How to Check on a VA Disability Claim

By Chris Miksen

Disabled veterans are eligible to file for veteran affairs or VA disability. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs handles all disability requests. The typical response time for disability claims can be six months or longer. If you're in need of the compensation as soon as possible, you may want to check the status of your claim. You can check on your VA disability claim status by calling the Department of Veteran Affairs or by viewing your claim online.

Look for any papers that have your VA disability claim number on them. If you don't have your claim number written down, you can find your number on any confirmation letters or any letters associated with your VA disability claim.

Call 1-800-827-1000 and follow the automated message instructions to check the status of your disability claim.

Provide the operator with your claim number, full name and social security number for identification purposes.

Visit the VA benefits website (see Resources) to check the status of your claim online if you don't want to call the VA. Click "Register." Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Register for a basic account."

Fill out the required personal information, which includes your name, date of birth and social security number. Click "Submit." A message will appear on the following screen. Write down your activation code and click on the provided link, which takes you to the activation page.

Enter your personal information once again and enter the activation code you wrote down. Click "Continue." Write down the user name you are assigned. Choose a password and then confirm your password in the text boxes. Choose from the available security questions, such as your mother's maiden name, and answer the questions in the provided text boxes. You must answer the questions in case you forget your account information and need to access your account.

Upgrade to a premium online benefits account in order to view your claim information online. Go to the VA office locator web page (see Resources). Choose "Benefits Office" or "VA Central Offices" from "Facility" and type in your ZIP code and press "Enter." The nearest VA office will appear. Visit the office and say you want to upgrade to a premium online benefits account. Provide your social security number and another personal identifying document, such as a driver's license or birth certificate. After your identity is verified, your account will be upgraded.

Log into your benefits account and choose to view your claim. You will see the current progress of your claim, the office that's handling your claim and the original date of your claim.

If you cannot find your claim number, you can still call the provided number. You'll need to provide the operator with more personal information, such as your city, state, street and ZIP code.

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