A veteran pursuing a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported an unusual request during what is typically the final review stage of the process. After receiving notification that their claim had advanced to Step 7, the claimant was contacted by the VA and asked to re-verify their identity.
While the VA claim process generally consists of eight steps, according to VA Claims Insider, the “Final Review” stage, Step 7, is usually a brief quality check. Sources indicate this stage typically lasts between one and two weeks. The unexpected identity verification request raises questions about potential adjustments to the VA’s procedures, though the agency has not publicly announced any changes.
The standard VA claim process begins with claim receipt, followed by a review of evidence, gathering of additional information, and a preparation for decision phase. A Reddit user posting in the r/VeteransBenefits forum described a similar timeline, noting that the “Preparation for Decision” stage precedes the final review. The typical timeframe for each step varies, with the “Gathering of Evidence” phase often taking the longest – between 30 and 60 days – while other steps average between 7 and 21 days.
Veterans can monitor the status of their claims online through VA.gov or by contacting the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000. The VA aims to complete a claim decision within approximately 120 calendar days from submission, though processing times can be affected by the complexity of the claim and the number of conditions included. Fully Developed Claims, where all necessary evidence is initially submitted, are generally processed more quickly.
The veteran who reported the identity verification request had previously filed successful claims, making the current requirement particularly noteworthy. The VA has not responded to inquiries regarding the reason for the added verification step or whether It’s being implemented across all claims currently in the final review phase. As of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the claimant’s case remains in Step 7.
