Veterans have two main options for filing a disability benefits claim with the VA. Those options are submitting either a fully developed claim or a standard claim. Each option has its pros and cons. Fully developed claims may be processed faster, but the VA will assist in compiling information for standard claims, reducing the administrative burden on veterans. VetLaw can assist clients in determining which VA disability benefits process is best for them.
What Is a Fully Developed VA Claim (FDC)?
A fully developed claim is a VA disability claim option designed to make the application and approval process as fast and efficient as possible. With an FDC, you submit all information relevant to your disability upfront instead of waiting for the VA to request additional information. By submitting all documentation and evidence together, you can get a faster VA decision and start receiving your benefits sooner.
What Is a Standard VA Disability Claim?
With a standard VA disability claim, the VA will instead help gather medical records and documentation for you. The VA will make efforts to gather relevant information from doctors, VA medical facilities, and the Social Security Administration. They will also request any pertinent information from non-federal sources, if necessary.
Key Differences Between FDC and Standard VA Claims
The key difference between FDC and standard VA claims is who gathers evidence and documentation. With a standard claim, the VA does the majority of the legwork in gathering evidence for your claim. You just submit the basic application, and the VA will request medical records from any sources it deems relevant. The result is that standard VA claims usually take longer to process because the VA has to do the extra work of evidence gathering.
With an FDC claim, the applicant is the one who gathers evidence and documentation. The applicant submits all the supporting evidence for the claim at the same time they submit a disability benefits application. Because the claimant submits all evidence at once, FDCs generally have faster processing times than standard claims.
What Do I Need to Apply for an FDC VA Claim?
According to the VA, in order to submit an FDC claim, you will need the following documents:
- A completed copy of VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)
- All military personnel records related to your disability
- Records of medical treatment you received while serving in the military
- Medical records from all private facilities and non-VA hospitals
- Statements attesting to your condition (optional)
Once you submit the completed application and supporting evidence, you will be asked to certify that there is no more evidence the VA needs to decide your claim. You may also have to attend a medical exam if the VA decides it is necessary to make a decision on your application.
Even though it’s an FDC, the VA can still help gather a few documents. Specifically, they can request your military service record, Social Security benefits information, and federal medical records. You can file an FDC claim online, in person, by mail, by fax, or with a VA-accredited representative.
Note that if you fail to submit all required documentation on the FDC claim checklist, the VA will not reject your claim. Instead, they will switch your application to the standard claim path and proceed normally. Filing an FDC claim vs. a standard claim has no bearing on the final decision or the amount of benefits you are entitled to.
How Long Does It Take the VA to Process an FDC vs. Standard Claim?
According to the VA, the average VA standard claim timeline as of April 2025 is 131.5 days. Various estimates put the timeline for FDCs between three and four months on average. VA claims are processed nationally, so decision timelines should not depend on the state in which you filed the claim.
The logic in claiming that the FDC application process is shorter is that by submitting all the evidence upfront, the VA doesn’t have to request and gather evidence, thus shortening the process. The reality is that FDC claim timelines can still vary month-to-month depending on VA staffing issues and application backlog. In some cases, average wait times for FDC claims can actually be higher than wait times for standard claims, though any difference is usually small.
You can minimize decision timelines by working closely with an experienced VA disability benefits attorney. They can ensure that your claim contains all relevant information and an accurate description of your disability and how it affects your life. They can also help you through any appeals process if the VA denies your claim.
How to Choose the Right VA Claim Process
If you have all your relevant disability information at hand and believe the information is comprehensive enough, you should file a fully developed claim. FDCs give you more control over the disability claims process and can result in faster decisions if you are well organized. The shorter timelines and lack of additional evidence gathering can make FDCs less stressful.
However, a standard claim might be a better option if you do not have immediate access to your records. The VA has a duty to assist applicants and will make efforts to gather as much relevant information as needed. A standard claim may also be better if you have multiple disabling conditions and are unsure if you have all the necessary evidence.
In either case, a VA disability benefits attorney from VetLaw can help decide whether an FDC or standard claim is best for you. We have experience working with veterans and their families across all 50 states, helping them get the benefits they are owed. You sacrificed for this country, and it’s only fair that you get compensation for that loss. We have a proven track record of securing results through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. We’ll use whichever option works to protect our clients’ interests and well-being.
Contact us online or call (336) 355-8387 today to receive a free case review with a VA disability benefits attorney.
