VA Just Sent Your Award Letter – Here’s How to Decode Every Line of Your Claim Decision

VA Just Sent Your Award Letter: If you’ve just received your VA award letter, congratulations—you’ve taken a major step in your veteran’s benefits journey. But now you’re likely staring at a few pages filled with legal language, confusing abbreviations, and a long list of percentages and dates. What does it all mean? This guide is here to break it down, line by line, so you know exactly what the VA decided, why they made that decision, and what to do next.

Whether you’re a first-time applicant, an advocate, or a seasoned vet navigating a new claim, this article will make your VA decision letter simple to understand and act upon.

VA Just Sent Your Award Letter

Decoding your VA award letter might seem daunting, but once you understand its structure and meaning, it becomes a powerful tool for managing your benefits. Always check your ratings, effective dates, and payment info carefully. And if something doesn’t seem right, remember: you have options. Don’t leave money or benefits on the table.

Take your time to understand the decision and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are experts, organizations, and advocates out there ready to support you.

What Is a VA Award Letter?

Your VA award letter is an official document from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that outlines the outcome of your disability compensation claim. It’s usually made up of two parts:

1. Cover Letter (Notice of Action)

This brief letter summarizes your claim decision. It tells you which conditions were granted, the disability rating (e.g., 30%, 70%, etc.), and the effective date of your benefits. It may also inform you of how to proceed if you wish to appeal or ask for reconsideration.

2. Rating Decision (RD)

This detailed section gives you a full explanation, including:

• The decision for each condition
• The evidence considered
• The rationale behind the VA’s decision
• Any references to previous claims or remands

Understanding the Sections of Your Rating Decision

Introduction

This part includes your name, claim number, and service history. It confirms your eligibility and the type of claim (initial, supplemental, etc.). It may also state any recent changes to law that impacted the decision.

Decision

Here, you’ll find:

• Whether your claim was granted, denied, or deferred
• The disability rating percentage for each condition
• The effective date, which determines when your benefits begin
• If Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) was considered

For example: “PTSD with depression: Service connected, 50% disabling, effective May 12, 2023.”

Evidence

This section lists everything VA considered in making their decision, such as:

• Service treatment records
• Private medical opinions
• C&P (Compensation & Pension) exams
• Lay statements (from you, family, or friends)
• Buddy letters and employer records
• Statements in support of claims (VA Form 21-4138)

Reasons for Decision

The VA explains why they rated a condition the way they did, citing legal references from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and prior case law. For example:

“A 50 percent evaluation is assigned for occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity…”

This is where you can assess whether the VA missed or misinterpreted any key facts. This section can help you decide whether an appeal is warranted.

What Does “Deferred” Mean?

A “deferred” item means the VA hasn’t made a decision yet because they need more information. Maybe they ordered another medical exam or need additional documents. Deferred items typically appear in complex claims involving multiple conditions or secondary service connections.

Important: Deferred is not a denial. It’s a pending issue. The VA will continue working on it without you needing to refile. You should still monitor its progress on VA.gov.

Effective Date: Why It Matters

The effective date is the date from which your benefits begin. It’s usually the day VA received your claim, but it could go back further in cases involving:

• Newly submitted evidence from a prior open claim
• Errors in a past decision
• Recent changes in law or policy affecting your case

This date is critical because it determines how much retroactive pay you may be owed. If you filed your claim years ago and only now received a favorable decision, that backpay could be significant.

Understanding VA Rating Percentages and Combined Ratings

Each condition gets its own percentage rating, which reflects how much it affects your ability to work and function. The VA then uses a combined rating table to calculate your overall disability level using a “whole person” approach.

For example:

• Back condition: 40%
• PTSD: 30%
• Migraines: 10%
• Total combined: 60% (not 80%) due to VA’s formula.

Ratings are rounded to the nearest 10%, and the maximum combined rating is capped at 100%. This means that three 50% ratings won’t equal 150% but rather a combined 90%.

Monthly VA Compensation and Retroactive Pay

Once your claim is granted, the VA will start paying you monthly. The amount depends on your combined rating and number of dependents.

For example, as of 2025:

• 70% with spouse and one child: ~$1,716.28/month
• 100% with spouse and two children: ~$3,621.95/month

The VA adjusts compensation annually to match the cost of living increases (COLA), typically in line with Social Security adjustments.

Retroactive pay (aka backpay) is a lump sum covering the time from your effective date to your award date. This amount is typically deposited separately from your regular monthly payments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reviewing Your VA Award Letter

1. Ignoring Deferred Items

Many veterans assume a deferred issue is a denial and move on. Always follow up.

2. Not Reviewing the Evidence Section

Make sure all your medical and service documents are listed. Missing evidence can mean an incorrect decision.

3. Misunderstanding Your Rating

Use the VA’s official calculators and rating schedules. Don’t assume percentages add directly.

4. Missing the Appeal Deadline

You have exactly one year from the decision date. Mark it on your calendar.

5. Not Understanding Secondary Conditions

You may be eligible to claim conditions caused or worsened by a service-connected condition, such as depression stemming from chronic pain.

Tips to Maximize Your VA Disability Benefits

• Keep a Journal: Track your symptoms and their impact on daily life. This is valuable evidence.
• Schedule Regular Medical Appointments: Ongoing treatment shows the severity and persistence of your conditions.
• Use a VSO (Veterans Service Officer): These experts can help file your claims and navigate appeals at no cost.
• File for Secondary Conditions: Some health issues develop as a result of your service-connected conditions.
• Stay Organized: Keep copies of all submissions, medical records, and correspondence with the VA.
• Attend All C&P Exams: Missing these can delay or negatively impact your claim.

Your Rights Under AMA: How to Appeal

If your claim is denied or you believe your rating is too low, you have three options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA):

1. Higher-Level Review

A senior reviewer re-evaluates your claim using the same evidence. Best for clear errors or overlooked facts. No new evidence can be submitted.

2. Supplemental Claim

You provide new and relevant evidence. This resets the clock and gives VA a second look. Ideal for adding new medical opinions or records.

3. Board Appeal

You appeal directly to the Board of Veterans Appeals, which could include a judge hearing. You may request a direct review, a hearing, or submit new evidence.

Use the Decision Review Request Forms to start your appeal. You have 1 year from the date on your award letter to act.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to receive back pay?

It usually takes 7-15 days after the award letter, but complex claims may take longer.

Q2: Can I appeal just part of the decision?

Yes, you can choose to appeal one condition or rating without affecting others.

Q3: What if my effective date is wrong?

You can request a correction through a Higher-Level Review or file a CUE (Clear and Unmistakable Error) claim.

Q4: What if something is missing from the evidence section?

Submit the missing documents with a Supplemental Claim or contact VA to request a review.