Certain VA claims are flagged for expedited or priority processing, moving them ahead of the normal queue. Understanding whether your claim qualifies can significantly reduce your wait time.
Veterans with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) receive immediate priority processing. The VA presumes ALS is service-connected for any veteran who served 90 days or more of continuous active duty, and these claims are processed on an expedited basis due to the progressive nature of the disease.
Terminally ill veterans receive priority processing. If a veteran has a condition that is reasonably expected to cause death, the claim is expedited regardless of whether the terminal condition is the one being claimed. You or your physician should notify the VA of the terminal diagnosis to trigger the expedited lane.
Veterans experiencing financial hardship may qualify for Advanced on Docket (AOD) status, which moves their appeal to the front of the Board of Veterans Appeals queue. Financial hardship is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and you must submit a written request with supporting documentation.
Homeless veterans and veterans at imminent risk of homelessness receive priority processing. VA has Homeless Veterans Coordinators at regional offices who can flag claims for expedited handling.
Veterans aged 75 and older automatically receive priority processing for appeals at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Their cases are advanced on the docket without needing to request it.
Former prisoners of war (POWs) receive priority processing. POWs also benefit from expanded presumptive conditions that do not require individual proof of service connection.
To request priority processing, contact your regional office or VSO representative and explain the qualifying circumstance. For AOD requests at the Board level, submit a written motion to the Board of Veterans Appeals. Include any supporting documentation such as medical evidence of terminal illness, proof of financial hardship, or documentation of homelessness.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).