Is a fully developed claim faster?

Asked by: Dr. Katelyn Rempel  |  Last update: April 11, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (22 votes)

If you want to get a faster decision on your disability benefits claim by submitting evidence along with your claim, use the Fully Developed Claims program.

How long does it take for a fully developed claim?

If you submit a VA Fully Developed Claim (FDC) in 2022—meaning—all the evidence is uploaded in support of your claim, you'll likely get a claim decision in 90-120 days (3-4 months) from submission to award. Filing a VA Fully Developed Claim (FDC) online at VA.gov is preferred over a Standard Claim (Non-FDC). Why?

What is the fastest VA claim approved?

The Decision Ready Claim (DRC) Program is the fastest way to get your VA claim processed. When you work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) and follow these four simple steps, you can receive a claim decision from VA in 30 days or less.

What is the difference between a fully developed claim and a standard claim?

The standard process assumes that VA will be helping gather information about your case. The "fully developed claim process" requires YOU to gather all of the important information. You will have to submit that information as part of your application for disability benefits.

How long are fully developed VA claims taking in 2024?

You can find the latest information about the average timeframe for VA disability claims on the VA website. For instance, VA disability claims from September 2024 took an average of 144.9 days to complete.

How long does a fully developed VA claim take?

24 related questions found

What is the largest VA back pay?

There is no limit to the amount of back pay a veteran can receive.

What is the VA backlog for 2024?

As of June 2024, the VA benefits claims and appeals backlog hovers around 249,587 cases. This sounds like a lot, but it is substantially better than the backlog in March 2013, when it reached over 600,000 cases. You can check out the VA's website to see how the backlog has progressed.

Are fully developed claims faster?

The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program is the fastest way to get your VA pension claim processed, and there's no risk to your taking part in it. Just send in all your evidence, or supporting documents, when you file your claim. Participation in the FDC program is optional and won't affect your benefits.

How to speed up a VA claim?

Veterans can file a Priority Processing Request using VA Form 20-10207 to ask VA to address their claim in a more expedient manner. In order to be eligible, veterans must submit documentation, if not already on file, indicating that they meet one of the following criteria: Experiencing extreme financial hardship.

What is the longest step in the VA claim process?

Evidence gathering

This is usually the longest step in the process. Note: You can submit evidence at any time.

What is the hardest VA claim to get?

1. Mental Health Conditions (e.g., PTSD, Depression) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most frequently filed claims by veterans, but it's also one of the hardest to get approved.

How long after my C&P exam will I get a decision in 2024?

Typically, you can expect to receive a VA rating decision within 30 to 90 calendar days after your final C&P exam. However, this timeline can extend to 120 days or more, depending on various factors such as the complexity of your claim and the current workload at the VBA.

What is the current wait time for VA disability claim?

Average VA Claim Processing Time: The overall average time to complete a VA disability claim is 155.38 days, highlighting the typical wait time veterans can expect.

What is the development phase of a VA claim?

During the initial development stage, you will be given information about what you must provide for the claim to be approved. During this time you can give any additional evidence to prove your claim in order to convince the office of the validity of your need. The second phase concerns when the decision is made.

How long should a claim take to settle?

Time limits may be extended in certain circumstances. Claims handled through the portal usually take around 4-9 months to settle – based on clients' accepting the first settlement offer. Clinical Negligence: Clinical negligence cases can take anything from 18 months to even 2-3 years to settle.

How often does VA update claim status?

The VA typically updates claim statuses as they move through different processing stages. The frequency of updates can vary depending on the complexity of your claim and the current workload at the VA. Generally, you can expect to see updates every few weeks, but some stages may take longer than others.

How long are fully developed VA claims taking?

If you submit all the evidence your claim needs and are able to submit a VA Fully Developed Claim, you will most likely receive a decision on your VA disability claim in 3-5 months from when you submit your claim.

What is the fastest VA claim?

When you provide all required evidence at the same time you submit a claim electronically through eBenefits AND certify that you have no more evidence, you are filing an electronic FDC. Providing all your documentation up front helps VA issue the fastest claim decision possible.

What is the 70-40 rule for VA disability?

You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or. You have 2 or more service-connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.

What is a fully developed claim for the VA?

The Fully Developed Claims Program

To participate, you simply submit all required records and documentation at the time you make your claim and certify that you have no further evidence to submit. VA can then review and process your claim more quickly.

Is there a way to speed up VA claims?

Veterans can request to expedite a VA disability claim if they are experiencing extreme financial hardship. Financial hardship can take different forms, and veterans can use certain types of evidence to support their request. Useful evidence to submit might include: Eviction notices.

What are the easiest VA claims to get approved?

See which service-connected conditions the VA is most likely to approve for veterans disability benefits. Tinnitus, mental health conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, scars, and presumptive disorders are frequently approved VA disability claims.

What is the most approved VA disability?

The Top Ten Most Commonly Approved VA Claims:
  • Tinnitus.
  • Hearing Loss.
  • Limitation of Flexion, Knee.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (Back Pain)
  • Scars, General.
  • Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve.
  • Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle.

How many claims does VA get a day?

Additionally, the organization continues to achieve single day processing milestones – VA processed between 9,000 and 10,000 Veteran claims 43 times in fiscal year 2024 and more than 10,000 Veteran claims 35 times during the same time period.

Is the VA 5 year rule real?

The VA 5-year rule protects your disability claim by not allowing the VA to reduce your disability rating unless your condition has significantly improved over time. This rule pertains to a rating that has been in effect for five years or longer. After a five-year period, the rating is considered a stabilized rating.