The Playbook › Step 5 of 7: Read the decision
Your rating decision arrives as a packet: a cover letter, the rating decision itself, and information about your review rights. You can download it from VA.gov, usually before the paper copy reaches your mailbox.
It is written in formal language, but it follows the same layout every time. Once you know where to look, you can tell in ten minutes whether VA got it right.
The short version
- Check the combined rating, monthly amount, and effective date first.
- Then read the Reasons for Decision for each condition. That is where VA explains itself.
- Look for the favorable findings. VA is bound by them in later reviews.
- Note the date on the letter. Your one-year review deadline runs from it.
- A granted claim can still be wrong: check the percentage and the effective date.
On this page
The cover letter
This is the summary. It tells you:
- Your combined rating
- Your monthly payment and the date it starts
- Whether dependents were included
- Any amounts withheld
- How to ask for a review
The rating decision
Introduction
A short statement of your service dates and what VA was deciding.
Decision
A numbered list of each issue and the outcome. For each condition you will see one of these:
| Wording | What it means |
|---|---|
| Service connection is granted with an evaluation of X% effective [date] | Approved. Check the percentage and the date. |
| Service connection is denied | Not approved. Read the reasons. |
| Evaluation is increased to X% | Higher rating granted |
| Evaluation is continued at X% | No change |
| Decision is deferred | Not decided yet. VA needs more evidence. No action required from you unless they ask. |
| Evaluation is proposed to be reduced | VA plans to lower a rating. Act fast. See rating reductions. |
Evidence
A list of everything VA says it considered. Check this carefully. If you submitted a private medical opinion, a buddy statement, or records that are not listed, VA may not have looked at them. That alone can justify a review.
Reasons for Decision
The most important section. For each condition VA explains:
- Why it granted or denied service connection
- Why it chose that percentage, usually by quoting the rating criteria
- What would be required for the next higher rating
That last part is a roadmap. If VA says a higher rating needs “prostrating attacks once a month” and you have them, you know exactly what evidence to submit.
Favorable findings
Decisions must list any findings in your favor, such as “the veteran has a current diagnosis” or “the in-service event is established.” These are binding on VA in future reviews unless there is clear evidence against them. In a denial, they tell you which elements you have already won, so you can focus only on what is missing.
The code sheet
Often the last page. It lists each condition with its diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date, plus your combined rating history. Use it to check VA’s math with the calculator.
What to check
- Did VA decide every condition you claimed? If one is missing, it may be deferred or overlooked.
- Is the effective date right? It should usually be the date VA received your claim or Intent to File. See VA back pay.
- Is the percentage right? Compare the criteria VA quoted to your actual symptoms.
- Did VA rely on the C&P exam and ignore your private evidence? It should explain why.
- Is the right diagnostic code used? Look up any code, including hyphenated ones, in the conditions A to Z.
- Are your dependents included?
- Is the combined rating math right? See VA math.
Common reasons for denial, and what they mean
| What the letter says | What is missing | Where to go next |
|---|---|---|
| “No current diagnosis” | Element 1 | Get a diagnosis, file a Supplemental Claim |
| “No evidence of an event in service” | Element 2 | Buddy statements, records, your own statement |
| “Not related to service” or “less likely than not” | Element 3 | A nexus letter |
| “No continuity of symptoms” | Evidence between service and now | Continuity denials |
| “Failed to report for examination” | The exam | Explain why and ask for a new one |
What to do next
- You agree with everything. Nothing to do. Add dependents if you have not.
- Something is wrong. You generally have one year from the date on the letter to request a review. See what to do after a denial.
- Your condition is worse than rated. You can also file for an increase at any time. See rating increases.
Before you choose, request your C-file and read the C&P exam the rating decision was based on.
For a plain-English summary of your own letter, try the decision letter decoder. It reads the letter on your device and nothing is uploaded.
Free printable checklist. Everything to gather before you file, what to bring to your C&P exam, and what to check in your decision, on two pages.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide is general educational information, not legal or medical advice, and this site is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change. Confirm details on VA.gov or with an accredited representative. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.