In the decision phase of a VA disability claim, the VA evaluates factors like medical evidence, service records, and additional information from the claimant. The aim is to assess how a service-connected disability affects the individual’s work capability and daily activities.
If your claim is currently held up in the decision phase, you may have many questions on your mind: “What if my benefits are denied?” “Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of success?”
You don’t have to face the paperwork, anxiety, and uncertainty alone. An experienced Veteran’s claim attorney can help you understand the process while handling all the paperwork and legal details on your behalf.
Part of a Longer Process
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the average wait time for a VA disability decision is 103.3 days. Your claim may take longer or shorter depending on a number of factors, including the severity and nature of your disability and the availability of medical evidence.
The main steps in the Veterans disability claim process are:
- Receiving the claim: After you file your claim online or by mail, the VA will notify you of its receipt.
- Initial review: During this stage, a Veteran Service Representative will review your claim to ensure all necessary information is included. If the representative decides further review is needed, your claim will move on to the next stage.
- Gathering evidence, review, and decision: This is typically the longest stage, and the one we will cover more in-depth on this page. The evidence you submit for review will play a crucial role in the VA’s decision.
- Preparation for notification: After the VA reviews all evidence, it will render a decision and send you a notification of the status of your claim. If they require more evidence, they will send your claim back to the previous stage.
- Completion of claim: You can expect to receive your decision letter within one or two weeks after the VA approves or denies your claim.
We understand the impact an approved claim will have on your future and your economic well-being and will do everything in our power to ensure your decision letter delivers good news.
Making the Most of the Decision Phase
You may be wondering how you can put your best foot forward during the decision phase (step 3 in the above section) and increase your odds of obtaining a favorable decision. This is where the services of an experienced VA disability attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.
Medical Evidence Makes All the Difference
You and your loved ones may know you are disabled, but the VA requires documented proof of your disability before it will approve your claim. Such evidence may include:
- Results from X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests
- Diagnoses of cancer, PTSD, or other physical or mental health impairments
- Statements from your physician and other medical experts
Our legal team has expertise in the evidence that is most credible to VA claims. We will seek out all available data, information, and testimony that increases your likelihood of a favorable decision.
Linking Your Disability to Military Service
No matter how severe and well-documented your disability is, you must demonstrate that it is linked to military service before the VA will approve your disability claim.
Doctors or other medical professionals should utilize Nexus letters to provide their opinions on how closely a Veteran’s disability is linked with his or her military service.
We want to make the VA’s decision to approve your claim an easy one. The more care and attention to detail put into this letter, the easier that decision will be.
What You Can Do to Help Your Cause
The best thing you can do to successfully advance your claim is to obtain treatment for your disability and follow your doctor’s orders. Medical evidence must not only be compelling but up-to-date as well. A diagnosis from years ago may not be recent enough to tip the scales in your favor.
It is also important to be honest when discussing your disability with doctors and other medical professionals. We understand the impulse to “tough it out” and not complain about what ails you, but a successful claim requires that you divulge all the pain, discomfort, lack of mobility, and other hardships you suffer as a result of your disability. But note, that doesn’t mean to exaggerate the severity of anything.
Make the Most of This Opportunity
Considering how important VA disability benefits are to your enjoyment of life and financial well-being, you want to do everything you can to maximize your chances of success. The best way of doing that is by providing the VA with ample reason to approve your claim as they gather and review evidence to make a decision.
A claim lacking thorough medical information and a compelling Nexus letter can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. A well-documented and carefully prepared claim, however, could be the first step in obtaining the financial security you were promised, sacrificed for, and deserve.
We Are Here to Help
We have represented injured and disabled Veterans nationwide since 1992 and would be honored to assist you with this critical legal matter. Call us today for a free case evaluation, or reach out to us online by filling out a brief contact form.
