Track your VA disability claim through the 8-phase AMA framework with realistic completion-date projections by claim type — Standard, FDC, BDD, Supplemental, HLR, and Board Appeal.
Educational estimates only — not legal, medical, or VA advice. Always work with a VA-accredited VSO and verify status at VA.gov.
Last updated May 1, 2026 · AMA-aligned (38 CFR Part 19) · FY2026 cycle averages
This timeline tool was built by Em, a retired U.S. Navy Commander (Medical Service Corps, 20+ years). Page 214 is free, privacy-first, and entirely client-side. The eight-phase claim process and processing-time targets cited here come from VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2024 and FY2025), 38 C.F.R. § 3.160 (definitions of claim types), and VA.gov claim status documentation. The AMA framework was established by the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-55), effective February 19, 2019, replacing the legacy appeals system. Statutory framework: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 51 (claim adjudication procedures); 38 C.F.R. Part 3 (compensation and pension regulations); 38 C.F.R. Part 19 and 38 C.F.R. Part 20 (Board of Veterans’ Appeals procedures). The Intent to File rule preserving the effective date for one year is at 38 C.F.R. § 3.155. Three appeal lanes under AMA: Supplemental Claim (38 C.F.R. § 3.2501) requires new and relevant evidence, 125-day processing target; Higher-Level Review (38 C.F.R. § 3.2601) requires no new evidence and is for error correction, 140-day target; and Board Appeal via VA Form 10182 (38 U.S.C. § 7105 as amended) with three dockets (Direct Review, Evidence, Hearing). C&P exam standards follow 38 C.F.R. § 3.326. Processing times vary widely — backlog conditions, claim complexity, and exam scheduling all affect actual timelines. The averages here are for orientation; check VA.gov for live status of your specific claim.
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