How long is too long to wait for a claim response? Two years?

2022-03-19T12:13:44-04:00

1st time using this RP system... I have a claim that was filed in Nov. 2020, is it normal to still be waiting for an answer for this long? All of my other claims have been responded to, there is just this one lingering claim out there, I feel like it's lost in the system some how.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2022 12:37 PM

2022-03-19T12:37:29-04:00

A1C Rozlynn White - You don't say who you gave Power of Attorney to for your claim... so If it was the VA, then you need to send your VA POA a request for information and make sure you include their VA File number... If your POA is the DAV or VFW or some other Veteran Organization, then follow that path with your POA... Two years is way too long for a response...
Kerry Harkins,
Commander
DAV Chapter 90
Norwood, MA

Response by MSG Roy Cheever made Mar 19 at 2022 5:28 PM

2022-03-19T17:28:34-04:00

Question why it was not responded to. Resubmitt!
Squeakiest wheel gets oiled first.
Plus and maybe first listen to what SGT Harkins is saying. Use advocates when you can.

Response by A1C Rozlynn White made Mar 21 at 2022 10:01 AM

2022-03-21T10:01:07-04:00

From my POA, "The BVA docketed the appeal 1/16/21 and you'd have rec'd a letter that on average, a decision would come in 365 days. Unfortunately, the BVA has been falling behind and I am seeing decisions at the 18-20 month mark. So, I am estimating a decision July-Sept window."

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 21 at 2022 1:31 PM

2022-03-21T13:31:22-04:00

Get an advocate, DAV, VFW, Am Legion, etc. you may have to re-submit.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 22 at 2022 4:42 PM

2022-03-22T16:42:16-04:00

Have you verified in ebenefits and the VA website that the claim is still pending?

Check there and see what the status is listed as. But to answer your question 2 years is way too long

Response by PVT Brian Desormeaux made Mar 23 at 2022 8:47 AM

2022-03-23T08:47:07-04:00

The VA has been in the process of rewriting and finalizing rating schedules. If one of your issues fell into a group that was being changed, this could have possibly hindered their completion. Two years is a long time without any update, though. I personally have an appeal going, that has been lingering for 15yrs.

Response by PVT Brian Desormeaux made Mar 23 at 2022 10:54 AM

2022-03-23T10:54:08-04:00

Also, can always call the hotline.
https://www.va.gov/ve/whvahotline.asp

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by MSG Roy Cheever made Jun 15 at 2022 11:11 PM

2022-06-15T23:11:22-04:00

Go back to your V A Officer and ask why. Keep in mind the present administration is saying how much they are doing in all areas of government and the economy.
You have not failed but the government (presently) is failing many. Re submit, even call to ask the status knowing they will say some excuse, and then say to you re-submit.

Response by SGT Kerry Sommers made Sep 27 at 2023 8:50 PM

2023-09-27T20:50:07-04:00

I hope you are an outlier but you are probably not. So sad. Par for the VA course

Response by Cristina Johnson made Oct 2 at 2024 5:28 AM

2024-10-02T05:28:26-04:00

I noticed that many veterans are asking this question, so I decided to find out what the process of a VA disability claim is.
According to the VA, the average time it takes to finalize a disability-related claim is approximately 5 to 6 months, as recent data indicates.
The duration of the review process varies based on several factors:
- The nature of the claim filed
- The number and complexity of the injuries or disabilities claimed
- The time required by the VA to gather the necessary evidence for a decision
In the meantime, all you can do is wait.
Should the VA require additional information, they will issue a letter requesting it. If you are scheduled for any exams, it's crucial not to miss them.
You can track the status of your claim online at:
https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/
Once you submit your claim, you will receive a message indicating that it has been received.
If you file online, an on-screen message will be sent to you upon submission.
If you submit your claim by mail, you should expect to receive a letter confirming receipt of your claim within about a week, plus the time it takes for the letter to be processed.
Following claim receipt, the Initial review phase begins.
During this stage, the VA verifies basic information about you, such as your name and Social Security number. Should any information be missing, the VA will contact you to request it.
Next, the process moves to evidence gathering.
This step involves reviewing the evidence you submitted. Typically, the VA collects information through various means, including:
- Asking you to undergo a claim examination
- Requesting your medical records from a private healthcare provider
- Gathering evidence from your VA records
This phase is often the most time-consuming.
After the evidence-gathering phase, the review of the evidence continues. If the VA requires additional evidence or you submit more, your claim will return to this phase, potentially prolonging the review process.
Following the evidence review, the rating phase begins.
This is when the VA determines your disability rating.
After the rating phase, the decision letter is issued.
If you are eligible for disability benefits, this letter will detail your disability rating, the amount of your monthly payments, and the start date of your payments.
A senior reviewer conducts a final review of your claim, followed by the issuance of the decision letter.
Once the final decision is made, you can review and download it through the claim status tool, or you will receive a copy of the decision letter by mail.
This is the general process for disability claims. However, it's important to note that the duration of the process can be longer depending on the complexity of your claim.

Check your VA claim, decision review, or appeal status | Veterans Affairs

Find out how to check the status of certain VA claims, decision reviews, or appeals online.