Introduction
Once you’ve filed your VA disability claim, the waiting begins. And if there’s one thing most veterans agree on, it’s that this wait can be stressful. You’re hoping for recognition, compensation, and clarity—but the system doesn’t always move quickly or communicate clearly. Naturally, you’ll find yourself wondering: How can I check the status of my VA claim?
The good news is that the VA does offer tools to track your claim’s progress. But understanding what the status updates mean, how often they change, and when to take action can help you stay informed and empowered throughout the process. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to monitor your VA claim with confidence.
Why It’s Important to Track Your Claim
Checking your claim status regularly helps you:
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Know exactly where your claim stands in the process
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Catch delays or overlooked actions early
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Prepare for potential requests for more documentation
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Stay mentally and logistically ready for the outcome
It also reassures you that your claim is moving forward—even if the progress seems slow.
The Main Ways to Check Your VA Claim Status
There are three primary ways to track the status of your VA disability claim:
1. VA.gov
This is the most reliable and user-friendly platform. Here’s how to use it:
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Visit VA.gov
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Click on “Sign In” (use Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet credentials)
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Select “Disability” from the navigation bar
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Click “Check Your Claim or Appeal Status”
Once inside your dashboard, you’ll see any open and past claims listed. Each one shows a current status, estimated decision time, and additional links to view correspondence or upload documents.
2. eBenefits (legacy system)
Though the VA is transitioning away from eBenefits, some claims—especially older ones—may still appear here.
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Go to ebenefits.va.gov
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Log in using your DS Logon
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Navigate to “Manage” and click “Status Tracking”
eBenefits is slower to update than VA.gov, but it’s useful for historical data.
3. Contacting the VA
You can also check your claim status by:
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Calling 1-800-827-1000
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Visiting a local VA Regional Office
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Speaking with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) who can access internal records and provide insight
This is especially helpful if your online status hasn’t changed in weeks or if you have specific concerns about delays or documentation.
Understanding the 8 Stages of a VA Disability Claim
Your claim will pass through eight main stages. Knowing what each one means helps you interpret what you’re seeing online.
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Claim Received – Your application was submitted and entered into the system.
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Under Review – A VA rep has begun the initial screening.
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Gathering of Evidence – The VA is collecting records, scheduling exams, or waiting for documents from you.
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Review of Evidence – The gathered information is being analyzed.
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Preparation for Decision – A recommended decision is drafted based on the evidence.
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Pending Decision Approval – Supervisors review and approve the proposed outcome.
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Preparation for Notification – Decision letters and payment instructions are generated.
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Complete – The process is finished; you’ll receive the final results.
Each stage varies in length. Some move in a matter of days, others can take weeks. Steps 3 through 6 typically consume the most time.
How Often Does the Status Update?
The VA’s online systems usually update every 3 to 7 business days, but don’t be surprised if your status stays the same for several weeks. That doesn’t always mean your claim is stalled—often, work is being done behind the scenes.
For example, your claim may remain in “Review of Evidence” while a medical examiner writes a report or a decision draft is being prepared. These actions don’t always trigger visible changes right away.
What to Do If Your Claim Seems Stuck
If your claim hasn’t moved for more than 30 days, especially in one of the mid-stages (evidence review or decision prep), consider taking the following steps:
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Log into VA.gov and double-check if any requests for documents or exams have been posted.
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Contact your VSO to ask if there are internal notes or bottlenecks.
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Call 1-800-827-1000 and request a live update or explanation.
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Submit an IRIS inquiry at ask.va.gov for a written response.
Sometimes claims are held up for simple issues—like a missing signature or a delayed medical file—that can be resolved quickly once identified.
What to Expect When the Status Reaches “Complete”
When you see “Complete,” it means a decision has been made and your claim is closed. But that alone doesn’t tell you if your claim was approved, denied, or partially granted.
To find out:
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Check for a decision letter posted on your VA.gov portal.
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Review the document for your disability rating, effective date, and monthly compensation.
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Watch your bank account—if you were approved, payment is typically issued within 15–30 days.
You’ll also be mailed a physical copy of your decision letter, which outlines your options if you wish to file an appeal.
How to Stay Organized While You Wait
Waiting for updates can be mentally exhausting. Here’s how to stay on top of things without stressing yourself out:
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Create a Claim Journal: Log dates, status changes, contacts, and document submissions.
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Set Weekly Reminders: Check your dashboard once or twice a week—not every day.
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Prepare for Appeals: If your claim is complex or partially denied, begin gathering appeal materials early.
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Stay in Contact with Your VSO: A knowledgeable VSO can clarify status updates and help you navigate next steps.
When to Escalate a Claim
If your claim is inactive for more than 60 days, and you’ve confirmed that no additional evidence is needed, it may be time to escalate.
You can do this by:
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Requesting assistance from your local Congressional office
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Submitting a formal complaint through VA channels
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Filing a congressional inquiry, especially in hardship cases
These measures should be used when all other avenues have failed and the delay is affecting your quality of life or benefits access.
Final Thoughts
Tracking your VA claim status doesn’t have to feel like reading tea leaves. The tools are there, but you need to know how to use them—and what the stages really mean. Checking regularly, staying organized, and responding quickly to VA communications can help you feel more in control of the process.
And remember: even if your claim doesn’t move as quickly as you hoped, movement is happening behind the scenes. Trust the process—but stay proactive. You earned these benefits through your service, and staying informed is the best way to ensure you receive them.