What does 'deferred' mean on a VA rating decision?

Q: What does 'deferred' mean on a VA rating decision?

A deferred issue is one VA has not decided yet. VA issues the rating on the other claimed issues and holds the deferred one open, usually because an examination is pending, records are outstanding, or another issue must be resolved first. Because no decision was made on a deferred issue, there is generally nothing to appeal on it — but the one-year review clock on the issues that WERE decided is already running.

Last verified August 16, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent

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A deferral is not a denial and does not change the date VA received the claim.
If the deferred issue is later granted, the effective date is still set under 38 CFR § 3.400 based on the claim date and when entitlement arose.
The decided issues on the same rating carry their own one-year period under 38 CFR § 3.2500.
Failure to report for an examination scheduled on the deferred issue is governed by 38 CFR § 3.655.

This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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What does 'deferred' mean on a VA rating decision?

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