The process of applying for VA disability benefits involves multiple steps. In a disability benefits claim, Step 5 arguably represents the most important stage of the process, as this stage determines the rating of a veteran’s disability. Veterans going through the claims process should understand each step to know what to expect as the VA handles their application.
Overview of the VA Disability Claims Process
The VA disability benefits claims process involves eight steps:
- Claim received: The VA will notify the veteran that it has received the claim for disability benefits.
- Initial review: The VA checks the application for basic information and contacts the veteran for any missing information.
- Evidence gathering: The VA reviews the claim to determine whether it has all the evidence and information needed to assess it. The VA may gather additional evidence or information by asking the veteran to submit it, requesting information from the veteran’s medical providers, obtaining evidence from VA records, or scheduling a compensation and pension (C&P) examination.
- Evidence review: A claims reviewer will review the evidence and, if necessary, return the claim to Step 3 to gather more information.
- Rating: The VA decides the veteran’s claim and, if they have an eligible condition, determines their disability rating.
- Preparing the decision letter: The VA drafts the letter notifying the veteran of the outcome of their application. When the VA approves the claim, the decision letter will advise the veteran of their disability rating, the amount of their monthly payments, and the date when payments will start.
- Final review: A senior reviewer conducts a final check of the claim and the decision letter.
- Claim decided: The VA uploads the decision letter online for the veteran to access and also mails a physical copy to the veteran’s address.
What Is Step 5?
At Step 5 of a VA disability benefits claim, the VA decides whether an applicant qualifies for disability benefits and, if so, assigns a disability rating. At this step, the claims reviewer will assess whether the applicant has a service-connected disability. For applicants with service-connected disabilities, claims reviewers will use medical evidence to determine a veteran’s disability rating under the criteria in the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The claims reviewer will also determine the veteran’s monthly compensation based on their disability rating and the dependents in their household, using family information supplied by the veteran.
Why Is Step 5 Important?
Step 5 determines whether a veteran will receive VA disability benefits and, if so, how much monthly compensation or other VA benefits they will receive. The determinations made during Step 5 will determine what the VA communicates to the veteran in the decision letter. However, mistakes in determining a veteran’s eligibility or disability rating can affect their compensation.
What Veterans Should Do During Step 5
During Step 5, veterans can monitor the status of their claim on the VA’s website. When a claim reaches Step 5, it usually means the VA has all the information it needs and will decide whether to approve the veteran’s benefits claim. Veterans should also monitor their claim via the VA’s website to check for any correspondence or digital notifications, such as requests for more information.
Contact Our VA Disability Attorneys Today
When you file a VA disability benefits claim, knowing what to expect at each stage can help mitigate the anxiety of waiting for a decision. Contact Kinman Law Office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a VA disability attorney to learn more about what happens at Step 5 of a VA disability benefits claim and what to expect during the remainder of the claims process.
