Position 3 of 8 in VA's typical disability-claim review process
What happens at this stage
VA checks the available evidence, may request information from the veteran or third-party providers, and may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination when one is needed.
Critical: respond to any VA evidence request by the date stated in that request. If scheduled for a C&P exam, confirm the appointment; VA asks veterans to notify the exam provider at least 48 hours in advance when rescheduling is necessary.
Timing
Usually the longest phase; VA does not publish a guaranteed number of days for it.
The total processing time varies by claim complexity, availability of evidence, and other circumstances. VA reported 68.2 days as the average time to complete disability-related claims in September 2026, not an individual deadline.
Why it matters
Additional information or missed appointments can extend the timeline. An exam may not be necessary for every claim.
Official VA resources
- How VA gathers evidence ↗https://www.va.gov/disability/after-you-file-claim/
- C&P exam rules ↗https://www.va.gov/resources/va-claim-exam/