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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Mine took 2.5 years, enjoy the ride.