📋 VA Disability Compensation — Claim Process Overview
Reference Guide • Claim Lifecycle • KM-CP-2025-001
Claim Phase Lifecycle
| Phase | Typical Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Claim Received | 1–5 days | VA confirms receipt of the claim. Veteran receives acknowledgment letter with claim number and EP code. |
| 2. Initial Review | 7–14 days | Claims processor reviews submission for completeness, assigns EP code, identifies needed evidence. |
| 3. Evidence Gathering | 30–90 days | VA collects service records, medical evidence, C&P exam results. Veteran may submit additional documents. |
| 4. Evidence Review | 14–30 days | All collected evidence is reviewed by a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR). |
| 5. Rating | 7–21 days | RVSR assigns disability rating based on evidence. Service connection determination made. |
| 6. Decision | 3–7 days | Final decision prepared. Award or denial letter generated with rating percentage and effective date. |
| 7. Notification | 5–10 days | Decision letter mailed to Veteran. Available electronically via VA.gov within 3–5 business days. |
| 8. Closed | — | Claim processing complete. Veteran may file supplemental claim or appeal if disagreed. |
Common Veteran Questions
“Why is my claim still in Evidence Gathering?”
Evidence Gathering is typically the longest phase. VA may be waiting for medical records, C&P exam results, or service records from the National Personnel Records Center. Check eFolder for pending requests. Advise the Veteran to submit any additional supporting documentation via the upload portal.
“Can my claim be expedited?”
Claims may be expedited under specific criteria: financial hardship, terminal illness, ALS, age 85+, homeless Veteran, or Medal of Honor recipient. If the Veteran qualifies, refer to KM-HC-2026-001 (Financial Hardship NBA) or the applicable expedite protocol. Document using VA Form 21-0820.
“What does my EP code mean?”
The End Product (EP) code identifies the claim type. Common codes: EP 010 (original compensation), EP 020 (increase/reopened), EP 930 (PACT Act presumptive). The EP code determines processing lane and priority.
CRM System Navigation
- Claim Record: Customer Claims → search by Claim Number or Veteran Name
- eFolder Status: Check eFolder Docs Received field on claim form
- Claim Phase: Displayed in the Phase Stepper at top of claim record
- Hardship Flash: Check Hardship Flash and Hardship Flag fields
- Related Activities: Timeline tab shows all claim activities, hardship events, and notes
- KM-HC-2026-001 — Financial Hardship Next Best Action
- KM-HE-2026-002 — Hardship Expedite Request Procedures
- KM-PA-2026-003 — PACT Act Toxic Exposure Presumptive Conditions
| Article: KM-CP-2025-001 | Status: Published • v2.1.0 | Last Updated: 2026-02-28 |
| Categories: Claims Processing, Disability Compensation, Claim Lifecycle • Views: 1,247 • Helpful: 94% | ||