When a veteran applies for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, one of the top questions they may have is how long their claim will take. Although various factors can affect the timeline of a VA disability benefits claim, veterans can take proactive steps to help expedite a decision on their application. As a result, understanding what happens in a VA disability application can help a veteran secure the benefits they deserve as promptly as possible under the circumstances of their case.
The VA Claims Timeline
A VA disability benefits claim can take anywhere from a couple of months to over a year from the time of application filing to the final decision, depending on numerous factors. The timeline of a claim can involve several stages:
- Submission: The VA receives the veteran’s application and opens a case file for their claim.
- Review: The VA reviews the veteran’s application and supporting documentation to determine if it requires additional evidence. The VA may contact the veteran to request various records or information.
- C&P exams: Sometimes, the VA may ask a veteran to attend a C&P exam, which can supplement the medical record to help the VA decide the claim.
- Rating decision: Finally, the VA will decide whether the veteran has a qualifying disability and, if so, assign a disability rating to that condition, which determines the veteran’s monthly compensation.
What Causes Delays?
However, a disability benefits application can take longer than average for several reasons. Some of the biggest factors that delay the application process in a VA disability claim include:
- Incomplete application paperwork or entering erroneous information on forms
- Submitting insufficient medical evidence
- Missing a scheduled compensation and pension (C&P) exam
- Failing to respond promptly to the VA’s requests for additional documents or information
- Increased volume of claims at a particular regional office
- Needing to appeal an incorrect decision by the VA
Tips for Getting a Decision Sooner
Veterans can take a proactive approach to moving their disability benefits claim along. A veteran can help move the claims process along by following certain best practices, such as:
- Applying as soon as possible: In many cases, a veteran’s filing date becomes the effective date for their claim, which can affect the process and the amount of back pay they receive.
- Submitting a “fully developed claim”: When a veteran certifies that they have provided the VA with all available evidence, the VA may move the “fully developed” claim ahead in the queue since the department does not need to wait for additional documents or information.
- Obtaining all medical records: Although the VA has a duty to assist veterans with securing records, a veteran can speed up the review process of their claim by obtaining all their records before applying.
- Attending all C&P exams: Veterans should avoid missing C&P exams and contact the VA to reschedule as soon as possible if they cannot attend a scheduled exam.
Can You Speed Up the Claims Process?
The VA offers priority processing to veterans in certain circumstances. Veterans who may qualify for expedited review of their disability benefits claim include:
- Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
- Veterans experiencing extreme financial hardship due to loss of work or a sudden decrease in income
- Veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease) or a terminal illness
- Service members who have received a Very Seriously Injured/Ill or Seriously Injured/Ill designation from the Department of Defense
- Veterans 85 and holder
- Former prisoners of war
- Veterans who have received the Medal of Honor or a Purple Heart
Veterans seeking priority processing must submit supporting documentation proving that they meet one of the above criteria.
Contact a VA Disability Benefits Lawyer Today
Although the VA disability claims process can take months, you can make the process as efficient as possible through proactive steps. Contact Kinman Law Office today for a free case evaluation with a VA disability lawyer to learn more about what to expect during the VA disability benefits process and to get experienced help if you face difficulties in having your application approved.
