How long does evidence gathering take for VA claim?

Veterans often wonder about the duration and timeline of the whole claim process. Usually, it takes about 120-160 days for the VA to review your claim and assign a rating on an original claim for compensation. However, sometimes it takes much longer.

In addition to no-cost VA healthcare, veterans seek VA disability benefits most often. If you claim a service-related injury or health condition, you must provide the necessary evidence. The VA needs to know that your injury was service-related. In order to qualify for compensation, you must prove that your current health condition is a result of an injury or illness you suffered while serving. In order to accomplish this, you will need to gather a variety of documents.

VA sometimes requests additional documents. You may be asked for additional proof that you were injured while on duty. For assistance in gathering and organizing all the evidence needed to win your claim, you may need to enlist the assistance of a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) or a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney.

🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[MrBblhed]

Deny, Deny, Deny until the veteran dies. The VA motto.

[JamesJones-fysm]

Just had the worst C&P exam ever. NP refused to look at my medical evidence I brought. Said she would only review what the VA sent her and then lied and said she used the Gonoimeter. The moment I left I filed a complaint. Hopefully something gets done

[SMOOTHMUZICTV]

I was on evidence gathering for 5 months on my bdd claim and a few days ago it went back to initial review 🤯🤯🤯

[timtweet]

It took 13 months for my initial. I now have an attorney working my claims to include the PACT Act claim. It to 5 months and got a 10% increase then a month later an increase to 60% and retro active $$. Waiting on an appeals and a failure of "duty to act".

[parole]

Only took ke 30 days and got 50%ptsd from start to finish I never turned in any evidence just my cand p exam only took then 3 days to decide it was super quick the more u apply for the longer it takes

[TheAnomaly]

Filed an PTSD increase July 28th, 2023 and got a decision October 2nd, 2023. Was in dividends gathering a majority of the time with 2 C&P exams.

[FloridaMan]

I filed for rhinitis I was diagnosed in service. My civilian doc I use with Tricare said I had a deviated septum but is being a pain in the butt on getting me the write up. Total jerk

[Utsu-P_Enjoyer]

I called VERA to see if they're anymore c&p exams scheduled for me (ive had 4 c&p exams for the same disability) and the guy just told me to shut up and wait

[lisathompson]

Applied in January still waiting. Was told all MST go to one building and it will take at least a year.

[bigjuanflorida]

I was denied for sleep apnea secondary to ptsd, I have a lawyer representing me now and received notice from Optum stating that I have to do a dbq with them now, even though I’ve done one in the past. It’s been two years since I did a sleep study, so should I schedule one prior to the appointment and present this to prove it’s still a medical issue? And is this still allowed at this point. Thank you cc for getting me this far.

[ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Waiting too long...6-8 months? Contact your US congressman's office. Most have a staff dedicated to make things happen at the VA. During the really long backlog of VA claims about 12 years ago, seen wait times up to 11-12 months for initial claims. Doing a congressional inquiry will get things going.

[shayBchilln]

Do it take the same amount of time for survival pension benefits ?

[philliptamez]

Would you recommend I upload all of the STR a meaning my electronic (AHLTA, HAIMS, etc) as well as my paper record from my command as evidence?

[simplistic_nick]

Put the fire under them, call Congressmen and Whitehouse

[russrtspooling]

I have a question my va app has been highlighted in blue on gathering Evidence and decision for 4 months now today it’s got a green check by it what does this mean is this a good sign?

[luissaca]

I submitted a BDD claim and my out date was 11June23 I hope I don’t end up waiting another 6 months since I submitted it back in January 😮

[WDFJR]

Once the Senior Level Reviewer conducts your interview, things happen quickly!! (At least in my case).

[joezagorski]

My appeal was listed to be on the docket back in September of 2021. I haven’t heard anything from the VA since. I sent letters to both of my Senators, but they couldn’t give me any answers. How long is this going to take until my appeal can be heard?

[kevinrod]

I have medical evidence for all of my claims from my VA medical providers.. I’m getting a nexus for one of the claims as a secondary. Do I need to submit VA information or do they have access to that when they’re rating?

[julioortiz]

What does it mean when your appeal is close but they still in gathering evidence section? 🤔