Why your claim went back to Step 3
It is a normal part of the process. It does not mean your claim was denied.
The steps VA shows in the claim status tool
VA lists eight steps: 1 Claim received, 2 Initial review, 3 Evidence gathering, 4 Evidence review, 5 Rating, 6 Preparing decision letter, 7 Final review, 8 Claim decided.
Eight steps
Why it goes back
VA says: if VA needs more evidence, or you submit more evidence, your claim goes back to Step 3, Evidence gathering. This applies when the claim is in Step 4, 5 or 6. VA also says you can submit evidence at any time.
VA's compensation site says the same thing another way: it is common for claims to return to the evidence-gathering phase when more evidence is needed.
Does it mean another exam?
Not always. VA says it asks for a claim exam only if it needs more information to decide your claim. Federal rules say VA will provide an exam or get a medical opinion when it decides one is necessary to decide the claim (38 CFR 3.159(c)(4)), and will order an exam when the file does not have enough medical evidence to rate the claim (38 CFR 3.326).
VA also says you may need more than one exam, for example if you claimed several conditions, if VA needs a follow-up exam to see how a condition has changed, or if you ask for a decision review.
If you get an exam notice
Go to the exam. VA says missing it will delay your claim, and VA may decide the claim on the evidence already in your file, which could affect your benefits. VA lists good-cause examples such as a death in your immediate family, homelessness, hospitalization or a terminal illness.
What you can do
- Check the claim status tool on va.gov for the current step.
- Send any new medical records or statements you have. VA says you can submit evidence at any time.
- Answer any VA request as soon as you can.
Where to call and where to go
- VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Source: VA regional benefit office page and VA contact us.
- Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, any time. Source: Helpful VA phone numbers.
- Check your claim status and upload evidence on va.gov
- VA claim exam: what to expect and how to report a good-cause reason
- Find an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent) to help with your claim