How long will my appeal take to resolve?

Question

Dear Jim,

Thank you for all the advice that you provide for veterans seeking compensation for service-connected disabilities.

My question is regarding the housebound rate. I am a 30 year old male who is currently rated 100% IU P&T. I was permanently and medically retired back in 2013 and received an 80% disability rating from the VA. I submitted a claim in 2013 to increase my disability to 100%. I was denied initially. I got the help of a lawyer who helped me through the appeals process. After waiting another 3 years, I received a letter stating my claim has been approved for 100% IU P&T. With the advice of my lawyer, I appealed the decision because I qualify for the housebound rate [SMC(s) - 100% total disability with 70% bipolar].

It's been almost 2.5 years since we appealed but I'm concerned that the VA may take another look at my case and re-evaluate me. Is it reasonable to expect that the VA will not order a re-examination since my determination was recent and make a determination based on my current medical records? If not, what is reasonable (or normal) for this process?

Thank you.

Jim's Reply

These are all great questions for the veterans law attorney who is managing your appeal. In very broad terms, appeals may take 3 to 6 years...the VA has a very large backlog of appeals.