Understand what a claim is for, how evidence is gathered, and how to request review after a decision. These are different choices. Compare the options below using official VA guidance and dated processing-time information—not a prediction for your claim.
Different review options with different evidence rules. Check the decision letter and official instructions.
Original versus Supplemental Claim
An original claim is your first disability compensation claim. A Supplemental Claim asks VA to review a previously decided issue using new and relevant evidence or a qualifying change in law. Requesting an increase because an already rated disability has worsened is a different situation. An accredited representative can help you assess which path fits; this guide does not choose for you.
Claim type and service-connection theory are related but not always the same. An accredited representative can help with an individual choice.
01First claim
Original disability claim
What it is for
You are filing your first VA disability compensation claim for one or more conditions.
What VA generally looks for
A current disability, an in-service event, injury, or disease, and a link between the two. Presumptive paths can change what must be proven.
Processing-time context
The linked VA processing-time sources do not provide a separate original-claim average. The overall disability-related figure is not a prediction for this filing path.
VA already service connected the disability, but the condition has become more disabling.
What VA generally looks for
Current medical or lay evidence showing that the service-connected disability has worsened.
Processing-time context
The linked VA processing-time sources do not provide a separate increased-rating average. Complexity, exams, and evidence gathering can change the time.
A new condition was caused or aggravated by a disability that VA has already service connected.
What VA generally looks for
Evidence of the new condition and a link showing that the existing service-connected disability caused or worsened it.
Processing-time context
The linked VA processing-time sources do not provide a separate secondary-claim average. Medical evidence, opinions, and claim exams may affect timing; do not treat the overall average as a secondary-claim forecast.
You may need a special path such as Individual Unemployability, a temporary 100% rating after qualifying treatment, or another special compensation benefit.
What VA generally looks for
The eligibility facts and additional forms or evidence required for the specific special claim.
Processing-time context
VA does not publish one average covering every special claim. The evidence and development required vary by benefit.
You certify that there is no more evidence VA needs to decide the claim, while still attending any required VA exam. VA describes this as a path to a faster decision.
VA does not publish a guaranteed number of days. If more non-federal records are needed, VA may move the claim to the standard process.
A claim can move backward when VA receives or needs more evidence. Evidence gathering is usually the longest step.
1
Claim received
VA confirms receipt. Online submissions receive an on-screen confirmation; mailed claims should receive a letter in about 1 week plus mailing time.
2
Initial review
VA checks for basic information and contacts you if required information is missing.
3
Evidence gathering
VA may request evidence, schedule a claim exam, request private records, and gather federal or VA records. VA says this is usually the longest step.
4
Evidence review
VA reviews the available evidence. New or still-needed evidence can return the claim to evidence gathering.
5
Rating
VA decides the claim and determines any disability rating.
6
Preparing decision letter
VA prepares the decision, including the rating, payment amount, and payment start date when benefits are awarded.
7
Final review
A senior reviewer checks the claim and decision letter.
8
Claim decided
The decision letter becomes available through the claim-status tool and is mailed. VA says mailed delivery should generally occur within 10 business days, but may take longer.
A new claim and a decision review are different actions. Deadlines can protect an effective date, so check the decision letter and get accredited help when needed.
Supplemental Claim
Often used when
You have new and relevant evidence or a qualifying change in law.
Evidence rule
New and relevant evidence is allowed and required for the evidence path.
VA-published timing
58.7-day VA average for disability compensation and pension Supplemental Claims in August 2026; 125-day goal for non-health Supplemental Claims.
You want a Veterans Law Judge to review the decision through Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or a Hearing.
Evidence rule
Evidence and hearing options depend on the docket you choose.
VA-published timing
VA’s goals are 365 days for Direct Review, 550 days for Evidence Submission, and 730 days for Hearing. These are targets, not measured averages or guaranteed completion dates.