How long does it take to to process a disability claim after you left the military?

SPC Andrew Lucas — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:41:07 -0400

So i was stupid and waited until I got out to start a disability claim with the VA, how long does it normally take to even get a response from them? Ive been waiting about 2 months now and the only thing I've got back from them is a letter in the mail stating that my paperwork is being processed and that i shouldn't contact them about it. Is that normal? What should I do now?

Response by CPL David Salazar made Jun 9 at 2015 3:42 PM

CPL David Salazar — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:42:24 -0400

Message me.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 9 at 2015 3:48 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:48:36 -0400

Should arrive about the same time as your death benefits package, a year after you are in the ground. :-)

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 9 at 2015 3:48 PM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:48:53 -0400

Mine took 2.5 years, enjoy the ride.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made Jun 9 at 2015 3:49 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:49:03 -0400

I've been through the process twice. There are several things that determine how fast things go with the claim, some of those you can control, some you can't.

The important thing is to do everything you can to help the VA make the decision more quickly.

Not to discourage you, but my first claim took several years back in the late 90s. My most recent one was just completed and it was started a year ago.

Here is my advice to you:

First, get a premium eBenefits account set up if you don't have one. You can track the status, upload documents, and more.

Second, be patient. It takes time.

Third, make sure you provide them with as much information as possible. I uploaded way more than I thought was necessary and had them say some stuff wasn't needed. However, it is better to give them 3 pieces of documentation of service in the middle east than 1 and have them lose it.

Fourth, be patient.

Fifth, show up to any and all appointments. I have heard of people losing out on benefits because the missed an appointment or failed to get paperwork back to the VA in time. That won't disqualify you from benefits, but it will make the process much longer.

Some people swear by getting help from a veteran's organization, but I went through the process both times without help and had nearly everything I asked for service connected. I didn't need to work the system, though, because I claimed legitimate issues that I had documentation in my service medical record or were presumptive conditions.

Last, in case you missed it, be patient. You should be able to get treatment from the VA while your claim is pending. eBenefits was a big help for me. It does a lot more than just help you keep track of your claim. I would suggest getting that running first if you haven't already.

Response by CPT Topher Murphy made Jun 9 at 2015 4:36 PM

CPT Topher Murphy — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:36:28 -0400

Where are you filing? What state? Medical? Psychological? Are all your records with the VA?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 7:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:14:54 -0400

That letter you received is standard, I received one every month until my entire claim was processed and completed. If you used the Fully Developed Claim it takes an average of 90-140 days. A standard claim can take upwards to 254 days and/or upwards of 12-18 months.

By definition, a “Fully Developed Claim” is one submitted with ALL of the evidence which would be required to prove the claim, EXCEPT FEDERAL RECORDS such as service medical records and VA treatment records.

When you turned in your request for a claim, did you fill out/turn in Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs)? DBQs are questionnaires a veteran may provide to a local VA or non-VA physician for each type of disability a veteran is claiming. If completed properly, VA can utilize the DBQ in lieu of a VA compensation and pension examination.

The time for an average C&P exam to be scheduled can be 45 days or more w/o the use of DBQs.(I had appts from Nov 2014 - Mar 2015) More than likely you will be waiting for C&P exams by a VA doctor. Whatever you do, do not miss an appointment. I don't care if you have to stop the earth revolving, do not miss the appointment! They tried to tell me I missed an appointment and tried to give me a bunch of grief about it. I had all my appointment printouts, who I talked to, why it was cancelled and rescheduled. Apparently someone on their end didn't update their part. Keep vigilant.

I submitted a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claim 180 days before my retirement date of July 30, 2014 and still had appointments going thru Mar 2015. On May 11, 2015, I got a letter from the VA stating my claim was complete and what percentage I was. I got my first monthly distribution May 1 and then all the back pay came in a whopping total $20K paid in several installments and last installment was June 2. Just a note, when I submitted my claim it was right before the whole Phoenix VA scandal exploded in the media in the month of April.

Next question, did you get a representative from DAV, AMVETS, VFW, Legion to help with with your claims process? If you didn't it's going to suck calling that 1-800 number.(you can still get one, it's never to late to get a representative) And you did register and have an eBenefits portal account? If you do that's great you can sort of keep track on your progress. Keep in mind that the updates are not real time on eBenefits.

Within the portal you have access to MyHealthyVet. Within MHV, you can download the notes after you complete each exam appointment within 48-72 hours(approx).

But good luck on your claims, keep on it, it's going to be frustrating sometimes.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 7:19 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:19:12 -0400

You said it yourself, you waited too long to start. Too many times, service members get out without sticking to the timeline buried deep in VA regulations for filing claims before you get out. You should have started 9 months before you got out to start your last round of physicals.

Expect on average of a 6-9 month delay.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 7:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:28:24 -0400

I applied in 2002. I had all my eggs in my basket and was designated 100% in six months. But, that was long before the Middle East wars really heated up so there weren't as many apps as there are now. I'll give you a huge tip. If you get turned down, DO NOT, ask for an appeal, ask for a reconsideration. If you ask for an appeal, your paperwork goes on the bottom of the files asking for an appeal. If you ask for a reconsideration, it goes to the main office for evaluation. Get you a service officer. I used the DAV. At my VA, there are service officers in the VA. They keep up with the progress of your app. They are like a power of attorney. You authorize them to file your paperwork, and they will keep you updated on the progress or the lack thereof. If your VA doesn't have service officers, you can go to the American Legion, DAV, VFW and they are supposed to have service officers in their locations. That's about all I can tell you.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 8:41 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 20:41:50 -0400

My paperwork hit the VA this past April. They have until Feb 2016 to finish my claim. so if you want them to be thorough, be patient. The VA does not work in warp speed.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jun 9 at 2015 9:48 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:48:57 -0400

About a year
Just make sure you have all your paperwork

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made Jun 9 at 2015 9:56 PM

SGT Nathan Huff — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:56:03 -0400

you probably wont hear from them for at least one to two more months. it will probably take up to 9 months for your claim to be completed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 10:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 22:13:03 -0400

Andrew, can I be nosy and ask what your claim or claims are?

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Jun 9 at 2015 10:21 PM

MSgt Jamie Lyons — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 22:21:30 -0400

Mine took 10 months start to finish. They seem to be averaging 9-12 months barring any 'problems'.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 9 at 2015 10:28 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 22:28:44 -0400

Short answer, too dang long.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 10 at 2015 1:16 AM

SSG John Jensen — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:16:41 -0400

2.5 yrs for the 50%, then 1.5 for the 70%, then 4 mos. for the 100% - i had a mental breakdown right before i received the 70% - my medical retirement took way to long - and my boss was one who tries to make people go postal , 4 yrs later they're still complaining about him

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Jun 14 at 2015 9:54 AM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 09:54:51 -0400

I was surprised about two years ago when a neighbor came to see me with his adjudicated claim. He was discharged 30 days before and got his disability that fast. Here at Ft. Bragg and for Camp Lejeune, VA partnered with DOD and established IDES (Integrated Disability Evaluation Service) where soldiers and Marines are seen by VA providers prior to their discharge and a claim is begun. Another young soldier down the street got his adjudicated about 7 months after discharge. In my household, we've been receiving VA benefits for many years. When we filed for an increase, we were surprised to have it adjudicated in 13 months.

Unfortunately these examples are just a small fraction of the number of claims they process, as well as these do not give you any better answer to your question. One area which we as veterans seem to get caught up is requesting our Congressman to intercede. There are a few successful stories of when they do, but many, many more unsuccessful cases. I suggest not getting them involved until you are about 18 months out. You can find some great information from a web site, http://www.VAWatchdog.org. Jim Stricklen provides "on point" information concerning various stages of the claims process.

Response by MSG James Crowell made Mar 20 at 2016 1:19 PM

MSG James Crowell — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 13:19:06 -0400

i left on July 2000 and was warded my VA benefits on Aug 2013 for being 100% TDiU PnT but only back paid to May 2010

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Dec 20 at 2017 5:37 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:37:35 -0500

You will have to be scheduled for a medical evaluation by the VA first Wish you would have contacted me first as I would gave recommended you make an appt with DAV rep to become your advocate and assist.