How Long Will It Take for the VA to Process My Application?
One of the most common questions I get from our clients is how long it will take for the VA to make a decision about their Aid and Attendance Application. I have been told by the VA that their decision process has three phases:
-
The Development Phase (102-139 days): During this phase, the VA receives the application, reviews the application and the accompanying forms, and requests any additional information that they need to make their decision. This is the longest phase in the VA’s decision process.
-
The Rating Phase (16-27 days): This phase is when the VA proposes a decision regarding whether the veteran or surviving spouse is eligible to receive a pension and, if so, how much the pension will be.
-
The Notification Phase (10-40 days): During this phase, the VA reviews the case to make sure no mistakes have been made regarding the decision made in the rating phase. If there is a mistake, the process takes longer because the VA must make changes to the decision. If there are no mistakes, the claim then goes to the financing department and the veteran is notified of the VA’s decision. If the claim is denied, the VA notifies the veteran of their decision without going through the financing department.
As you can see, the entire process is rather lengthy and it can take the better part of a year before the VA makes a decision regarding your claim. For this reason, it is important to apply for the Aid and Attendance Pension as soon as possible.
