Posted on Mar 16, 2016
Which Veterans Affairs Disability Claim Process Step Is The Longest?
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Step 1. Claim Received, Step 2. Under Review, Step 3. Gathering of Evidence
Step 4. Review of Evidence, Step 5. Preparation for Decision,
Step 6. Pending Decision Approval, Step 7. Preparation for Notification
Step 8. Complete
MAJ Ken Landgren SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SSgt Obom Bowen CPT (Join to see) LTC Stephen F. SSG Warren Swan PO2 Ed C. SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SSgt (Join to see) CPT L SSP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 (Join to see) CW5 Charlie Poulton SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SGM Mikel Dawson CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 SGT Benjamin Lindsey SPC Andrew Griffin d SN Greg Wright TSgt Hunter Logan
Step 4. Review of Evidence, Step 5. Preparation for Decision,
Step 6. Pending Decision Approval, Step 7. Preparation for Notification
Step 8. Complete
MAJ Ken Landgren SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SSgt Obom Bowen CPT (Join to see) LTC Stephen F. SSG Warren Swan PO2 Ed C. SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SSgt (Join to see) CPT L SSP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 (Join to see) CW5 Charlie Poulton SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SGM Mikel Dawson CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 SGT Benjamin Lindsey SPC Andrew Griffin d SN Greg Wright TSgt Hunter Logan
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Disability
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 8
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In my case it was Step 6 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL because VFW had already submitted all of my medical evidence. I was initially rated at 70% but VA did not ant to pay me anything. The VA didn't budge until my Congressman's [Frank Wolf] office provided the VA with my detailed record of corresponsive and evidence. Then they became receptive to talking with me and coming to an agreement.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
LTC Stephen F. wow, I appreciate you sharing, I might have to go down that road myself. Will keep you in mind for advise on a Congressional if it warrants.
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Mine seemed like Under review was longest. It was several months until my C&P exams were scheduled. After that it was fairly quick.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGT Jonathon Caldwell thanks, mine so far is preparation for decision.
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SGT Jonathon Caldwell
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - I actually got my letter of dcision in the mail before my ebenefits status changed. I thinks that it's a good way to track it but like the rest of the VA, it takes some time to catch up.
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Results will vary. Step 3 was fast in that I got a letter that I had no medical record so they threw everything back on me. Step 5 was likely the longest. They did pitch my package from Seattle to Phoenix to speed up the process to 2 1/2 years. The longest step is actually not listed and that's the dependent benefits claim which as of yesterdays call might be moving off the VA reps desk after 4 1/2 years. Have no idea where it was before she got hold of it. She called saying it showed up in here que two days ago, only needed one thing (which I provided) so now wait for the next whatever.
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My second time in Step 5. I went to step 6 briefly in November. I have been in these steps for over 9 months and ETA currently 2/28/16-8/9/16. Although the ETA was 12/1/15 just before I hit step 6.
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It depends entirely on which regional office is working on your case. The VA is similar to the military in many ways, not the least of which is that not all commands are equal. Each and every VA Regional Office is its own little command, and they are only as good as their leadership makes them.
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I’ve gone through the entire process twice. Both time it took about six months. The first time I was getting out and at the last minute I decided I didn’t like the commute to the new job so I stayed in. The VA paid me back pay which I of course had to pay back. The second time took about the same amount of time. Step 4 and 5 took the longest both times.
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