VA claims, in plain language

Know the claim path before you file.

Compare common disability claim types, what each path is meant for, what VA generally looks for, and the processing-time information VA currently publishes.

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Common VA disability claim types

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: VA does not publish a separate average for original claims. They are included in VA’s overall disability-related claim average shown above.

Types of disability claims and when to file Evidence needed for your disability claim The VA claim process after you file

02Condition worsened

Increased-rating claim

What it is for: 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: VA does not publish a separate average for increased-rating claims. Complexity, exams, and evidence gathering can change the time.

Types of disability claims and when to file Evidence needed for your disability claim The VA claim process after you file

03Linked condition

Secondary service-connected claim

What it is for: 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: VA does not publish a separate secondary-claim average. Time often depends on medical evidence, opinions, and any claim exams.

Types of disability claims and when to file Evidence needed for your disability claim The VA claim process after you file

04New relevant evidence

Supplemental Claim

What it is for: VA decided the issue before and you have new and relevant evidence, or you are requesting review based on a qualifying change in law.
What VA generally looks for: Evidence VA did not previously consider that tends to prove or disprove something important to the claim.
Processing-time context: VA reported a 58.8-day average for disability compensation and pension Supplemental Claims in July 2026. VA’s broader non-health goal is 125 days.

Evidence needed for your disability claim Supplemental Claims

05Leaving active duty

Pre-discharge BDD claim

What it is for: You have a known separation date and are generally 180 to 90 days from leaving full-time active duty.
What VA generally looks for: The required Separation Health Assessment, service treatment records when applicable, and availability for exams during the required window.
Processing-time context: VA says BDD may help speed the decision process, but its BDD page does not publish a separate average completion time.

Types of disability claims and when to file Pre-discharge claims and Benefits Delivery at Discharge

06Special circumstance

Special or additional compensation claim

What it is for: 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.

Special disability claims The VA claim process after you file

A separate choice

Standard or Fully Developed Claim?

These are evidence-gathering paths, not separate service-connection theories.

Standard claim

VA helps gather identified evidence.

VA takes more responsibility for requesting relevant federal records and makes reasonable efforts to obtain identified non-federal records.

VA does not provide a separate current standard-claim average on this source page.

Review standard claims

Fully Developed Claim

You submit the evidence you have when filing.

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.

Review Fully Developed Claims

After submission

What happens after you file

A claim can move backward when VA receives or needs more evidence. Evidence gathering is usually the longest step.

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.
Initial review
VA checks for basic information and contacts you if required information is missing.
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.
Evidence review
VA reviews the available evidence. New or still-needed evidence can return the claim to evidence gathering.
Rating
VA decides the claim and determines any disability rating.
Preparing decision letter
VA prepares the decision, including the rating, payment amount, and payment start date when benefits are awarded.
Final review
A senior reviewer checks the claim and decision letter.
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.

Check claim or appeal status on VA.gov Read VA’s complete claim process

After a decision

If you disagree with VA’s decision

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: 58.8-day VA average for disability compensation and pension Supplemental Claims in July 2026; 125-day goal for non-health Supplemental Claims.

Review Supplemental Claim on VA.gov

Higher-Level Review

Often used when: You believe VA made an error and want a more experienced reviewer to reconsider the same record.
Evidence rule: No new evidence. An optional informal conference may make the review take longer.
VA-published timing: VA goal: an average of 125 days, or about 4 to 5 months.

Review Higher-Level Review on VA.gov

Board Appeal

Often used when: 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 Direct Review goal is 365 days. Evidence Submission and Hearing generally take longer.

Review Board Appeal on VA.gov

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