VA Rating Increase Timeline: How Long Does It Take in 2026?

One of the most common questions veterans ask after filing for a rating increase is: "How long is this going to take?" The honest answer is that it depends -- on your claim type, your regional office, whether you need a C&P exam, and several other factors. But understanding realistic timelines helps you plan financially, set expectations, and know when something has gone wrong.

This guide breaks down average processing times for each type of rating increase claim in 2026, explains what happens at each stage, and tells you exactly what to do if your claim gets stuck.

Processing Times by Claim Type

Supplemental Claims: 4-8 Months

Supplemental Claims are the most common path for rating increases and typically follow this timeline:

Supplemental Claims take longer than other options because they involve reviewing new evidence and usually require a new C&P examination. The VA must schedule exams through contract providers (VES, LHI, QTC), wait for results, and have raters review both old and new evidence.

Higher-Level Reviews: 3-5 Months

Higher-Level Reviews move faster because they skip the evidence-gathering and exam phases:

Since no new evidence is submitted and no exams are ordered, the senior rater can focus entirely on reviewing the existing record for errors. However, complex cases or backlogs at your regional office can still cause delays.

Board of Veterans' Appeals: 12-36+ Months

Board Appeals take significantly longer and vary by docket choice:

• Direct Review: 12-18 months -- The fastest Board option, using only existing evidence with no hearing
• Evidence Submission: 18-24 months -- You can submit new evidence within 90 days of filing
• Hearing: 24-36+ months -- The slowest option due to hearing scheduling backlogs, but allows you to testify before a Veterans Law Judge

Board Appeals are typically reserved for cases that have already been through Supplemental Claims or Higher-Level Reviews without success.

What Affects Your Timeline

Your Regional Office

Processing times vary significantly by location. Some VA regional offices process claims in 3-4 months while others take 10-12 months for identical claim types. You cannot choose which office handles your claim -- it is determined by your mailing address. Moving during a pending claim can sometimes cause additional delays as files are transferred.

Need for C&P Examinations

Claims requiring new medical exams add significant time:

• Scheduling delays: 4-8 weeks just to get an appointment, longer in rural areas
• Exam reports: Contract examiners have 14 days to submit findings, though some take longer
• Multiple conditions: Claiming increases on several conditions may require separate exams with different specialists
• Specialty exams: Mental health evaluations and complex conditions may need specialized examiners with longer wait times

Claim Complexity

The more complex your claim, the longer it takes:

• Multiple conditions claimed simultaneously require more review time
• Secondary service-connection claims need medical nexus opinions
• TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) claims require employment verification
• Claims involving Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) may require senior rater review

Evidence Development

If the VA needs to obtain additional evidence, expect delays:

• Requesting records from private providers can take 30-60 days
• Federal records from other agencies can take months
• Complex cases may require medical advisory opinions from VA physicians
• Incomplete claims trigger requests for additional information, adding weeks

Understanding Claim Status Phases

Your claim moves through several phases that you can track at VA.gov or through the VA mobile app:

Phase 1: Claim Received (1-2 weeks)

The VA has received your claim, assigned a tracking number, and placed it in the queue for initial review.

Phase 2: Initial Review (2-4 weeks)

A VA employee reviews your claim to determine what evidence is needed. They may request records or schedule exams during this phase.

Phase 3: Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision (3-6 months)

This is the longest phase. The VA is obtaining records, scheduling and completing C&P exams, waiting for results, and reviewing all evidence. Your status may not update frequently during this phase, which is normal.

Phase 4: Preparation for Notification (1-3 weeks)

Your claim has been rated. The VA is preparing your decision letter and, if approved, setting up your new payment amount. This is a good sign -- a decision has been made.

Phase 5: Complete

Your decision letter has been sent. If approved, expect your first increased payment within 2-4 weeks, with back pay following 1-2 months later.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Delayed

Normal Delays vs. Problem Delays

Not every long wait means something is wrong. However, take action if:

• Supplemental Claim: Over 8 months without a decision
• Higher-Level Review: Over 6 months without a decision
• Online status: Has not updated in 60+ days
• No C&P exam scheduled: It has been 3+ months since filing a Supplemental Claim and you have not received an exam notice

Steps to Resolve Delays

1. Check online status first -- Log in to VA.gov to see if there are any pending requests or updates you may have missed
2. Call the VA hotline -- 1-800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8am-9pm ET. Ask if they are waiting on something from you
3. Contact your VSO -- Your representative can often get more detailed information about where your claim is in the pipeline
4. Submit additional evidence -- If you have new evidence, submitting it through QuickSubmit can sometimes prompt action on stalled claims
5. Congressional inquiry -- For claims over 12 months without resolution, contact your Congressional representative's office. Ask for the caseworker who handles VA issues. This is a routine oversight mechanism and will not hurt your claim.

Expedited Processing

Certain situations may qualify you for faster processing:

• Terminal illness -- Claims involving life-threatening conditions
• Financial hardship -- Risk of losing your home, utilities, or access to food
• Homelessness -- Currently homeless or facing eviction
• Age 85+ -- Veterans of very advanced age
• Former POWs and Medal of Honor recipients -- Priority processing

To request expedited processing, call the VA hotline or submit documentation of your circumstances through VA.gov.

After You Receive Your Decision

If Your Increase Is Approved

• First increased payment: Expect within 2-4 weeks of the decision date
• Back pay: Retroactive benefits typically arrive 1-2 months after the initial increased payment
• Direct deposit: Payments process faster than mailed checks
• Review your rating: Make sure every condition was rated and the percentages match the severity of your symptoms. Even approved claims can be underrated.

If Your Increase Is Denied

• Read the denial letter carefully -- Understand exactly why you were denied
• Note your decision date -- The one-year clock for preserving your effective date starts immediately
• Consider your options -- Supplemental Claim with new evidence, Higher-Level Review for errors, or Board Appeal
• Do not give up -- Many successful rating increases are denied initially but succeed with stronger evidence on the next attempt

For a detailed breakdown of your appeal options, see our guide on Supplemental Claims vs. Higher-Level Reviews.

Tips for Smoother Processing

• Submit complete evidence upfront -- The more complete your claim is at filing, the fewer delays from VA requests for additional information
• Be available for C&P exams -- Respond promptly to exam scheduling and do not miss your appointment. Missing an exam is one of the most common causes of delays and denials
• Keep your contact information current -- Update your address and phone number at VA.gov so exam notices and correspondence reach you
• Do not file duplicate claims -- Filing the same claim twice slows everything down and creates confusion
• Continue treatment -- Keep seeing your doctors while your claim is pending. New treatment records generated during this time can be submitted as additional evidence.