VA Claims: Moving from PREPARATION FOR DECISION to COMPLETION. How long?

SGT Justin Singleton — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 10:55:55 -0500

My VA claim has finally suddenly moved to "Preparation for Decision" after, of course, a very long process. I had missed my C&P Exam because I was out of the country when they scheduled it and when the date hit (they could not legally change the date to two weeks later because it was outside of a certain time frame). After requesting that the claim be reopened in July, I called my congressman (John Boehner). It was finally reopened in November, and I got a call a couple of weeks ago that my claim was being "expedited" and that they wanted to reschedule my C&P. That is now done, and my claim has moved to this stage (5 of 7). I'm just curious to know how others have seen this transition. How long did your claim take to move from this fifth step to completion?

Response by PO1 Chris Crawley made Jan 3 at 2015 10:58 AM

PO1 Chris Crawley — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 10:58:29 -0500

I am quite unusual. I must have caught the North Texas VA people when they were bored. I retired 1/31/2010, and was getting my disability checks by 4/1/2010.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 11:17 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 11:17:53 -0500

SGT Justin Singleton I'll be honest - I don't know enough about your specific file to throw rocks at. Here's what I always suggest: Find a Veterans Service Organization (VFW,DAV, AL, etc) talk to their Service Officer and sign the VA form 21-22 to permit the organization to look at your file as it is being processed. Relying on the VA's website to tell you where you are in the process is foolhardy. In my most recent argument with the VA the VA website had me in the 'Preparation for Decision' for nearly 4 months AFTER I had a decision letter in my hand. It took another 8 or 9 months for the VA website to finally catch up to reality. Additionally, during the entire process for my claim, the status actually went back and forth between two specific statuses 3 separate times with no reason given. If I had not had given the VFW my POA (the VA form 21-22) I would have never know what was going on....

As I have said before: "Never deal with the VA alone! Find a Service Officer with one of the Veterans Service Organizations and use that Service Officer as your advocate. Get an Advocate!"

And did I mention you should get an ADVOCATE?

Response by Sgt Dale Cusack made Jan 3 at 2015 1:04 PM

Sgt Dale Cusack — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 13:04:55 -0500

Working through an American Legion service officer, my claim was submitted in April 2014, I had my exam on September 19 and received my first payment on September 25, 2014. I may be atypical but my service officer was very thorough in getting the appropriate data to file so the claim went through quickly.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jan 3 at 2015 2:17 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:17:07 -0500

great topic, I've noticed PO1 Private RallyPoint Member & Sgt Dale Cusack mention Service Officer & Service Advocate - do you SGT Justin Singleton have someone in your corner like this that's helping you?

.....can someone share more knowledge on this topic of advocates.....more specific information, like is there a published list? Where can I point my Soldiers that are exiting the military to get the help they might need?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 2:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:17:52 -0500

SGT Justin Singleton, mine was a Benefits Delivered at Discharge(BDD) claim. Typical it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to be completed from the time I retired, July 14, 2014. 5 months have passed and as of 2 weeks ago, I am at the status you are are at "Preparation for Decision" and a development letter was sent, to who I don't know. Again it could one of those strange anomalies that PO1 Private RallyPoint Member may have mentioned and the page is not updated. As my AMVET VSO explained, watching the eBenefits portal is like looking at a "best guess estimator". Currently my estimated claim completion date lies between Mar 3 and Jun 30 2015.

I put in my claim 120 days before separation(Apr 2014)(VA says claims can be submitted within 180 days of separation), it was estimated my case would be complete by April 2015, in October it was estimated to be complete in Sep 2015. I was done by the 1st week of Dec with my C&P appointments, my status change to Jul 2015 until the current status as it stands now.

For me, "Preparing for a decision" means the VSR is probably working on the actual decision letter. My only glitch in my claim is a hearing test was requested by the Dr's even though it was not something I had originally submitted be looked at for the claims process. That fact that "TBI" was in my paperwork is what prompted the hearing test. I thought it would change the Mar-Jun 2015 dates, it did not.

VA website says average time for this phase is like 15-28 days. I've heard from some people sometimes they update the award letter before you get your physical letter. Many people find out early this way. Hopefully you will have an answer on your claim shortly.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 3 at 2015 4:16 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:16:38 -0500

I filed my VA claim in August 2011, and the outcome is still pending as of Jan 2015, more than 3 years later. I have an American Legion service officer overseeing the process as well. I checked in with him last month and he estimated it will take approx 2 more years for my decision. This would mean about 5 1/2 total years from submission to decision in my case.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 3 at 2015 7:13 PM

SGT Justin Singleton — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 19:13:11 -0500

Update: It has today moved to the next step in the process, "Pending Decision Approval." The last two steps are "Send Notification Letter" and "Complete." Thanks all for the advice...it looks like it is moving faster than I had thought it would!

Response by SGT James Sedlacek made Jan 4 at 2015 3:17 PM

SGT James Sedlacek — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 15:17:29 -0500

My situation was different from this in several ways. I had a Med-Board from the Army for one and only one disability. This happened so fast that I did not get other things documented well in the military system before I was out. I had several disabilities, though. I wrote them all up on the VA paperwork at TAP/ETS briefings which were all pretty informative, but rapid.

I filled out my claim with the VA rep at the Army post and got a decision letter about the time my ETS 90-day period was up. It included only the item from the Med-Board decision and two others that were easy to test for and include. Most of them were simply denied due to lack of records, although they were related to the incident that caused my Med-Board. I've been treated for several of these "denied" items repeatedly in the VA Health care system. I've attempted multiple claims through the VA. The first one was through the county's office. That one (the permanent disability part) never went anywhere, due to inability to service-connect things, and I knew I had a good rep there who was also a disabled vet. I was able to get temporary 100% through that rep for surgeries spaced out over the next two years, though.

I moved to a different county and that rep left the area anyway, so after a few more treatments for the "denied" parts, and some new ones I was then being treated for, I put in another claim this time with VFW. This one had just as much trouble as the first one, "service-connection" issues.

I pretty much gave up and began a new career in teaching, and didn't have time for 3 appts/week, so I let some things slide. I just "made do" the best I could, avoided whatever hurt the most, and worked my butt off. After a year-and-a-half of that, I was falling over and having severe migraines along with vertigo and nausea. I kept toughing it out to see what was making it worse or better. My Primary care referred me to TBI hearing, TBI eye clinic and Neurology. My neurologist was puzzled by the fact my migraines were one-sided, and by the stimulation for them. TBI sent me to a special eye clinic to see if they could help with eye strain. Apparently I was sensitive to the projector light bulb. I thought "what's new?" so the VA gave me glasses with a blue filter, which helped. They also changed the direction of focus for my right eyeball which was skewed from normal. Each eye was better than 20/20, but I had trouble seeing one image, therefore everything was "fuzzy".

Next my neurologist made a connection between several of the things I was being treated for, but had my claim denied. She connected these to the one-sided migraine and the crooked aim of my right eyeball. Since these things now were seen to have a common cause, I put in a another claim, through The Order of the Purple Heart (another VA service not as well known as VFW), pointing to the commonality in the cause behind four apparently unrelated things. My claim went through this time, with 3 of the 5 elements having always been on every claim before, and this was 8 years after the initial claim. I don't know if it was the 2 new ones added, or the fact that common thread connected them all that made the difference, or maybe it was my rep.

All I can say is proving service connectedness is difficult at best when you don't know what is specifically wrong, and if you get mis-diagnosed anywhere in the process. In my case my new claim that was approved resulted in two older diagnoses dropping off. They were replaced by more accurate ones that were explanatory for many symptoms, rather than being merely based on a single symptom.

I never got any back pay, though.

Response by Sgt Christopher Collins made Jan 4 at 2015 6:37 PM

Sgt Christopher Collins — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 18:37:00 -0500

I have a claim in since May 2014....and in the same phase as yours is. I went through the DAV in filing mine.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 8 at 2015 1:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:36:30 -0400

The VA is notorious for rescheduling or scheduling my appointments.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 9 at 2015 10:28 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 10:28:29 -0400

My VA claim has been pending since July 2011...so, 4 years. I am told the decision will be made within the next 2 years.

Response by Sgt Luis Santiago made Aug 19 at 2015 11:14 AM

Sgt Luis Santiago — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 11:14:14 -0400

but the date of completion was moved to 2016 and 2017

Response by Cpl Anthony Burks made Sep 23 at 2015 12:50 PM

Cpl Anthony Burks — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:50:31 -0400

I also am having my claim expedited at this time and my claim on Ebene states that it is Preparation for decision... I am now 80% and my current claim is for IU and PTSD increase... I am also deemed disabled through my state so that should help the VA make its decision. But I also am wondering how long the final decision should take since my claim is being expedited?

Response by MCPO Robert Aldrich made Oct 23 at 2015 9:04 AM

MCPO Robert Aldrich — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 09:04:59 -0400

The allegation that claims personnel get bonuses based on how many claims they deny is very serious in my opinion. Is there factual documetation that this is, or has happened?

Response by PO1 Theresa Aldrich made Nov 22 at 2015 7:45 AM

PO1 Theresa Aldrich — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 07:45:03 -0500

This is the most common question we get on VA claims forums. I'm sorry to say there is no hard and fast rule. The standard answer is it depends and to long. I wish there was a concrete answer I could give you. You may to check out our Success Stories forums lots of folks post there when they win and you may be able to glean some information from those posts. Here's a link to VA claims success stories forum http://community.hadit.com/forum/14-success-stories/

Response by PFC Mark Witek made Dec 7 at 2015 8:46 AM

PFC Mark Witek — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 08:46:45 -0500

Mine just went to Preparation for Decision just this morning I will let you know exactly how long before I hear something.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Dec 9 at 2015 12:06 PM

GySgt Moses Lozano — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 12:06:12 -0500

It will just happen all of a sudden. My VA claim was approved for 9 months before I got notified of my status but don't worry they will give whatever back pay you rate too.

Response by SGT Stacy Moody made Dec 10 at 2015 12:22 PM

SGT Stacy Moody — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:22:06 -0500

2 wEEKS

Response by SSG Michael Garner made Dec 15 at 2015 11:19 PM

SSG Michael Garner — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 23:19:29 -0500

I am in the same boat. I was just updated on ebenifits to Preparation for Decision 2 weeks ago on Dec 1st 2015. What is the avg time from that phase to completion?

Response by SSG Ed Gallon made Dec 22 at 2015 6:04 PM

SSG Ed Gallon — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:04:36 -0500

week 3 :/

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 10:26 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 22:26:07 -0500

I am at 75 days since retirement, packet moved to preparation for decision phase about 45 days ago and my VSO has basically told me that I need to just "sit back and wait." Although it is difficult for me to do, after reading some of the discussion points on this board, I would say that I am not in quite as bad of a situation as many others on here. I just wonder if anyone has had dealings with the Nashville RSO and what their track record is for timely processing?

Response by Cpl Jason Bainbridge made Jan 21 at 2016 12:04 PM

Cpl Jason Bainbridge — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 12:04:13 -0500

My claim was in PFD on Friday, then on Saturday morning, changed back to Review of Evidence. I was told it did that because of a new DBQ that was submitted. It is a multi-issue claim that has 3 new claims and an increase. No new C&P's were scheduled, and it went to PFD. I'm hoping that this isn't a sign of a denial. Hopefully it goes back to PFD soon. It has been back in Review of Evidence for almost a week now......ugh!

Response by PO2 Anthony Brown made Jan 24 at 2016 11:48 AM

PO2 Anthony Brown — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 11:48:15 -0500

I filed back in Jan 12 2012 and went through the NOD phase, request DRO review and after 4 years finally granted my appeal and raised my compensation to 60 percent. I faxed my SOC letting them know I was happy with the decision and requested to discontinue the appeal process and have the start the adjudication and promulgated stage. So hopefully goes quickly, because they already granted me partial grant. Just hopefully they don't lolly gag around. The sooner the better. Any thoughts or anyone in this boat waiting for a final completion? Thoughts!

Response by PO3 David Dibble made Feb 12 at 2016 12:34 AM

PO3 David Dibble — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 00:34:10 -0500

The first time it took about a week, the second time December 23rd 2015 and today 02/12/2016, it is still there. The first time they did not look at any of the evidence I submitted. I asked for a reconsideration within two weeks of getting the denial and it was granted. In both cases there was no C & P exam scheduled by the VA even though I requested one. My disability is only PTSD.

Response by SFC Alex Kennedy made Apr 7 at 2016 7:40 PM

SFC Alex Kennedy — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 19:40:22 -0400

I am submitting a FDC for back, neck, and shoulder pain and PTSD. I've had shoulder surgery, but I have not been treated for the PTSD. Do I need to see a doctor to evaluate my conditions beforehand or should I file and see if the VA requests exams? I am in the Philippines and seeing a doctor is not easy, and I don't have money for expensive tests. I am also waiting for my DD 214. If I add the DD 214 and doctors evaluations after filing, will this cause the claim status to change from FDC to regular status, and thereby delay processing?

Response by SPC Edward Leach made Jun 3 at 2016 11:22 AM

SPC Edward Leach — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 11:22:25 -0400

Hi Sarge, Have you had any forward movement on your claim? I am a Vietnam Veteran, and originally filed for 100% Service Connect in 1995. The VA had no record of my orders to Vietnam (they were classified Secret) and instead put me on pension. It took almost 20 years, but my Congressman was able to procure a copy of my orders to RV. I applied again in 11/2014 using eBenefits, but the system was not up and running. I reapplied on 3/27/2015 and my claim status has changed several times. August 2015 I added my sleep apnea, which kicked the status back to GOE. I finally progressed to Preparation for Decision due by 6/21/2016, when yesterday it went back to Review of Evidence....estimated completion 8/22/2016. Has anyone else had there status go from Preparation to Decision back to Review of Evidence? Thank you any and all who can help! "Doc"

Response by TSgt Marion Cochran made Sep 7 at 2016 1:10 PM

TSgt Marion Cochran — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:10:19 -0400

I initially applied for Disability through a DAV Rep. and the claim opened on ebenefits on 4/29/16. Went to my CP exam on 8th and 9th of Aug. Just noticed that my claim changed status to "Preparation for Decision" on 2 Sept. Just wanted to post, if anyone is interested in following how long it might take. They do list the estimated dates for finishing as 26 Sept. to 23 Oct.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2016 2:43 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 02:43:02 -0400

Mine went to Preparation for Decision on 29 August 16 and still waiting. You would think that since this is the "paperwork prep" phase that it wouldn't take that long as a rating has been determined for the most part. When this change happened my completion dates also changed from 29 Aug to 15 October to 30 September to 30 November. I applied using BDD in February through DAV, had my C/P exams in April. QTC left off one of my major conditions, then tried to blame it on the VA which had it listed on my claim. Finally got an evaluation for that mid May. Then in late June (the day before I was to leave for a job interview and visit family) I was contacted by QTC asking why I didn't go to the appointment. I told them I did, even gave a complete play by play of what occurred in the appointment. They said they would contact the doctor and later that day called up and said the doctors assistant didn't have a record of me showing up. I called the doctor he said he remembered me and had sent the paperwork to QTC, and he had two assistants that worked for him, one in his office and one in his lab, and they probably contacted the one in the lab. Called QTC, they were now extremely apologetic and fast tracked me into an appointment at a doctor in the location I was traveling. I've spoken with several people who were sent to QTC for C&P exams and others that were sent to VA hospitals. It seems that those going through QTC with similar conditions get their decisions slower than those using VA hospitals. Of course comparing VA claims is not like comparing apples to apples because each claim is unique.

Response by PO3 Stephanie Matlock made Sep 15 at 2016 1:01 PM

PO3 Stephanie Matlock — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:01:27 -0400

I have filed a few claims over the years and my last claim I filed January 12th, 2016. I had my C&P exam on February 4th, 2016 and it went to PFD around the middle of March 2016. I sat there for a few weeks before it started bouncing between Pending Decision Approval back to Preparation for Decision to Pending for Notification. All of that in a matter of a few days and my claim closed on March 29th, 2016 and I was awarded what I claimed.

I did that while I had an NOD pending too! My DRO hearing was scheduled for February 26th, 2016.

Now I just submitted another claim on July 12th, 2016 and I had the C&P exam on August 26th, 2016 and a few days ago I went to Preparation for Decision.

I have to say it usually doesn't take long but keep in mind if there is anything the rater needs an answer to, it will bounce back to Gathering of Evidence.

Response by CPO Randy Gasser made Dec 17 at 2016 5:03 PM

CPO Randy Gasser — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 17:03:05 -0500

Unless there is something in your record that stand out or raises red flags that the examiner missed, it shouldn't be too long. Mine just moved to that stage this past week, and I called my VSO, they looked up my cases, and it has already been done, now awaiting the big brown envelope. As others have said or implied, making judgement calls on what you see in eBenefits is not wise. They are called a VSO for a reason.

Response by CPO Randy Gasser made Dec 21 at 2016 10:44 PM

CPO Randy Gasser — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 22:44:44 -0500

Mine moved to Preparation for Decision on 12/16/2016, and I received a phone call from the VA the same day to schedule me for a C&P Exam. I called the VSO handling the claim and found out that the VA awarded me partial decision on some of the items claimed, and deferred 4 of them pending the upcoming C&P Exam. I was told it could up to 10 days for eBenefits to be updated so I can see the actually Disability Rating, the A8/A4 letters. They said I might even receive the BBE in the mail before eBenefits is updated.

Response by CW2 Antonio Mallicott made Jan 27 at 2017 7:59 PM

CW2 Antonio Mallicott — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:59:52 -0500

Antonio Mallicott, waiting on new decision on back operation with service connection.

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Feb 27 at 2017 2:41 PM

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 14:41:57 -0500

This is an old thread; but, I did want to add something I learned. My C&P exam was just last week and my status is now "Preparation for Decision".

Of course being anxious for news I called both my VSO and VA directly. Neither were helpful. But, I did login to myhealthyvet and was able to see the exam notes from my C&P exam.

So at least now I know what was recommended. While it still may be some time before they move forward one way or the other I know what's there.

So if you are in this phase -- look there. If the notes aren't in your favor start preparing for the possible unfavorable news.

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Mar 22 at 2017 9:21 AM

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:21:10 -0400

Claim submitted Jan 9th, 2017. I had a C&P exam scheduled on Feb 12th and on Feb 13th it went to "Preparation for Decision" where it still stays.

Reading these forums I see quite a varied bit of experience utilizing VSO services. I have the DAV as mine; but, truth be told they haven't done anything for me. I"ve done all this on my own.

Is there something they should be doing on my behalf? I've called them and all they do is reiterate what ebenefits says which is:

Estimated Completion: 04/21/2017 - 07/07/2017

I'm a single claim on a secondary connection to something already service connected. The C&P exam affirms the service connection and recommends approval of the claim.

I realize some of you have been waiting much much longer; but, I just wonder to what extend the VSO makes a difference.

Response by SCPO Charles Hamilton made Mar 24 at 2017 8:36 PM

SCPO Charles Hamilton — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 20:36:30 -0400

I filed my claim while I still on active-duty in May of 2016, my C&P exams were in July of 2016 and I got my decision just before Christmas. It seemed to go very slow right up until the end. They must have a 6 month goal for Veterans before discharge claims. Ebenefits was accurate for me. It was part of my routine to check ebenefits everyday.

Short answer, for me it was about 2-3 months. Checks started about a month later and back pay a month or so after that. I used VFW and they were awesome but I hear DAV is even faster. fwiw.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Jun 1 at 2017 5:19 PM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:19:39 -0400

Still fighting the VA to get an injury that IS service connected recognized. FINALLY the VA tells me, we see that you were injured on this date and it IS connected so you get this, but NOW you have to go to a hearing to get it dated and documented properly. 2017 and waiting for them to get it right since 2009. We need to get a 'house cleaning' in Congress done in 2018.

Response by CWO3 Luis Rivera made Jul 29 at 2017 12:24 PM

CWO3 Luis Rivera — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 12:24:38 -0400

Hopefully I can add a little more insight to all of the responses here because my situation is a little bit different. I received my Decision Notice letter, about to weeks ago, with my rating. Yesterday I went to Ebenefits to print my benefits summary letter, from the forms generator, and noticed that my information had changed from One or More Service connected disabilities to None. I called the VA and the explained that changes were made to my claim that hadn't posted to the system yet. I was told to call Claims Services for additional information. Obviously, this worried me because I thought that my claim was done since I had already received the Decision Notification Letter. Also all of the Information in the letter was reflected within my Ebenefits profile. I called Claims Services and the nice gentleman explained to me that because I had "Deferred Disabilities" my claim was going to continue changing status and was not going to be completed until all disabilities had been addressed. I asked if that was going to affect the decision I had already received and he said that while my rating could go up, based on the disabilities still under review, the rating I already had was accurate, approved, and could not be changed to a lower rating. I hope that this helps!! BTW, I completed my claim on my own, without any assistance from Veteran's Organizations, and got a pretty high rating and got it completed in 8 mos. Just have to be careful and pay attention to details in the instructions and provide requested documentation immediately after notification... Ebenefits is a great tool if you use it correctly. I will advised not to check your claim on a daily basis but, definitely check constantly to ensure that they're not waiting on you to submit documentation...

Response by AN William Greenlee made Aug 4 at 2017 1:16 PM

AN William Greenlee — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 13:16:39 -0400

Hello,
I had a question and hopefully someone can help me out. I put in for a automobile Allowance last May and never heard anything. So about 2 weeks ago I called the White House complaint/suggestion line and inquired about the claim. The lady took the info and said I will hear back within 2 weeks. Imagine this I had the Asst. Manager of the RO call me and let me know that I will have a decision in 10 days and they are working on it expoditously (butchered the spelling). So out of curiousity what do you think the outcome will be? Denied or approved. I also think they (VA) has to let the White House know the end result. I did ask her if they needed any additional evidence or the phone number to the doctor I see outside the VA. He said no we will be notifiying you in 10 days.

Response by PO3 Mitchell Haynie made Aug 5 at 2017 9:38 AM

PO3 Mitchell Haynie — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 09:38:33 -0400

Many things effect the time it takes the VA to process your claim, how long have you been out, the longer since discharge, the longer it takes etc. Documentation and "Nexus" or connection of disability to time in service are both critical to your claim moving forward quickly.
That said, i was discharged in 82, I was injured at sea and so I had decent documentation of my injuries. My first claim was made in December 2013, it completed August 2015 with a 60% combined rating 50% on back and legs, 10% tinnitus (Presumptive Condition) because I was a yellow shirt on VO, plus three more connected but unrated disabilities.
Next in May 2015 I filed an "Increase" claim which tend to move much faster because it is an established disability, that claim was closed in November 2016 with an increase to 80%, for increase in right leg functional loss. My most recent was another increase claim on the three issues not rated but connected, since these were filed as fully developed the predicted time to complete is October to December this year. I should have C&Ps in the next 60 days.
To answer your original question, from C&P to check if approved, about 6 weeks. I did not use a VSO even though I am with the DAV, they just didn't have enough reps in this area to properly work claims so I took the Bull by the horns myself. Three keys, BE Proactive, Persistent, and use extreme Perseverance in following your claim. Also educate yourself, ask questions, use those VA folks to wring out everything you can, I have gotten phone numbers not typically published just by asking and being persistent. You need to educate yourself and do not just depend on a VSO, they manage MANY cases, you only have one! Do not hesitate to involve your Senators and Congressmen because their inquiries on your behalf are NEVER ignored or slow played and most are thrilled to help, mine in Texas have been!
I am working toward that 100% rating even though my current actual numbers are 110% before they use the mythical but magical "combined ratings scale" of misery! It has taken almost five years, but I have had a lot of time on my hands to be a burr under their saddle! Good Luck Brothers!

Response by SSgt Jim Meeker made Aug 18 at 2017 4:20 PM

SSgt Jim Meeker — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 16:20:52 -0400

I've been in prep for decision since May 15 2017.

Response by TSgt John Forkin made Jul 10 at 2018 8:47 AM

TSgt John Forkin — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 08:47:03 -0400

should i worry, they moved my completion date up 3 months and said i will receive a decision in the mail. why did my decision come so fast.

Response by SSG Victor Davis made Jul 25 at 2018 11:45 AM

SSG Victor Davis — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:45:11 -0400

The first time it took me any where from a couple of days to a month. The second time with a lawyer it took let than a couple of days.

Response by SSG Victor Davis made Jul 29 at 2018 3:59 AM

SSG Victor Davis — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 03:59:15 -0400

claim for vision, headaches, total 3 months and on the second week in Preparing For Decision that is with an attorney. moving kind of fast. lets see...

Response by SFC Paulette Foster made Aug 8 at 2018 8:43 AM

SFC Paulette Foster — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 08:43:41 -0400

Try ValuedVeterans.org and let them help you through this agonizing process.

Response by SSgt Rob Barber made Oct 8 at 2018 5:22 PM

SSgt Rob Barber — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 17:22:28 -0400

Singleton, have entered into the RAMP "program claim" and I am now in the "Preparation for Decision" stage. I didn't see an answer as to how long it took you to move to the next stage, so my question is: How long did it take? I have been in the "Waiting system" over 5 years now, and just moved over to the RAMP in May of this year.