Hey all! I have a HLR opened Feb 3rd. I'm trying to get a gauge of where the queue is? I saw one post a few days ago of someone submitted Jan 20th and their claim was just completed... Any Jan or Feb people have their claim completed or movement?
Alright, I know every other thread on this subreddit is about HLR timelines, so I figured I’d throw my hat in the ring and start my own… My accredited agent recently filed a CAR HLR on my behalf for a bad decision I received on a supplemental. There aren’t a ton of posts on these, and I know the VA attempts to knock these out within 30 days, but I’m wondering if anyone has any recent and relevant (CAR HLR only) timelines for their appeals. Either way I’m buckling in for 30 or more days, but hoping for something quicker because we’ve been at this for quite some time.
File a supplemental claim the other day for a claim that was denied in Feb. What kind of time lines are we seeing on these?
Current times for HLR?
Filed March 3rd,2026, I know they say on average it takes 6 months but I’ve been hearing that some vets have gotten theirs completed out faster,
Submitted a HLR because they bumped by lumbar back done to 10% from 20% due to an improper C&P. That’s bumped be back down to 90% from my original 100%. Any info is helpful!
I just am here to yell a bit this morning! What takes so long after BVA appeal is being reviewed by judge? I am so tired of waiting,
Filed claim in Aug. 2019,
Hearing Dec. 12th 2024
Being reviewed by judge May 1 2026.
Like what the actual, this is so ridiculous I need compensation for the stress of waiting.
That is all of my ranting for today!
Since moving to Step 5 shortly after creating the HLR, it has say at step 5 for 30 days ... normal?
I’m praying I don’t get sent back to step 3 for a 4th time 🫣 hopefully I am finally in the final stretch of my initial claim. Now to stay busy so I don’t sit here and refresh my computer all day
My attorney filed for a BVA on May 19th, 2026, after our HLR was denied. Here is the brief (edited)
ISSUE PRESENTED: Whether the Veteran is entitled to Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, and whether the March 26, 2026, Higher-Level Review decision erred by failing to consider and address highly probative vocational evidence establishing unemployability.
STATEMENT OF THE CASE AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY: Mr. T is currently service-connected for:
His combined evaluation has satisfied the schedular requirements for TDIU throughout the appeal period.
On February 11, 2021, KP, Ph.D., completed a PTSD Disability Benefits Questionnaire documenting recurrent intrusive memories, distressing dreams, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, concentration deficits, chronic sleep impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, difficulty maintaining relationships, and suicidal ideation.
On December 2, 2022, Dr. P, documented worsening occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, judgment, thinking, and mood. She further documented passive suicidal and homicidal ideation, impaired judgment, near-continuous panic and depression affecting independent functioning, angry outbursts with verbal and physical aggression, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, and persistent danger of hurting self or others.
On July 9, 2024, VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor DS, noted that Mr. T was precluded from working in loud or crowded environments and could not tolerate prolonged standing, walking, climbing, pushing, pulling, carrying, or similar physical activities. The counselor concluded that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities placed him at a significant employment disadvantage and prevented him from obtaining or maintaining suitable employment.
On August 28, 2024, OS (VE), of V Vocational Consulting completed a comprehensive vocational assessment after reviewing the Veteran’s medical records, occupational history, educational history, and conducting a vocational interview.
ARGUMENT: The March 26, 2026, Higher-Level Review decision is legally deficient because VA completely failed to address the August 28, 2024, vocational assessment from VE. This omission is extraordinarily prejudicial because the vocational assessment directly addressed the dispositive issue in this appeal: whether the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment.
The vocational assessment was exceptionally probative because it relied upon:
Despite this detailed and uncontroverted vocational evidence establishing unemployability, the Higher-Level Review decision denied TDIU without even acknowledging the vocational assessment existed. There is no summary of the findings, no weighing of its probative value, and no explanation for rejecting the conclusions of the vocational expert.
VA’s complete failure to address this highly favorable evidence violates 38 U.S.C. § 7104(d)(1), Caluza, Gabrielson, and Ray.
The evidence overwhelmingly establishes that Mr. T service-connected PTSD and right knee disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
RELIEF REQUESTED: The Veteran respectfully requests that the Board reverse the March 26, 2026, Higher-Level Review decision and grant entitlement to TDIU effective October 13, 2020.
The evidence overwhelmingly establishes that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the August 28, 2024, vocational assessment is uncontroverted.
Let me know what you think or any opinion, I'm curious to hear it out.
Direct Review appeal finally with a judge after eight months (SEP25 docket) How long should I expect for a migraine claim? A couple months?
How long does thus step take? Moved through steps 4 & 5 in a couple of days after sitting in 3 for about a month. Is this normal?
Just received my decision from my HLR with a duty to assist error. What typically happens after this? Do I get a new c&p or does my claim just go back to the rating stage?
I am already rated for 1 thing and I have another claim waiting to be decided on. I went to check the status of my claim and saw this. Anyone know what it means? The only payment I have received is my back pay from the claim that was recently decided.
wondering for guys that had there’s granted recently how long after your granted did u get your rating
I got denied for IBS December 2025. I filed an HLR bc I had the diagnosis and reported symptoms while in service. The VA agreed with diagnosis in my favor, but not service connection. I filed an HLR that same month bc I of PACT ACT presumptive condition (I served in SW ASIA during the required timeline), plus of my symptoms about 3 months before I separated.
I finished my informal conference April 9th and they found a duty to assist error and it’s being corrected. My ACE was completed April 23rd. How much longer do you think it would take for them to finish this with a decision to approve/deny my rating? I got a copy of the completed DBQ from my C&P exam and the IBS met the requirements for at least 20%. I thought with PACT Act it would be a simple turnaround.
Hey my fellow battle vets and hope all is well. Thank you for your service! So I'm creating this post as I want to help settle racing minds as like mines was LOL..ITF was 8/1/25...claimed submitted 2/4/2026..denial for increase, static rating and inferred TDIU on 4/28/26 and applied that same day...returned all documents, lay statements, termination records from employers of past 5 years which were all related toy service connected disability of 70% on 5/9/2026...received denial for TDIU 5/14/2026..filed for HLR on 5/15/26 and same day higher level reviewer picked up case..today 5/18/2026 my case is now scheduled for informal conference on 5/20/26 which is in two days. All praises to the most high and wish the same efforts on your claims!! I'll keep you guys updated after Informal conference Wednesday.
Just submitted A VBA Appeal for a judge to make a decision on getting Sleep Apnea service connected. I chose the option of just submitting more Evidence and not having to actually meet the judge. Anyone else choose the option?
Cheers to this possible 3+ year fight!
Good afternoon,
I am currently on step two in the BDD process. I have been in step 2 for over 30 days and have not received a call for CP exams. How long have you waited for your calls? I contacted VERA and AskVa, both said someone is working my case.
Thanks in advance.
I’ve been hitting refresh once a day for a week; I’ve been stuck (and not moving backward) in Step 7. I thought this was a 48 ish business hours step?
Anyone have experience being stuck here a while?
For context, this is a single condition claim and all DBQs were uploaded the same day as the appointment occurred.
I called the VA Friday for a status on my HLR. They told me its on step 6 - decision made, checking for errors. The rep verified my email, phone number and last 4 of my account that the direct deposit goes to. Is this a positive sign or just SOP?
