VA expands online notice availability for Veterans

Veterans can now access key VA letters and notices online, including documents outlining the evidence needed to support disability claims, through VA.gov.

Expanded access to decision letters

VA has recently expanded the types of documents available online, adding more letters that help Veterans understand the evidence required for their claims. This update includes notices and follow-up development letters, which explain the type of evidence needed and how it can support a claim. 

Why use the online tool?

Even though paper letters will still be mailed, accessing letters online offers several benefits: 

• Faster access to information without waiting for the mail.
• Convenience; it saves time by eliminating the need to contact VA for updates. 
• Easy storage of letters in digital format, reducing the need for paper copies.

How to access your decision letters online

Veteran with a VA.gov login can easily access their decision letters and notices by following these steps:

1. Log in to VA.gov.
2. Click “VA Benefits and Health Care,” then select “Disability” from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose “Check your claim or appeal status.”
4. Find any closed claim on the “Check your VA claim or appeal status” page and click on it.
5. Click, “Get your claim letters.”
6. The letter will open in a new window, and you can print or save them as a PDF. For help accessing decision letters and notices online, you can save or print them as a PDF. 

For help navigating this process, view the instructional video that walks you through the steps,

VA’s commitment to improving digital services

VA continues to enhance digital self-service options to make it easier for Veterans to manage their benefits online.  For more information about the decision letter download tool, visit the Claims Status Tool FAQs.