What does 'deferred' mean on a VA rating decision?
Last verified August 16, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Details
- 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.
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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.