In VA disability claims, the span from “review completed” to a decision often runs 2–8 weeks, with complex files sometimes taking 90+ days.
When the tracker shows the evidence work is done, your file shifts to the rating desk. Many ask how many days it takes from that point to the letter. Here’s a clear view of real-world ranges, what drives speed, and what you can do while you wait.
What “Review Completed” Means In The VA Claim Flow
Claims move through predictable labels in the online tracker. After the team has what it needs, your file leaves active evidence work and heads toward a rating. You may see labels such as “Review of Evidence,” “Preparation for Decision,” “Pending Decision Approval,” and “Preparation for Notification.” Each one signals a handoff. The finish line is the mailed decision packet and an update in your account.
If you need a refresher on how the VA names each status, the agency explains the terms in plain language on its official page titled what your claim status means. That page also shows where you are in the overall path.
From Review Done To Decision: Typical Ranges
There isn’t a single fixed day count. The tightest windows tend to appear on clean, fully documented files with one or two conditions. Broad claims, missing records, or last-minute evidence can add weeks. The table below sums up common labels you’ll see near the end and how long they often last.
| Late-Stage Status | What’s Happening | Typical Span |
|---|---|---|
| Review Of Evidence Complete | File leaves evidence work; rating prep begins. | 1–3 weeks |
| Preparation For Decision | Rater drafts the proposed outcome and rating. | 1–4 weeks |
| Pending Decision Approval | Quality review by a senior reviewer. | 3–14 days |
| Preparation For Notification | Letter and codes are finalized and queued for mail. | 3–10 days |
| Decision Notification Sent | Rating posts; letter arrives by mail. | About 1 week by post |
Across these end steps, many claimants see a decision about 2–8 weeks after the evidence work is marked complete. Some reach the finish line faster. Others run long when the rater needs a new exam or an opinion, or when multiple contentions are tied together.
Close Variant: From Review Completed To Rating Decision — What To Expect Next
Once the file hits the rating desk, the rater compares your service records, medical evidence, exam results, and any private opinions. If the record is ready, the rater can propose the outcome without more development. If the picture isn’t clear, the rater can send the file back for more evidence or ask for a medical addendum. That back-and-forth is the biggest swing factor in timing.
The VA posts an overall average for initial disability claims on its public dashboard. You can see the current figure and trend on the agency’s page titled the claim process after you file. That number covers the entire claim, not just the last mile, but it gives a sense of system speed.
What Speeds Things Up (And What Slows Things Down)
What Affects Timing
- Complete records and clear exams shorten the wait.
- Multiple issues, addenda, or late uploads add time.
Reading Each Late-Stage Label Without Guesswork
Review Of Evidence Complete
Development has what it needs. Exams and private reports are in. Many see 1–3 weeks before the file rolls to rating.
Preparation For Decision
The rater drafts the outcome using the schedule. Clean files often spend one to four weeks here; gaps can send the claim back to development.
Pending Decision Approval
Quality review checks accuracy and codes. Usually days, unless a fix is required.
Preparation For Notification
The decision letter is built and queued for mail. The tracker flips to “Decision Notification Sent” when it goes out.
How To Track, Upload, And Avoid Delays
Check your status online and use secure upload for any evidence the VA asks for. Don’t add files “just because” at the end; fresh uploads can send the claim back to development. If a deadline applies to a request, meet it early to keep the file moving.
- Use the claim status tool to see your current label and any action items.
- If the tracker shows a request for records you already have, upload clear scans with readable dates and provider names.
- If you miss a scheduling call for an exam, call the contractor right away to reschedule so the claim doesn’t pause.
What Happens After The Decision Posts
When the rating appears, you’ll also receive a detailed letter by mail. It lists your percentages, effective dates, reasons, and any deferred contentions. Payment start dates and back pay, if any, follow the rules set by your effective date and monthly schedule. If part of your claim was denied or under-rated in your view, you can seek a review.
For appeals at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, the Board publishes its current wait data and goals on its official decision wait times page. That information helps you choose between options like Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or a Board docket.
Checklist: Keep Your Last Mile Tight
- Check the tracker twice a week.
- Only upload when the VA requests something.
- Verify address and direct-deposit details.
Common Finish-Line Scenarios
After A Final Exam
Many files move to rating within two to three weeks after the report posts. Clear exams track with decisions arriving 30–90 days from the exam date.
When New Evidence Lands Late
Late uploads often reopen development so the record is complete. Expect added weeks.
When Contentions Are Linked
Secondary issues are tied to the primary one. Finishing them together can lengthen the last mile.
Decision Time Ranges By Claim Shape
The spans below reflect what many see after the evidence review step is marked done. These aren’t guarantees, but they can help you plan.
| Claim Shape | After Evidence Review Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Well-Documented Issue | 2–4 weeks | Few records; clean exam; quick quality review. |
| Two To Four Linked Issues | 4–8 weeks | More coding; watch for addenda. |
| Multiple Or Complex Issues | 8–13+ weeks | Frequent addenda; longer quality checks. |
| Late Evidence Uploads | Varies | Can send claim back to development. |
| Appeal Or Review Path | Months to years | See Board wait data for targets. |
When To Act If Things Stall
Online estimates are guides, not deadlines. If your claim sits in one label for far longer than the ranges above, try these steps:
- Send a secure message asking if any records or addenda are outstanding.
- Call the VA hotline to confirm the current task owner and whether the file is with a rater or development.
- If a contractor missed an exam upload, call the contractor and ask for a re-send.
- If you need help, contact a Veterans Service Organization or an accredited representative.
What This Guide Uses For Timelines
Ranges in this guide reflect common patterns near the end of the process along with the VA’s posted averages for total claim times. The two official pages linked above describe the meaning of each status and share current system-wide averages and Board wait targets. The exact span for any file depends on records, exams, quality checks, and mail time.
Bottom Line On The Wait From Review Done To Decision
Many claimants see a decision in 2–8 weeks after the evidence work is finished. Clean files can finish faster. Complex claims, addenda, and late uploads can stretch the last mile past 90 days. Keep an eye on your tracker, respond to requests fast, and use the links above to check current averages and appeal targets.