'Ask VA to Decide My Claim' Button

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and confusion that surround this button. But here is the truth in the matter:

There are only FOUR cases in which pressing this button maybe does anything:

You submitted a Supplemental claim and did NOT select anything in the 5103 notice acknowledged block or you selected you would like the VA to send it.
Your POA submitted your Claim or Appeal.
You filed for TDIU and did NOT include a VA Form 21-526EZ.
You filed for Aid and Attendance/SMC and did NOT include a VA Form 21-526EZ.

What the Button Actually Does

Pressing the button adds a document to your Claim file that says you have submitted all evidence you plan on submitting.

If you fit any of the listed cases above, and the VA forgot to send you a 5103 notice and you did not fit a sub-scenario where one need not be sent (I will not go into them). Asking the VA to decide your claim fulfills the 5103 notice requirement. In effect saving you from having to wait a month, whenever someone at the VA realizes no one ever sent the notice out.

So yes, for those who say it does nothing... You are right in the vast majority of cases.

- The button is non-binding, you can continue to submit additional evidence.
No, the VA is still free to obtain evidence. This DOES include ordering Compensation and Pension Examinations.
- While logged into the va.gov website: Home>Check your claims and appeals>Files for your compensation claim
  - Scroll down under “additional evidence” you should have a spot to submit more stuff, and you will also see the button to “ask for a claim decision”.