Checking the Status of a VA Claim with a Phone Call or Online

Veterans of the armed forces and their families can receive a variety of benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs including health care, education and counseling. Historically, claims applications can take several weeks or even months to process but with new initiatives put in place by the Obama administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration plans to complete all claims within 125 days by 2015.

Each claim to the VA must be filed separately. Available benefits to veterans include pensions, disability compensation, health care, vocational rehabilitation, education, home loans, life insurance and survivor benefits. The claim forms for all of these benefits are available on the VA website.

If you are on active duty, you can file for VA benefits up to six months prior to separation under the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program. If timed correctly the separating member can receive benefits within 60 days of discharge from active duty. To use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, you must be available for physical examinations and have at least 60 days remaining on active duty. Use VA Form 21-526 on the VA website.

All VA claims are different. Depending on the benefit and complexity of the claim, the VA can take six months or longer to make a decision. The most notable delays are common for disability compensation.

Checking Your Claim Status

In the past, the only way to check the status of a pending VA claim is by calling 800-827-1000 and following the instructions given. Even though there is a lot of information and the claim forms available on the VA website, you had to go through the automated phone service to check on the status of a claim. If you are inquiring about education benefits or the GI Bill, call 1-888-442-4551. For the hearing impaired, call 1-800-829-4833 for all benefits.

eBenefits is a new online claims processing website will allow you to check the status of your claim online if you are a premium member of their website. It is a free service. The difference between a basic account and a premium account is the verification of your identity. Veterans that are enrolled in DEERS and can physically go into a veteran center to verify their identity can open a premium account.

Additional Information

Veterans can also contact the VA by visiting a VA office or vet center. Check with the Transition Assistance Office at most military installations to schedule an appointment to file a claim, attend benefit classes or talk to a counselor about your individual circumstances.

References

Department of Veterans Affairs

Breaking the Back of the Backlog: Transformation Plan Aims for 2015 Claims Goal.

Additional Resources

Veterans Benefits Administration

Disabled American Veterans

eBenefits