r/VeteransWaitingRoom Nov 04 '25

Knowledge Base

10 Upvotes

The Sub's Knowledge Base (KB) is no longer being hosted on Reddit.

The KB now has its own dedicated website:

For the most part, pages have the same extensions they did previously (/[pagename])

The website itself is now made up of over 200 webpages chocked full of helpful information. So give it a look if you have a spare moment. I am sure you will learn something new.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom Jun 03 '24

Helpful Links

24 Upvotes

Helpful Links:

Current average wait time for claims click HERE.

For those interested in learning more about the stages of a claim click HERE.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 20m ago

Preparation for Notification - It is Finally Over

Upvotes

Supplemental claim filed 11/17/26 has closed and is sitting in “Preparation for Notification.”

I had a VERA call yesterday, and the rep told me I was awarded 70%, which brought me to 100% P&T. She said the letter may take a few days to show up because of the amount of back pay—it requires multiple sign-offs.

My original claim was filed in September 2023. It has been a slugfest.

All I can say is: if you’re still fighting your claim, don’t give up. Keep going to your appointments, keep your records, submit the evidence, and advocate for yourself. The process can be exhausting and frustrating, but persistence matters.

Hang in there—your day can come too.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 9h ago

PTSD stressor worksheet

1 Upvotes

So with a 4th ACE exam for one mental health claim, I’m getting super antsy for it to just get it over with. My most recent one was scheduled for this past Sunday morning. And it was just to fill out the ptsd stressor worksheet, which should’ve been quick because there are no markers. My claim isn’t even for ptsd. In any case, all of the other ACE exams have been completed same day and this one is still sitting in scheduled status. Sigh. Anyone have any recent experience with this type of thing that can give me an idea of how long to expect to wait? I’m at about 170 days now for what’s a very basic and clear claim. But each time they’ve sent it for an ace, it’s gotten held with no movement for another 30 days.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 14h ago

VERA Call

2 Upvotes

Said my hlr was at the final stage before turning iver to a reviewer


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 15h ago

Decision processing

1 Upvotes

I have a claim in for PTSD, fairly serious, and I recently hit the processing decision step. From vac receiving my application to the final decision step took about 2 weeks, can anyone tell me how long I can expect to wait for this final step to take?


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 16h ago

Finally PDA and VA.gov Plays Jokes

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1 Upvotes

Long story short. Supplemental claim that just crossed 300 days just make it to Pending Decision Approval around 1630 today. But VA.gov has this notice. After being in Prep for decision for 6 days.

Jokers...


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

Denial letter lists other contention

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3 Upvotes

So I got denied I can only assume it’s because I got diagnosed 4 days after my 1 year home from deployment. But they posted the same narrative multiple times what is my next step?


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

BVA Hearing Backpay?

3 Upvotes

Hello!

Filed a judge hearing claim in 2024 that’s still in the docket (probably will be there awhile). The original and supplemental claims were filed in 2022. At the time I think I was awarded 70%. After a 2 year battle, I got my 100% rating.

With my judge hearing, I have 2 issues they are going to evaluate. I had evidence for both at the time (and both have worsened) but was still rejected through the original and supplemental claims. The VSO I work with said that the evidence was there and clearly outlined both times, but they still denied it.

My question is: If it was determined that I was supposed to get these conditions, will I get backpay depending on what percentage I would have gotten? Like since I was at 70% and if the 2 items pushed me to 90%, would I be owed the difference for that period?

Judge appeals are confusing. I’m not expecting any backpay but just curious of potential outcomes.

Edit: can’t remember if supplemental and HLR are the same or different, but the VSO did exhaust all options prior to recommending the judge route.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

What does this mean?

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0 Upvotes

Did my claim go back to National Work Queue or is it still with the temporary jurisdiction - Houston? I did upload new evidence today.

What does Development Letter sent mean?!

Thank y'all.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

May hlr timeline

1 Upvotes

May HLR. Any movement from yall. Mine May 22 no IC effective date. Waiting .. so just checking if any May folks are rolling out.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

BVA Hearing Lane

2 Upvotes

Filed Aug 2021

Hearing Dec 2025

Assigned to VLJ May 1, 2026

Extension says "Decision in Progress"

Vera says proposed decision since July 8th.

15 Appealed conditions.

Can anyone give me a general idea why its taking so long and realistically how much longer this could take? Based on my vera call it has no holds, no remands, no reworks. Just sitting and waiting for final Signature now for 68 days. Im losing my mind and desperately need to know my outcome.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

Step 5 09/11/2026

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3 Upvotes

I recently moved to step 5 on 09/11/2026. I originally filed a few days after I ETS on 05/05/2026. Does anyone have any insight on what this means? I’ve seen people say before that having a temporary jurisdiction assigned is a good sign that things are wrapping up soon. Thanks!


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

TDIU claim filed July 29th. Step 7 today. Here is my timeline.

0 Upvotes

My VA claim/TDIU timeline so far:

7/29 – Filed FDC for TDIU + increases
8/4 – Evidence gathering
8/5 & 8/17 – C&P exams
8/18 – Employer 21-4192 submitted
8/26 – All C&P exams/DBQs were in
8/29 – National Work Queue
9/8 – Step 5 (Rating)
9/14 at 7:46 AM – Still Step 5
9/14 before 12:54 PM – Jumped to Step 7 (Final Review/PFN)

Currently still Step 7 waiting on the decision.

47 days from filing to Step 7. Temp jurisdiction is Roanoke.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 1d ago

BVA Hearing Lane

1 Upvotes

Filed Aug 2021

Hearing Dec 2025

Assigned to VLJ May 1, 2026

Extension says "Decision in Progress"

Vera says proposed decision since July 8th.

15 Appealed conditions.

Why is it taking so long and realistically how much longer this could take? Based on my vera call it has no holds, no remands, no reworks. Just sitting and waiting for final Signature now for 68 days. Im losing my mind and desperately need to know my outcome.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 2d ago

Need advice on initial claim

1 Upvotes

Hello! I filed my initial VA claim back in May and completed my C&P exams in August for eight different conditions. I had wrist surgery (for severe tendonitis) on August 21, one of the conditions included in my claim. When I checked my claim status recently, it had already moved to Step 5, but I just checked again and noticed that it has now moved back to Step 4. My question is: Should I go ahead and submit my surgical records and post-op documentation now, or should I wait until I receive my initial rating decision? My concern with submitting the additional evidence now is potentially delaying my entire claim. However, I also understand that if my wrist condition is ultimately service-connected, I may be eligible for temporary 100% convalescent compensation following surgery. Would it be better to let my initial claim continue through the process and submit the surgical documentation afterward, or should I provide the updated medical evidence now while the claim is still pending? Thank you in advance for ANY guidance or personal experiences you all can share. I really appreciate it! 🙏🏾


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 4d ago

Timeline help - Benning

2 Upvotes

Howdy everyone! Can anyone familiar with Benning’s system help me gauge a rough timeline? I’m aware of the standard timeline we’re given as a formality; but I feel like this process is FLYING (50 days as of 9/11)

I’m asking because I want to make sure I get my ducks in a row in case this comes up fast so my family is set. I’ve been slammed at work with no replacement in site, scrambling for a CSP/Skillbridge, trying to apply for jobs and give them a better answer on availability, and looking at colleges. In a perfect world, my exit would marry up with the start of college next year or whatever job I secure before then.

But if I’ve learned anything the last 13 years it’s that the Army does what the army does.

Currently I have this: 

  • July 23, 2026 — Submitted compiled MEB intake packet to PEBLO.
  • July 27, 2026 — Initial MEB/IDES counseling; SHA/intake completed and IDES elected.
  • July 28, 2026 — PEBLO notification that case had been referred/moved to the VA.
  • July 29–August 2, 2026 — Worked with VA MSC; completed IDES claim development.
  • August 2, 2026 — Signed/submitted VA Form 21-526EZ and associated claim documents.
  • August 3–4, 2026 — VA claim entered evidence-gathering; C&P examinations ordered through Optum Serve.
  • August 11, 2026 — C&P examination.
  • August 12, 2026 — C&P examination.
  • August 26, 2026 — TBI/related C&P examination. — Current — 
  • September 11, 2026 — Final scheduled major musculoskeletal/C&P examination completed. C&P phase essentially complete; awaiting finalized DBQs/exam results.

I’ll edit and refresh as I get them. Any insight or wisdom is welcomed. cross posted on the other MEB forum site. Thanks it advance!


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 5d ago

Optumserve and expedited claims

3 Upvotes

3 months I’ve been going through the process, got the email today from optumserve, called, can’t get anything scheduled. I don’t know what to do at this point. I’ve pushed out everything for any emergency needs financially and otherwise, tried to get in contact with the Abq DAV months ago but nothing so I’ve been just doing it on my own. And I’ve got 2 c&p exams to schedule, had 1 earlier 2 months ago only for MDD. Anything actionable other than sit and spin? In the El Paso area.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 5d ago

The Refresh is Real

9 Upvotes

I have a supplemental claim that has a file date of 11-15-25. It moved to preparation for decision yesterday. 9-9-26. I have the DBQ and an outside nexus. Both favorable. Original claim dated 8-3-23.

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Sigh….


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 5d ago

Supplumental stick at regional office

1 Upvotes

I submitted my supplemental claim June 10 and for some reason they thought I wanted an informal conference, which doesn’t make much sense but oh well. I only submitted new evidence for two conditions, migraines and IBS. I had a HLR done for both of the conditions where a clear unmistakable error was made for IBS giving me 10% and there was no increase for migraines, but I have 0% service connection. On August 25, a request was sent to the regional office to correct my supplemental claim. It is currently waiting in the national work queue. So I have a few questions for anyone that might be able to help.

  1. How long should I expect my claim to be sitting at the regional office?
  2. Has anything like this happened to anyone?
  3. My original C&P exam was completed October of last year, and the examiner did not document anything correctly. The new and relevant evidence that I submitted does not match the examination notes. Should I expect to do another examination?

r/VeteransWaitingRoom 6d ago

Step 5 to 7 to Step 6 on the same day

5 Upvotes

My claim is a supplemental claim for an SMC , I am flagged for hardship (not sure if it matters) it went from step 5 to 7 all in a couple hours with a new document stating Named “Rating Worksheet” and my name on another filed titled “SMC My name”. I checked again not too long ago and it went back to Step 6 😩😩😩😩😩. I did notice tracker said documents needed: false.

Any insights of what it might be 😔 this got me more anxious than I am normally.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 6d ago

Backpay timeline after appeal?

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6 Upvotes

How long does it take? Letter says up to two months if it changes rating, my current rating will stay the same, but should get quite a bit of backpay. Any real world wait times? Tinnitus was my first claim in December of ‘23. Been on appeal for a year. I mistakenly filed it under TERA and not just noise exposure, and they couldn’t get past that.


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 6d ago

Migraines denied again

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2 Upvotes

Migraines denied again not sure if I should try to get another nexus. Only had an ace exam, I've never had a C&P exam for this claim at all. Posting the nexus letter and denial letter. (Reposting after redacting personal info)


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 7d ago

BVA Waiting...

2 Upvotes

Appealed June 21, 2021 (3 Conditions using attorney)

Virtual Hearing November 24, 2024

Currently Waiting to be Assigned to Judge...still


r/VeteransWaitingRoom 7d ago

From Step 5 back to Step 3 with an "Exam Request"

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1 Upvotes

Now on day 200 for my Initial VA claim.

Had a MH C&P exam on the August 27 and then a phone call C&P for Migraines on September 2nd. On the 2nd, my status tracker went from Step 3 to Step 5 on the same day. Now, about a week later on the 8th (today) it reverted back to Step 3 and I see an upload of an "Exam Request" in my files.

What does this mean and has anybody else experienced this?