Check Your Claim or Appeal Status

Track the progress of your VA disability claim or appeal. Learn what each status means and what to expect at every stage.

How to Check Your Status

Online (Recommended)

Track your claim at VA.gov/claim-or-appeal-status

You'll need a Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet (Premium) account.

By Phone

Call 1-800-827-1000 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. ET)

Through a Representative

Your VSO, attorney, or claims agent can check your status on your behalf.

Using the VA Claim Tracker Extension

For more detailed tracking, some Veterans use the VA Claim Tracker Chrome Extension for granular updates.

Understanding Claim Status Steps

The VA claims tracker shows either 5 or 8 steps (the 5-step version combines steps 3-6). Here's what each step means:

Step 1: Claim Received

VA has received and logged your claim. You should have a claim number for reference.

What to do: Nothing—wait for the next step.

Step 2: Initial Review

A Veteran Service Representative (VSR) reviews your claim to ensure it's complete and determine what's needed.

What to do: Watch for any requests for additional information.

Step 3: Evidence Gathering

VA is collecting evidence for your claim:

  • Requesting military medical records
  • Requesting private medical records (if you submitted authorization)
  • Scheduling C&P examinations
  • Requesting clarification on evidence

What to do: Attend any scheduled exams. Respond promptly to any requests.

Step 4: Evidence Review

VA checks whether all requested evidence has been received. If something is missing, the claim may go back to Step 3.

What to do: Check if any requests are still open. Submit any outstanding items.

Step 5: Rating

Your claim is in the queue for a Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR). The rater reviews all evidence and writes the decision narrative.

What to do: Wait. This step can take weeks to months depending on workload and complexity.

Step 6: Preparing Decision Letter

Your decision letter is being created with ratings, payment amounts, and effective dates.

What to do: You're almost there!

Step 7: Final Review

A senior reviewer checks the decision for accuracy before it's sent.

What to do: Continue waiting—you're very close.

Step 8: Complete

Your claim has been decided. Expect your decision letter within about 2 weeks by mail.

What to do: Check online for your decision—it's usually available before the letter arrives.

View Your Decision Online

Understanding "Requests"

When you check your status, you may see open requests. Common requests include:

Examination Request

A C&P exam has been ordered. You should receive scheduling information from the exam provider.

  • "Exam Request - Open" means VA has requested an exam
  • "Exam Request - Closed" means a contractor accepted the assignment (they'll contact you to schedule)

Records Request

VA is waiting for medical records from an external source.

Development Letter

VA needs additional information from you. Check your mail and VA.gov messages for details.

Why Claims Go Backward

It's normal for claims to move back to earlier steps. Common reasons:

  • Additional evidence was received
  • Examiner needs clarification
  • Rater identified missing development
  • Website display glitches (common)

Don't panic if your claim moves backward—it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong.

Supplemental Claim Status

Supplemental claims display limited status information. You'll typically see either:

  • "We don't know your status"
  • "A reviewer is examining your new evidence"

Either message will remain until the claim is closed—this is normal.

Higher-Level Review Status

HLR claims show limited tracking since they're essentially in the "Rating" step from the start (a DRO reviews existing evidence).

Processing Times

Current average processing times vary based on:

  • Type of claim (initial vs. supplemental vs. HLR)
  • Number and complexity of conditions
  • Whether exams are needed
  • Current VA workload

Check current averages at VA's Monthly Workload Report.

Priority Processing

Some Veterans qualify for expedited processing:

  • Veterans over age 85
  • Terminally ill Veterans
  • Experiencing extreme financial hardship
  • Medal of Honor recipients
  • Former POWs
  • Homeless Veterans
  • ALS diagnosis

Contact VA or your VSO to request priority processing if you qualify.

Tips While Waiting

Don't Obsess Over Status

Constantly checking can increase anxiety. Claims frequently bounce between stages. Consider checking weekly instead of daily.

  • Keep getting treatment—ongoing medical records support your claim
  • Don't submit duplicate evidence—it's already in your file
  • Respond promptly to any VA requests
  • Attend all C&P exams—missing one can result in denial
  • Keep VA updated with your current contact information
  • Check VA.gov messages—important communications may come electronically

What Happens After a Decision

If Approved

  • Back pay deposits within 2-4 weeks of decision
  • Monthly payments begin the month after your effective date
  • Add dependents if applicable for increased compensation

If Denied or Disagree with Rating

You have one year to appeal and preserve your effective date. Options include:

  • Higher-Level Review (no new evidence)
  • Supplemental Claim (with new evidence)
  • Board Appeal

Learn about appeal options →

Official VA Resources

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