Introduction
You’ve submitted your VA disability claim. You’ve waited weeks—maybe even months. You’ve logged into VA.gov so many times you could do it with your eyes closed. Now, the status says: “Complete.” But what does that mean? And more importantly, how do you know if your VA claim was approved?
Many veterans reach this stage only to be confused by vague status messages and delayed paperwork. This guide will walk you through exactly how to confirm approval, what to look for in your decision letter, how to interpret your rating, and what to do if things don’t go as expected.
What “Complete” Really Means
When your claim status on VA.gov changes to “Complete,” it simply means the VA has finished processing your claim. It does not automatically mean it was approved. It means a decision has been made—and you’re about to find out what it is.
The actual result is included in your rating decision letter, which is either mailed to you or uploaded to your VA.gov portal as a PDF. Until you read that letter, you won’t know for sure what was approved, what was denied, and what percentage you were rated at.
Where to Find Your Decision
The fastest way to see your claim results is by logging into VA.gov and checking your claim under the “Disability” section. If your claim is marked “Complete,” look for downloadable documents such as:
Decision Letter
Benefit Summary Letter
Payments or Award Letters
You’ll usually receive a paper copy in the mail within 7–10 business days, but the online portal often updates earlier.
If nothing appears, wait a few days. If more than two weeks pass with no document or payment, call 1-800-827-1000 to request an update or check with your Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
What Your Decision Letter Tells You
The decision letter is the official document that lays out what the VA has decided. It’s several pages long and may seem dense at first, but it contains vital information.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
List of Conditions: Each claimed condition will be listed, along with whether it was approved, denied, or deferred.
Disability Ratings: Approved conditions will include a percentage from 0% to 100%, based on severity.
Effective Date: This is the date from which benefits are calculated. It’s usually the date you filed the claim.
Explanation of Decision: A summary of why the claim was approved or denied, citing evidence like service records or C&P exams.
Your Appeal Rights: If you disagree with any part of the decision, you’ll see what options are available to you and how to initiate them.
This letter is more than just a formality—it’s the legal document that determines your benefit level, potential back pay, and medical eligibility. Make sure to read it carefully, or review it with a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.
Understanding Disability Ratings
If your claim was approved, each condition will be given a disability rating. These ratings are issued in 10% increments and reflect the impact of your condition on your daily life and ability to work.
The VA uses a combined rating system that’s not additive. In other words, if you receive two separate ratings of 50% and 30%, your combined rating isn’t 80%. It may be calculated as 65%, which rounds up to 70%, based on a formula.
Monthly compensation is based on your combined rating and whether you have dependents. For example, in 2025, a veteran with a 70% rating and no dependents receives approximately $1,716 per month.
How Do You Know You’ve Been Approved?
Aside from reading the decision letter, you’ll know you’ve been approved when:
Your VA.gov dashboard shows “Disability Rating Assigned”
You receive a payment notification or bank deposit from the U.S. Department of the Treasury
You can download a Benefits Summary Letter (often used for employment, housing, or military discounts)
Your eBenefits profile updates with your compensation level and rating history
Keep in mind that even a 0% rating means the VA acknowledged the condition is service-connected—it just wasn’t severe enough for compensation. This still has long-term value. You may qualify for free medical treatment for that condition and can request a rating increase if it worsens.
What If Only Part of Your Claim Was Approved?
Partial approvals are common. For example, you may have filed for five conditions and received ratings for three. The other two might have been denied due to lack of evidence or deferred for further review.
In these cases, your decision letter will explain each item separately. It’s crucial to read these explanations carefully. If you don’t agree with a denial, you have one year to take action.
You’ve Been Denied—Now What?
Denials are discouraging, but they’re not the end of the road. In fact, many veterans eventually succeed through the VA appeals process.
If your claim was denied or you were rated too low, you have three main appeal options:
Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence (e.g., new medical records or a Nexus letter).
Higher-Level Review: Request a new review by a senior claims processor—no new evidence is allowed, but errors may be corrected.
Board Appeal: Ask for a review by a Veterans Law Judge. This is the most formal route and often used when earlier options fail.
Appeals take time—anywhere from a few months to several years—but a well-prepared one can turn a denial into a success.
Tips to Stay on Top of Your Claim After Approval
Once your claim is approved, the journey isn’t over. Here’s how to stay informed and in control:
Download your decision documents and keep copies for your records.
Track your payment schedule and ensure direct deposit info is current.
Enroll in VA healthcare if you haven’t already—you’re now eligible.
If your condition worsens, request an increase in your rating by filing a new claim.
Also, review your combined rating and understand how close you are to the next compensation tier. For example, moving from 90% to 100% can double your monthly benefit.
When to Contact the VA or Get Help
If you haven’t received your letter or payment within 14 business days of your claim being marked complete, it’s time to reach out:
Call 1-800-827-1000
Submit an online inquiry via IRIS
Visit your local VA Regional Office
Ask your VSO to intervene
Errors happen, and sometimes claims get stuck in processing. The sooner you reach out, the sooner it can be fixed.
Final Thoughts
Knowing whether your VA claim was approved doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. Once your claim is marked “Complete,” the real indicator lies in your decision letter, your disability rating, and the benefits awarded. Understanding these documents—and what to do if the decision isn’t favorable—gives you power in a system that often feels complex.
If you don’t get the result you hoped for, don’t give up. Many veterans secure life-changing benefits through appeals, supplemental claims, or simply gathering stronger evidence. And if you did win—congratulations. You took the difficult step of asking for the support you earned. Now it’s time to use it to move forward.
Comments are closed