Field Manual · Guides
How to Check Your
VA Claim Status.
Four ways to track a VA disability claim, and a plain-English translation of every status phase the VA uses.
Where to check
/ 01
VA.gov
Sign in at VA.gov with your Login.gov or ID.me account, then open 'Check your claim, decision review, or appeal status'. This is the fastest and most accurate source — it pulls directly from VA's system.
/ 02
VA: Health and Benefits mobile app
Install the VA: Health and Benefits app (iOS / Android), sign in with the same account, and open Claims. You'll get push notifications when your status changes.
/ 03
eBenefits (legacy)
eBenefits still works for older claims, but VA is migrating everything to VA.gov. If your status doesn't show on VA.gov, eBenefits is a useful fallback.
/ 04
Call the VA
Call 1-800-827-1000 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–9 p.m. ET. Have your file number or SSN ready. Long hold times are normal; the online tools are faster.
What each phase means
Claim Received
VA acknowledges your claim is in their system. No work has started yet.
Initial Review
A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) opens the file and identifies what's missing.
Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision
VA requests records (STRs, private medical, DBQs) and may schedule a C&P exam. This is the longest phase — most claims live here for weeks or months.
Preparation for Notification (PFN) / Preparation for Decision (PFD)
The VSR has drafted a recommendation. A rater is finalizing the percentages. Don't submit new evidence here unless it's critical — it can bounce the claim back to Evidence Gathering.
Pending Decision Approval
A senior rater reviews the draft decision for accuracy.
Preparation for Notification
The decision is finalized and the letter is being prepared for mailing.
Complete
The decision letter is on its way (and visible online). You have 1 year from the decision date to appeal and keep your effective date.