If you’ve just applied for veterans disability benefits or have been waiting for a response, you might be wondering how long the process takes. The VA disability claim timeline can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case, but the process lasts an average of 81.1 days as of November 2025, according to the VA.
On this page, the knowledgeable veterans disability attorneys at Rob Levine Law will explain eight internal steps that make up the VA claim process and how they can impact the timeline for a decision.
Step 0: Intent to File - 1 Day to 1 Year
If you plan on filing a physical benefits application, notifying the VA of your intent to file by submitting VA Form 21-0966 can help get you an earlier start date for benefits. This can allow you to receive retroactive payments for the time between when you start your application and when it’s approved.
You have up to a year to file your benefits claim after submitting an Intent to File. During that time, you can gather evidence to strengthen your application, such as service records, medical documents, or so-called “buddy statements.”
When you file a VA disability claim online, your effective date is set for when you start filling out the form, eliminating the need for an intent to file.
Step 1: Claim Received - 7 to 14 Days
Your claim will officially enter the system once the VA receives your formal application, VA Form 21-526EZ. If you apply online, you’ll receive confirmation immediately that your claim has been received. If you apply using a physical form, the VA will send you a letter within about a week of receiving your claim.
Filing a fully developed claim by including all available supporting evidence with your application can help speed up the VA’s decision-making process.
Step 2: Initial Review - 7 to 14 Days
During this step, the VA will review your disability benefits claim to see if it includes all the basic information needed to process it. It’s crucial to ensure your application is in order before this step, as missing key information, such as your name or Social Security number, can create significant delays before the process has even begun.
Step 3: Evidence Gathering, Review, and Association - 30 to 90+ Days
The VA will begin its formal evaluation of your claim by pulling together all the documentation and information it needs to determine whether you’re eligible for veterans disability benefits, including your service and medical records. This is often the longest step in the disability claim timeline.
The VA may ask you to undergo a Compensation & Pension exam to get its own evaluation of your medical condition. These exams can play a pivotal role in whether you are approved for disability benefits, so it’s important to be prepared and understand how to get the best results for your case.
Step 4: Evidence Review - 7 to 30 Days
Step 5: Determining a Rating - 7 to 14 Days
The VA will make a preliminary decision on your claim and assign a disability rating, which will determine the amount of benefits you’ll receive if approved. Disability ratings are calculated based on how severe your medical condition is and how many dependents you have, including your spouse, children, and parents.
Steps 6 & 7: Preparation for Notification & Final Review - 14 to 30 Days
The VA will then prepare your decision letter, which will include your disability rating and other information if your claim is approved. Once the letter is ready, a senior reviewer will conduct a final check of your claim and the decision letter.
Steps 8: Claim Completed and Notification - 7 to 10 Days
At this stage, the VA will mail you its official decision letter. If your claim is approved, the VA will initiate your first monthly payment and a lump sum backpay for the period between your Intent to File and its claim decision. If your claim is denied, the VA’s decision letter will outline the factors that led to its rejection.
If your bid for VA benefits was denied or you received a disability rating that doesn’t fully compensate you for your condition, an experienced veterans disability lawyer with Rob Levine Law can help you challenge the decision and get the outcome you deserve. Win or no fee™, that’s the Fee Free Guarantee®.
Contact us online or call (800) 742-3920 today for a free consultation.
