How long does it take the VA to process an application?

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 14:55:18 -0400

I filed an application online since it is something I should have done when I was discharged. I have created my DS Login, and myhealthevet login. Now I am waiting for a response from the VA so I can finish what I started. So my question is simply, will someone please share how long it took for their application to be processed? Thank you in advance for any input.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 24 at 2015 2:57 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 14:57:08 -0400

That is a good question PO3 Steven Sherrill. It took roughly six months for me to initially get processed in 2008 as I was leaving the military. It took a couple years more to receive disability.That was because the government wanted to take all my disability to pay back the involuntary separation pay I received in 1992. [I transferred to the reserves afterwards which is why they wanted the money back.]
Now that I am in the system it may be getting easier. I had a request for a reevaluation of my disability rating in January that was conducted in March of this year.
Because I have had to go to the emergency room twice in the past three months for lumbar issues and my echocardiogram results changed confirmed changes in my medicine I requested help from my Primary care VA doctor who gave me the name of a patient advocate. I called him today and have an appointment next month - since my cardiologist and primary care are in his system at Martinsburg, WV VAMC he told me he should be able to submit a request for re-computation based on their findings which he has access to. Hopefully this will take less than a couple of months to work through.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 24 at 2015 2:59 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 14:59:05 -0400

PO3 Steven Sherrill, Thanks for the info. 5 minutes ago, I pulled a 1956 VA card w/ a claim number from my files to have it updated.

Response by SSG Katherine Likely made Sep 24 at 2015 3:00 PM

SSG Katherine Likely — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:00:04 -0400

I filed mine the day I was released from the military on Feb 5th, 2005 and received mine in august of the same year.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 24 at 2015 3:06 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:06:57 -0400

It took me a yers

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 24 at 2015 3:11 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:11:44 -0400

Have you checked the status of your claim on eBenefits?
I filed my update on 07/22/2015 - estimated completion date ... 12/15/2015 - 02/06/2016

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Sep 24 at 2015 5:24 PM

PFC Robert Falk — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 17:24:23 -0400

I been waiting 5 yrs so far.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Sep 24 at 2015 7:33 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 19:33:49 -0400

Why is this not posted in the humor section? Forgive me, because I assume if you've applied, you have problems but my experiences say years before you get an answer and it might not be the answer you want so then the appeals process starts. I hope your VA is more expedient than mine.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Sep 24 at 2015 11:08 PM

SGT Robert Hawks — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 23:08:26 -0400

I would 12 to 16 months depending on what you're claiming

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Sep 24 at 2015 11:27 PM

PVT Robert Gresham — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 23:27:13 -0400

PO3 Steven Sherrill I take it that you are referring to an application for benefits due to a disability?

In my case, from initial application to the VA, through multiple decisions, appeals and my BVA appeal, it took me four years of constant work. It was not the easiest 4 years, as I was out of work due to my disabilities.

I've heard that things are severely backed-up now. How long have you been waiting?

Response by SPC Ken Harper made Sep 26 at 2015 3:42 PM

SPC Ken Harper — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 15:42:44 -0400

Filling out a 1010ez and sending it in so you can "join the club"/use the VA shouldn't take long; about 2 - 3 months here in AR is the norm. If the veteran is over 75 years old, the VA expedites them; one octogenarian I sent in was approved in 3 weeks. After the approval process is completed, your first checkup/appt. should come along fairly soon afterward. Any actual claim for service-connected issues average 6 months - if you have all the evidence/proof/records packaged and sent in when you file a FDC Fully Developed Claim. If the VA has to get copies of your medical records from all the hospitals, doctors, etc., it will take longer. Then, if they deny the claim and you decide to appeal, it could take up to 8 years to reach a final decision. It is important to get "all your ducks in a row" first and then apply if you want things to go fairly quickly/smoothly. Get a Veteran Service Officer to help you, they can't make it go any faster but at least having all the correct forms and copies of any documents you need to support your claim from the get-go will make it somewhat smoother than the VA asking for this and that and something else over several months.

Response by SGT Aaron Dumbrow made Sep 26 at 2015 9:56 PM

SGT Aaron Dumbrow — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 21:56:09 -0400

I submitted a change of dependant status 2 years ago this month, and can't get an answer. I am considering requesting a congressional investigation, it seems to be the only way to get their attention.

Response by Linda Greer made Dec 27 at 2023 2:58 PM

Linda Greer — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 14:58:04 -0500

About 4 months.