What is the Decision Ready Claim (DRC) Program?

The DRC Program allows you to submit VA compensation claims that are decision-ready so you can get your claim processed as fast as possible.

To submit a DRC, you must:

• Appoint and work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
• Gather all relevant and required evidence to support your claim, and
• Attend a VA claim exam, if needed, before submitting your claim.

When you work with an accredited VSO and provide all the necessary evidence with your application, you can get a decision on your claim in 30 days or less.

How do I find an accredited VSO?

To find an accredited VSO near you, go to the VSO Search page on eBenefits. Accredited VSOs are fully trained on the DRC Program and can help you determine if a DRC is right for you.

What type of claims can I file through the DRC Program?

Currently, the DRC Program is available for the following types of compensation claims:

• Direct Service Connection Claims: Claims for conditions that began during your military service or were caused by an event while serving.
• Presumptive Service Connection Claims: Claims for conditions that are presumed to have been caused by an event during your military service, even if there is no specific evidence showing a connection between your condition and your military service in your service records. This includes conditions related to Agent Orange, chronic disabilities, and the following conditions tied to service during the Gulf War:
  • fibromyalgia
  • chronic fatigue syndrome
  • functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Secondary Service Connection Claims: Claims for conditions that were caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.
• Increased Disability Claims: Claims for existing service-connected conditions that you have medical evidence to show have gotten worse.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Claims: Claims for surviving spouses of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease or who was rated 100% disabled due to service-connected conditions (including entitlement to Individual Unemployability) for 10 years prior to their death. To learn more about DIC, including eligibility requirements, go to the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation page.
• Pre-Discharge Claims: Claims for disability compensation filed by Servicemembers who have less than 90 days remaining before their separation from military service.

To file a DRC, you must have previously filed a VA claim and received a rating decision from VA on that claim (this does not include DIC and Pre-Discharge claims). Go to the eligibility section to see a full list of exclusions that would remove your claim from the DRC Program.

Have more questions? Reach out to your local VSO or call the VA toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000.