You may have applied for VA disability benefits weeks or months ago, and now you’ve received a notification on your online portal: “We’ve sent you a development letter.” You may be wondering what this means, what comes next, and how to respond. In this article, we will walk you through various types of development letters and what to do when you receive one.
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In this article about VA development letters:
What is a VA development letter?
A VA development letter is a correspondence mailed to you by the VA, typically to request more information about your benefits claim or provide a status update. Development letters are also sometimes called working on claim letters (WOCs) or VA claim notification letters.
They should not be confused, however, with a rating decision or award letter, which is specifically intended to tell you whether your VA disability claim was granted or denied and at what level of compensation.
What should I do if I receive a development letter?
Development letters may or may not require action on your part. Sometimes, these letters may even state an action needs to be taken that you have already completed.
Other times, you may be asked to do something new, and a response will typically be required within 30 days. Still other times, it may be very clear the development letter is being sent as a status update that requires no action on your part.
It’s important to always read your development letter carefully. It should provide clear instructions about what is needed from you. If you are unsure whether a necessary action has been completed or a piece of information received, you can always check in with the VA online, or by writing the address or calling the phone number provided in the letter. When contacting the VA, be mindful of any deadlines included in the letter. You may also want to contact your representative, if applicable.
Examples of VA development letters
There are a wide range of development letters you may receive from the VA. While this list is not conclusive, we share a few examples below.
- Development letter requesting an examination
Sample language: “We are working on your claim. What do we still need from you? We asked the VA medical facility nearest you to schedule you for an examination in connection with your claim. They will notify you of the date, time, and place of the examination. If you can’t keep the appointment or want to be rescheduled, contact the medical facility on the appointment notice as soon as possible. When a claimant, without good cause, fails to report for an examination or reexamination, the claim shall be rated based on the evidence of record, or even denied. Examples of good cause include, but are not limited to, illness or hospitalization, death of a family member, etc.”
- Request for missing information
Sample language: “We are working on your claim. What do we still need from you? We received your VA Form [xxxx], and additional supporting documents on [date]. However, your form is incomplete. In order for us to continue processing your claim, please tell us your current address by completing sections [##] and [##]. For your convenience we have enclosed a copy of the VA Form [xxxx] you submitted for reference, as well as a new copy of the form for completion. Please return the form to us within 30 days from the date of this notification letter.”
- Request for clarification
Sample language: “We are working on your claim. Important information: On your claim submitted [date], you claimed the contention of plantar fasciitis. Is this condition in one foot or is the condition bilateral?”
- You may be entitled to individual unemployability
Sample language: “We are working on your claim. What do we still need from you? You may be entitled to compensation at the 100 percent rate if you are unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation because of your service-connected disabilities. If you believe you qualify, complete, sign, and return the enclosed VA Form 21-8940, Veterans Application/or Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability. Please also include, if possible, VA Form 21-4192, Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefit, completed by each of the employers identified on VA Form 21-8940.”
- Information about record gathering
Sometimes the VA may update you that they have requested a document. Other times, they may be asking you to send those records in. Read carefully to make sure you know what action is needed from you.
Sample language: “We have requested copies of your disability medical records from Social Security. It may take several months to receive a response.”
Sample language: “Please send us a copy of the death certificate of [name], clearly showing the manner of death, the primary cause(s) of death, and any contributing factors.”
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Frequently asked questions
A VA development letter is a correspondence mailed to you by the VA, typically to request more information from you about your benefits claim or provide a status update.
Read the letter carefully. It should provide clear instructions about what is needed from you. It’s possible your development letter is providing a status update, with no further action needed on your part. It’s also possible you will have already completed the requested action by the time the development letter arrives. If you are unsure whether a necessary action has been completed or a piece of information received, you can always check in with the VA online, or by writing the address or calling the phone number provided in the letter. You may also want to contact your representative, if applicable.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
