What Is The Average Wait Time For VA Disability Claim?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The VA estimates that it takes them

94 days

to review a VA application. However, many cases take much longer than that. Here are some factors that can shorten or extend the time it takes to reach a decision: Type of claim filed.

How do I expedite my VA claim?

In order to apply for expedited treatment of your claim, you'll need

a documented diagnosis and status of your illness to provide to the VA

. Records regarding hospice care may also be submitted as further supporting documentation.

How can I speed up my VA claim?

  1. Respond quickly and thoroughly to any requests for documentation.
  2. Do not submit incomplete information.
  3. Do not submit irrelevant information. All information you submit requires review and possibly an examination which could slow down the process.

Why is VA taking so long with my claim?

There are several factors that go into the long wait for claims to be approved. First and foremost,

the number of new claims being filed is contributing to the backlog

. … This adds to the number of previous claims already pending through the VA. Take the state of North Carolina for instance.

How long are VA claims taking in 2021?

2021 Average VA Claim Timelines

Your VA disability claim will likely take

90 to 120 days from submission to rating decision

although it could take longer if the VA needs to track down important evidence on your behalf.

Can the VA help pay rent?

The Inc. … If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, Veterans Inc. provides direct services and financial assistance to help search for housing, assist with initial rent costs, and pay for certain bills related to back rent or utilities. If you are a veteran in need of services, please

call 800-482-2565

.

How long does it take for the VA to review evidence?

However, you can expect to wait months to receive a decision or a request for more evidence. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it takes

111.5 days on average

to complete a disability-related claim (as of April 2019). Importantly, veterans may experience longer or shorter wait-periods.

What is the VA 5 year rule?

The VA disability 5-year rule says that

a Veteran cannot have their rating reduced if their condition has not improved in the first 5 years after they received their initial rating for the condition

.

How far does VA disability back pay?

This is within the 1-year mark, so his date of eligibility for VA Disability Back Pay is his date of separation. It takes another 9 months before the VA's Rating Decision is reached. Ben will receive VA Disability Back Pay for the entire

18 months

between his date of separation and the VA's rating decision.

What are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?

  • Tinnitus.
  • Limitation of flexion (knee)
  • Hearing loss.
  • Lumbosacral or cervical strain (back and neck strains)
  • Limitation of arm motion.
  • General scars.

What to do if VA claim is taking too long?

If you have been waiting this long for a decision on a BVA Appeal, it's time to consider

filing a Motion to Advance or a Petition for Writ of Mandamus

. After existing for 150+ years, the process for applying for VA Disability benefits should be so straightforward that it shouldn't take years to adjudicate these claims.

How do I get a 100% VA rating?

  1. You must be a Veteran.
  2. You must have at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher OR.
  3. Two or more service-connected with at least one rated at 40% or more with a combined rating of 70% or more.

How do I know if my VA claim was approved?

You can check the status of your VA claim, appeal, or

decision review on VA.gov

. You'll need to sign in first with DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me. If you don't have any of these accounts, you can get one now. If you need help, please call us at 800-827-1000.

Are VA claims backlogged?

First, unprecedented claims processing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a current claims backlog of

approximately 180,000

, more than double its pre-COVID-19 backlog levels.

How hard is it to get a 100 VA disability rating?

It can be tricky to earn a 100% disability rating when a veteran has more than one disability. Combining two or more disabilities is a complicated process in which 50% plus 50% does not equal 100% but, rather,

75%

. In fact, the closer a veteran gets to a 100% disability rating, the harder it seems to be to obtain one.

What percentage of VA disability claims are approved?

The Board of Veterans' Appeals Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 indicated that the VA disability appeals success rate for veterans was

35.75 percent

. Specifically, out of 85,288 decisions issued, 30,492 were allowed, or granted.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.