News21 | Life of a Disability Claim

Claim process phases

Control time: The claim has arrived in the mailroom, but has not been cataloged.
Development: The VA has reviewed and cataloged by claim type.
Evidence: The VA is waiting for evidence to support disability. A letter has been sent to the veteran.
Decision: Evidence has been received. The claim is ready to be assigned a percentage of disability.
Award: The claim is assigned a rating that will determine the amount of monthly support.
Authorization: Payment details letter written, waiting for authorization.

NOTES: The veteran receives his or claim in the form of a direct deposit within 15 days of the award being approved. The payment includes pay for months dating to the date of claim. The regular monthly amount is then automatically deposited on the first day of each month going forward.

SOURCE: Veterans Benefits Administration

CREDIT: Daniel Moore, Steven Rich and Mary Shinn

Tracking Disability Claims