In this post, we’ll cover Step 5 of the VA disability claim process, which the VA officially calls “Rating.” We’ll clarify what happens during this stage and discuss the important question: how long it typically takes.
What is Step 5: Rating of the VA claim process?
According to the VA, Step 5: Rating is when the VA is “deciding your claim and determining your disability rating.”
This is the stage where a decision is actively being made by VA personnel (often a Rating Veterans Service Representative or RVSR). They have reviewed the evidence from previous steps and are now in the process of:
- Making the legal determinations for service connection for each claimed condition.
- Assigning a disability percentage (rating) if a condition is found to be service-connected, based on the severity of the condition as shown in the evidence.
- Documenting the reasons and basis for their decisions.
It’s important to note that the VA states that if they need more evidence or if you submit more evidence during this step, your claim will go back to Step 3: Evidence gathering.
How long does Step 5: Rating usually take?
As with other steps in the VA process, the timeframe for Step 5 can vary significantly.
The VA doesn’t provide a specific, fixed timeframe for the “Rating” step alone. While the overall claim processing times published by the VA on their website can offer a general idea of the entire journey, the duration of Step 5 itself will depend on several factors. Anecdotally, this decision-making phase might last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, or sometimes longer, once all necessary evidence is in and has been reviewed.
What factors influence the timeframe?
Several elements can impact how long your claim is in the “Rating” stage:
- Complexity of the claim: Claims with multiple conditions, or those involving complex medical issues or legal precedents, may require more time for the rating specialist to analyze and document the decision.
- Clarity of evidence: If the evidence clearly supports the elements needed for a decision (e.g., a clear diagnosis, an event in service, and a medical nexus), the rating process can be more straightforward.
- Number of conditions claimed: Each condition claimed requires its own separate determination and potential rating, so more conditions will naturally extend the time needed in the rating phase.
- Need for additional review/consultation: Sometimes, a rating specialist might need to consult with a colleague or a medical expert within the VA on a particularly complex aspect of a claim, which could add time.
- VA workload: The existing caseload and staffing at the VA Regional Office (VARO) processing your claim will always be a factor.
What can I do while my claim is in Step 5: Rating?
During the “Rating” stage, the VA is actively working on making a decision. Your direct involvement is typically minimal. Here’s what you can do:
- Monitor your claim status: You can check the status of your claim online through VA.gov.
- Ensure contact information is current: Keep your mailing address, phone number, and email updated with the VA.
- Consider before submitting new evidence: As the VA notes, submitting new evidence at this stage will likely send your claim back to Step 3 (Evidence gathering). If you have new and relevant evidence, carefully consider if it’s best to submit it now or if it might be more appropriate for a supplemental claim or appeal after a decision is made, especially if you believe a decision is imminent. Consulting with a VSO or attorney can be helpful here.
What comes after Step 5: Rating?
According to the VA’s current claim status steps, after Step 5: “Rating,” your claim will move to:
- Step 6: Preparing decision letter
- Step 7: Final review (A senior reviewer does a final check of the claim and decision letter)
- Step 8: Claim decided (Your decision letter is available online and mailed to you)
The Bottom Line
Step 5, “Rating,” is when the VA actively makes a decision on your disability claim and determines your rating. While the exact duration varies, this is the core decision-making part of the process.
If the VA decision isn’t what you hoped for, we can help.
Receiving a VA decision can bring relief, but sometimes the outcome isn’t what you expected — be it a denial or a lower-than-anticipated disability rating. Understanding the VA appeals process is key if you disagree with the decision. The team at Cameron Firm, PC, is dedicated to representing veterans in VA disability appeals. If your claim has been decided and you’re unsatisfied, contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options.
