A VA disability rating is the VA's measure of how much a service-connected condition affects your overall health and ability to work, expressed from 0% to 100% in 10-point steps. A higher percentage means the VA considers the impact more severe.
If you have more than one condition, the VA doesn't simply add the numbers together — it uses "combined rating" math (taking a percentage of your remaining "healthy" portion), then rounds to the nearest 10%.
The VA's average turnaround is 90–120 days. That said, we've seen decisions come back overnight — every case is different.
You can check the status of your claim or appeal anytime in your VA.gov account under "Check your claim or appeal status."
For details specific to your claim that aren't shown on the website — like exactly where your appeal stands or whether anything is needed from you — you can call the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000 (Monday–Friday). They can look up your specific claim and give you current information straight from the VA.
If you'd like help understanding what your status means or figuring out next steps for your situation, submit a support request and a rep can help.
Send us your latest decision letter so we can review it and begin reworking your case. Once we have your newest information, we'll review it and send you requests for any additional information we need.
First — congratulations on the progress. Every increase is a real win and worth celebrating. From here, we'll work with you to identify what you'd like to pursue an increase for, and begin strategizing your next steps together.
Congratulations — that's a huge milestone. We'd love to hear about your experience, and may reach out with a quick way to share your story.