck, call, send a message, or visit a regional office for a status check.
How To Nudge A Stalled File
- Ask your provider to send records directly to VA with your file number on each page.
- Upload any records you have rather than waiting on a clinic that is slow to reply.
- If your exam was missed for a good reason, ask to reschedule fast.
- If you moved, update contact details so letters reach you.
When You Can Ask For Priority
You can request priority handling if you are homeless, terminally ill, facing hardship, or age 85+. Upload proof with your request. Priority does not skip evidence steps, but it moves the file to a faster lane once everything is in the file.
What If The Decision Timeframe Slips
If the posted average is near 100 days and your claim is past that by months, check whether new evidence was added. Each new upload restarts the review clock. If nothing changed and the file still sits in one status for a long time, ask for help from an accredited rep.
Table: Ways To Speed Things Up And Rough Time Savings
| Action | Why It Helps | Possible Savings |
|---|---|---|
| File as fully developed | Reduces back-and-forth on records | 2–6 weeks |
| Bring records to exam | Cuts time waiting for clinics to send files | 1–3 weeks |
| Batch uploads | Limits returns to gather step | 1–2 weeks |
| Use fax plus upload | Creates a traceable paper trail | 1–2 weeks |
| Request priority if eligible | Moves case to a faster lane | 2–4 weeks |
What Counts As “Evidence” Here
The file can include service treatment records, VA treatment notes, private records, diagnostic tests, lay statements that describe symptoms, and a medical nexus that links the condition to service. Clear, consistent records help the rater finish the draft without more requests.
How Exams Affect Timing
Some claims need one brief exam. Others need multiple specialties. Exam slots in rural areas can be scarce. An exam may also need an addendum if the rater asks for a specific measurement, range-of-motion detail, or opinion on aggravation. Each addendum adds days or weeks.
How Supplements And Reviews Change The Clock
After a decision, you can file a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence or ask for a higher-level review. Each path has its own average days. A supplemental with a few clean records can move quickly. A review with no new records relies on the same file and may still need an exam if a duty to assist error is found in the prior build.
How To Plan Your Own Timeline
Set a base plan of 90 days for this stage, then add time for each flag below:
- New exam needed: add 30–60 days.
- Private records from multiple clinics: add 30–45 days.
- Overseas provider or archive pulls: add 30–60 days.
- New uploads after filing: add 14–30 days per upload.
This back-of-the-envelope plan fits many cases and keeps expectations realistic.
Where To Find Official Averages And Live Status
VA posts the average days for initial claims and shows current steps online. You can track the live status, see which step your file is in, and upload new documents in one place. The online tool updates fast and gives a clear breadcrumb trail of where the file sits today; see the claim status tool FAQs for what each label means.
When To Seek Help
If your case has complex medical history, multiple periods of service, or lost records, an accredited representative can help organize files and keep messages moving. Choose someone with current access to your eFolder and who replies to messages promptly. That alone can shave weeks.
Final Pointers That Save Time
- Name files clearly, one condition per PDF when possible.
- Add your file number on each page header.
- Avoid duplicate uploads unless asked.
- Keep notes of dates, names, and call reference numbers.
- If you receive a letter you do not understand, ask for a callback fast.
What To Expect Once A Decision Is Drafted
When the draft is cleared, notification letters are prepared. Direct deposit details are set or confirmed. Back pay, if any, is computed. You can see the rating code sheet and the letter online once posted. If you disagree with any part, read the lane options and pick the path that fits your new evidence plan.
Typical Timeline Scenarios
- Single-issue claim with recent VA care: records exist in the system, one exam, no private clinics.
- Multi-issue claim with private specialists: several record chases and two exams.
- Complex claim with old paper charts and overseas care: archive pulls, translation, and scarce exam slots.
What Not To Do During This Stage
Do not miss an exam without notice. Do not upload the same file again and again. Each extra upload can reset the review clock and send the file back to an earlier step. If you do have something new, send it in one clean batch.
How To Use The Online Portal Well
Check status weekly. If the system asks for a form or a record, send it through the upload tool. The portal time-stamps each item, which helps the rater see what changed and when. Keep copies of every file you send through the portal for records.
Method Notes
The ranges here come from public VA step guides and live averages. They shift as staffing, exam supply, and record systems change. Check the official pages linked above for the latest numbers before you set expectations for your own case.