How Long Does It Take for VA to Review Evidence?
There is no specific amount of time for how long it takes VA to review evidence. The amount of time it takes can depend on the type of evidence you include and how it relates to your claim or appeal.
However, you can expect to wait months to receive a decision or a request for more evidence. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it takes 111.5 days on average to complete a disability-related claim (as of April 2019). Importantly, veterans may experience longer or shorter wait-periods.
How to Make the Evidence Review Process More Efficient
Unfortunately, VA does not operate under any time restrictions. However, you may be able to make the process more efficient if you include only evidence VA has requested or needs in order to make a decision in your case. Evidence that is not relevant to your claim may slow down the process.
At some stages in the process, VA has a “duty to assist” you in gathering the necessary evidence for your claim. If you include all the necessary evidence, VA does not need to take time obtaining that evidence on your behalf. If you did not include all of the necessary evidence, your claim might need to revisit the evidence gathering step. VA will make a decision on your claim when it believes it has all the required evidence.
If you are satisfied with VA’s decision, your work is complete. However, many veterans receive denials or lower ratings than they believe they deserve. In this case, you have the right to appeal VA’s decision.
Appeals Process Timeline
In an effort to streamline the very lengthy disability appeals process, VA implemented the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) in February 2019. Under the new system, VA’s goal for issuing decisions on appeals in both the supplemental claim and higher-level review lanes is 125 days.
Call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD for Help Navigating the New Appeals Process
If you received a denial from VA on or after February 19, 2019 and file an appeal, it will be processed under the “new” AMA system. If you filed an appeal before this date, you can continue using the “Legacy” appeals system, with VA presenting opportunities to opt into the AMA system. While both appeals systems can be difficult to navigate, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick is experienced in helping veterans pursue the benefits they deserve.
Call 800-544-9144 today for a free case evaluation.
