Introduction
When you’re navigating the VA disability claim process, it can feel like waiting is half the battle. You submit the paperwork, complete the exams, gather the evidence—and then wait some more. But one step seems to leave veterans more confused than any other: Step 5, Preparation for Decision. You’ve done your part. So why is it taking so long? And more importantly, how long does Step 5 of a VA claim actually take?
Whether you’re checking VA.gov daily or obsessing over forum posts from other veterans, this blog will give you a clear understanding of Step 5—what it is, what’s happening behind the scenes, and how long you can expect to be in it.
The Bigger Picture: Where Step 5 Fits In
To understand Step 5, it helps to zoom out and look at the VA claims process as a whole. Each claim moves through eight steps:
Claim Received
Under Review
Gathering of Evidence
Review of Evidence
Preparation for Decision ← That’s our focus today.
Pending Decision Approval
Preparation for Notification
Complete
By the time your claim reaches Step 5, the VA has already collected and reviewed your medical records, service documents, Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams, and any supporting statements or letters. Now, it’s decision-making time.
What Happens in Step 5?
This phase is where a VA rating specialist, officially called a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR), gets to work. They review your full file, evaluate your medical and service evidence, and use the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to assign a proposed disability rating for each condition.
It’s also the point when the VA decides whether your conditions are service-connected and if you qualify for compensation. The RVSR will calculate combined ratings, examine any secondary conditions, and prepare a decision proposal. This proposal then moves on to a supervisor in Step 6 for approval.
So even though the claim may appear to be sitting still, it’s often undergoing the most critical review it’s had so far.
How Long Does Step 5 Actually Take?
The short answer? It depends.
But here’s what the data and veteran experiences tell us:
Average duration: 7 to 30 days
Quick cases: 2 to 7 days (often for simple, single-condition claims)
Moderate cases: 2 to 4 weeks (especially if a few conditions are involved)
Extended cases: 30 to 60+ days (usually tied to complex evidence or multi-condition claims)
In rare cases, claims can remain in Step 5 longer than 60 days, but this is not the norm and usually signals something that needs attention—like additional documentation or a secondary review.
Why Step 5 Might Take Longer
Several factors can influence how long Step 5 lasts. Here are the most common culprits:
Complex medical conditions needing layered evaluation
Multiple claims filed at once, requiring separate ratings
New evidence added during earlier phases that requires fresh review
Backlogs at your regional VA office
Special cases like PTSD, MST (military sexual trauma), or Gulf War-related illness, which often involve nuanced documentation and secondary conditions
Sometimes, it’s simply the internal workflow of the VA. Claims can be batched, rerouted, or held for quality review, even if you’ve done everything right.
A Real-World Perspective: Two Veterans, Two Timelines
Case 1: Fast Track
A Marine veteran with a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) for tinnitus reached Step 5 just 18 days after filing. Thanks to clear documentation and a straightforward diagnosis, the claim moved to Step 6 in just 4 days.
Case 2: Slower Lane
An Army veteran with claims for PTSD, sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD), and knee pain spent 38 days in Step 5. The claim required complex rating calculations, additional psychiatric review, and coordination with a secondary reviewer. The result? Approval—but with a much longer timeline.
These two cases show how unpredictable Step 5 can be. The timeline isn’t always about how you file—it’s often about what you’re filing.
📌 Quick Reference: What to Know About Step 5
Here’s a high-level summary for quick recall:
What it is: The stage where the VA rater prepares a decision proposal.
How long it lasts: Usually between 7–30 days.
Who’s responsible: A Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR).
Can you speed it up? Not directly, but submitting a well-organized, evidence-rich claim helps.
Common delays: Complex medical issues, missing documentation, backlogs, or quality reviews.
How to Stay Informed While You Wait
During Step 5, you may feel like you’re in the dark—but there are ways to monitor your progress. The most effective is to check your VA.gov account, which generally updates every few business days. This dashboard will tell you which step you’re on and provide notifications if additional documents are requested or if the decision is posted.
If your claim stays in Step 5 for more than 30 days with no update, it’s appropriate to make a phone call. The VA hotline (1-800-827-1000) can provide internal notes or explanations, and a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) may be able to check your file and advocate on your behalf if things seem stalled.
What You Can Do While You Wait
Even though you can’t directly move your claim faster at this point, there are proactive steps you can take:
Review your claim to make sure no required documentation is missing.
Prepare for a potential appeal by reviewing your original evidence and writing down any symptoms or changes in condition.
Confirm your bank info and mailing address in VA.gov to avoid payment delays if your claim is approved.
Talk to a VSO about what to expect if your decision is partially approved or denied.
Take care of your health. This is a stressful process—don’t let it take a toll on your physical or mental well-being.
When to Escalate
If your claim has been in Step 5 for longer than 45 days and no movement has occurred, it may be time to escalate. You can:
Call the VA directly and request a status check
Submit a written inquiry through IRIS
Ask your VSO to intervene
File a congressional inquiry (if absolutely necessary)
Escalation should be used judiciously, as it can sometimes slow things down if it triggers a re-review.
Final Thoughts
Step 5 of the VA claim process may feel like the calm before the storm—or the storm itself, depending on how long you’re stuck there. It’s the stage where decisions are formulated, disability ratings are calculated, and the foundation of your benefits package is built. While it often takes between one and four weeks, every case is unique, and delays don’t always mean something has gone wrong.
Understanding what’s happening during this phase helps you stay grounded. And when you know what to expect, you’re better prepared to advocate for yourself, manage your expectations, and take smart action when needed. Keep your eyes on the prize—because once Step 5 is done, you’re one step closer to getting the support you’ve earned.
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