Priority Processing
Overview
The VA offers expedited claim processing for eligible veterans and servicemembers facing specific circumstances. This fast-track program reduces wait times for qualifying claims.
Pro Tip: Certain situations qualify you for priority processing: terminal illness, financial hardship, advanced age, or ALS. If you qualify, request it. The VA won't volunteer to move faster.
Eligible Benefit Types
Priority processing is available for:
- Appeals to the Board of Veterans' Appeals
- Education Benefits
- Disability Benefits (including VA appeals)
- Fiduciary claims
- Pension and Survivors Benefit Claims
Special Note: Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims receive automatic priority without meeting any additional criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
Veterans qualify by meeting any of these conditions:
| Criterion | Required Evidence |
|---|---|
| Age 85+ (or 75+ for BVA appeals) | Date of birth |
| ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) diagnosis | Medical documentation |
| Extreme financial hardship | Eviction notice, foreclosure documents, past-due bills, collection notices |
| Former Prisoner of War status | DD-214 or service details |
| Homeless or at imminent risk | Working phone number and mailing address |
| Medal of Honor recipient | DD-214 or proof of receipt |
| Purple Heart recipient | DD-214 or proof of receipt |
| Terminal illness diagnosis | Medical evidence of terminal condition |
| Very seriously injured/ill | Medical records and military documentation |
Application Process
Step 1: Complete Documentation
Submit a signed VA Form 20-10207 with supporting evidence demonstrating eligibility.
Step 2: Submit via Preferred Method
For Education Benefits: - Call 1-888-442-4551 - Contact Ask VA online
Online (Recommended): - Use the Direct Upload Veterans Claims Intake Program at eauth.va.gov
Fax (Disability Claims Only): - 844-531-7818
Mail:
Board of Veterans' Appeals:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Board of Veterans' Appeals
P.O. Box 27063
Washington, DC 20038
Disability Claims:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Compensation Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Pension & Survivors Claims:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
P.O. Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Fiduciary:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Fiduciary Intake Center
P.O. Box 95211
Lakeland, FL 33804-5211
Follow-Up Steps
After submission:
- Online/Fax submissions: Check status in approximately 2 weeks
- Call 1-800-827-1000
- Schedule VERA appointment
- Mailed submissions: Follow up after approximately 1 month
Verify the priority "flash" has been applied to your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reapply for each claim?
No—the priority marker attaches to your file, not individual claims. Verify status periodically if years have passed since it was applied.
How much faster is processing?
Priority expedites consideration by raters/judges but doesn't accelerate evidence gathering delays. If the VA is waiting for medical records or exams, that time remains unchanged.
Do multiple criteria provide additional speed?
No—meeting multiple eligibility requirements provides no additional speed boost, except for ALS cases which receive maximum priority.
What if I can't get medical records?
Submit completed VA Forms 21-4142 and 21-4142a to authorize VA retrieval—though this causes processing delays.
Important Notes
- Priority processing doesn't guarantee approval
- Evidence requirements remain the same
- Quality of claim still matters
- Consider working with a VSO for best results
Reference
Based on 38 CFR § 20.800, VA Manual M21-1, and related VA policy documents.