Initial disability compensation claim with eight or more issues
VA uses this workload category for a first compensation claim containing at least eight claimed issues.
VA shorthand, explained
Decode the code or claim status in front of you.
Use this reference to distinguish rating-schedule codes from VA workload codes and the status labels shown while a claim or review is moving.
24 common codes and status terms
Three different systems
The same number or abbreviation can mean different things in different records.
A Diagnostic Code (DC) points to a disability in 38 CFR Part 4. An End Product (EP) code helps VBA classify and control internal workload. A claim status describes where the work currently sits.
An EP code is not a disability rating and does not predict whether VA will grant or deny the claim.
End Product codes
Internal workload categories
Initial disability compensation claim with seven or fewer issues
This category generally controls a first compensation claim with no more than seven claimed issues.
Compensation claim after the first eligibility decision
Common examples include a newly claimed disability, an increased-rating claim, TDIU, or certain special monthly compensation issues.
Higher-Level Review
The 030 series generally identifies a requested Higher-Level Review of one or more previously decided issues.
Supplemental Claim
The 040 series generally identifies a Supplemental Claim or certain error-correction work tied to a prior decision.
Dependency action
This category is used for many actions involving a spouse, child, parent, or other dependency-based payment question.
Review, referral, or correction
VA may use EP 930 for a missed issue, a prematurely closed work item, or a correction when another category does not apply.
Administrative or codesheet correction
This category can control an administrative error, rating codesheet correction, or master-record correction.
Disability claim statuses
The current eight-step VA.gov process
Claim received
VA has received the claim in its system.
Initial review
VA checks the submission for basic identifying information and other initial requirements.
Evidence gathering
VA reviews what is already available and may request records, an examination, or other evidence.
Evidence review
The available evidence is being reviewed. New or missing evidence can return the claim to evidence gathering.
Rating
VA is deciding the issues and determining any disability evaluations.
Preparing decision letter
VA is preparing the written decision and, when applicable, payment and effective-date information.
Final review
A senior reviewer is checking the claim and decision letter.
Claim decided
The decision letter is available in the claim status tool and is also sent by mail.
Other status language
Older labels and decision-review terms
Preparation for decision
An older or internal-facing label generally indicating that evidence development is complete enough for a rating decision.
Pending decision approval
An older status label associated with review or approval of a drafted decision.
Preparation for notification
A decision has been made and the notification package is being prepared.
Completed claim
For claim types using this label, VA has sent the decision letter.
An issue still needs more work
VA decided one or more issues but postponed another issue for additional evidence or action.
VA is correcting an error
A higher-level reviewer identified an error that must be corrected before the review can be completed.
The Board returned an issue
The Board sent an issue back for additional evidence, procedural work, or a new decision.
A reviewer has the Supplemental Claim
VA received the request and assigned it for review; more information may still be needed.
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