VA's Claim Status Tool allows veterans to view the status of their VA claims online using their VA.gov login. This tool displays which claims are in process and identifies any actions veterans need to take. It also gives veterans the ability to review recent claim activity.

Claim Status Tool enhancements

VA recently enhanced the Claim Status Tool to improve your digital, self-service experience. The tool now shows a breakdown of the eight-step disability claims process, making it easier to understand where your claim currently is. The steps include:

• Step 1: Claim received
  
  • VA receives your claim in its system.
• Step 2: Initial review
  
  • VA reviews your claim for basic information (e.g., name, social security number).
• Step 3: Evidence gathering
  
  • VA reviews your claim to ensure it contains all necessary information. VA may ask for more evidence at this step of the claims process. Additional evidence could include a claim-related medical exam or medical records from a VA or non-VA provider.
• Step 4: Evidence review
  
  • VA reviews all collected evidence for a claim.
• Step 5: Rating
  
  • VA decides your claim and determines the disability rating.
• Step 6: Preparing decision letter
  
  • VA prepares the decision letter. Though this letter cannot by viewed in VA.gov until Step 8, it will identify if you are eligible for additional benefits. This letter will include details such as disability ratings, amount of monthly payments and when payments begin.
• Step 7: Final review
  
  • A senior reviewer from VA will conduct a final review of the claim and decision letter.
• Step 8: Decision letter available
  
  • You can view and download your decision letter for the claim on the Status page of the Claim Status Tool.

More about the Claim Status Tool

The Claim Status Tool contains three main tabs:

• Status: The Status tab tells you what actions you can take to support your claim and lists requests for third parties.
• Files: The Files tab displays information requests to you, a button for uploading files and a list of supporting documents you have submitted to VA.
• Overview: The Overview tab provides you with a description of the claims process, spotlights each step, and explains the process may return to a previous step if more information is needed.

What types of claims, decision reviews, and appeals can I check in this tool?

You can use this tool to check the status of a VA claim, decision review, or appeal for these types of benefits:

• Disability compensation (including claims based on special needs like an automobile or clothing allowance)
• Veterans or Survivors Pension benefits
• Special monthly compensation (such as Aid and Attendance)
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
• Burial allowance to help pay for a Veteran's burial and funeral expenses
• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant

You can also use this tool to check the status of these types of requests:

• Requests to add or remove dependents
• Requests for approval of school attendance for dependent children

Will VA protect my personal information if I use this tool?

Yes. This is a secure website. We follow strict security policies and practices to protect your personal health information.

If you print or download anything from the website, you'll need to take responsibility for protecting that information.

You no longer have to contact a call center or regional office for claims information. The claim status tool allows you to access important claim information when you need it. This tool is another step forward in VBA's ongoing mission to support veterans and their families. To learn more about using the claim status tool, please visit the Claims Status page.