Claims Process Demystification

What Your EP Code Actually Means (And Why You Should Care)

That 3-digit number on VA.gov isn't random. It determines how long you'll wait, which office processes your claim, and what's likely to happen next. Here's what you need to know about EP codes and how to use them strategically.

The Quick Version

Check VA.gov and find that "EP" followed by 3 digits. Here's what you're probably seeing:

EP 020 (Request for Increase): 87 days average - fastest option if you already have a rating

EP 010 (New Claim): 95 days average - standard first-time claim

EP 040 (Supplemental): 102 days average - appeal with new evidence

EP 400 (Higher-Level Review): 118 days average - slowest standard appeal

EP 930 (Board Remand): 145 days average - longest wait, but often leads to eventual approval

Your EP code changes when your claim status changes. If you're checking VA.gov frequently (and honestly, who isn't?), watch for these changes - they mean something actually happened.

What EP Codes Really Are

EP = End Product. It's the VA's internal tracking system for claim types. Every claim gets one based on what you filed for, where it is in the process, and what stage you're in.

Why this matters: Your EP code determines your timeline, your processing office, and based on data from thousands of claims, gives you insight into what to expect.

Understanding your EP code gives you more information than the standard "We're reviewing your claim" status update on VA.gov.

Breaking Down The Common Codes

EP 010 - New Original Claim

This is your first disability claim. Processing averages 95 days, though your individual timeline will depend on your Regional Office, claim complexity, and whether you need a C&P exam.

Success rate sits around 55% for original claims.

What happens during those 95 days:

  • Initial review (Development stage)
  • C&P exam scheduled (typically 60-80 days of the total timeline)
  • Evidence gathering
  • Rating decision
  • Award notification

The key with EP 010: Submit all your evidence upfront. Upload everything to VA.gov immediately - service records, medical records, nexus letters, buddy statements. This helps speed up the process since the VA won't need to chase down records.

EP 020 - Request for Increase

This is the fastest EP code for standard claims - 87 days average. If you already have any existing VA rating and your condition got worse, file this instead of a new claim.

Success rate is around 60%, higher than new claims because the VA already has your file and you're comparing current status to previous status.

Important to know: Your rating can be decreased if your condition has actually improved. This doesn't happen often, but it's a possibility to be aware of when filing for an increase.

Why EP 020 is faster: The VA already has your medical history and previous rating on file. They're updating an existing record rather than creating a new one, which streamlines the process.

If you have any existing service-connected conditions, this is often your best path for related issues or worsening symptoms.

EP 040 - Supplemental Claim

This is an appeal with new evidence. 102 days average processing, with a 50-60% success rate when the evidence is genuinely new and relevant.

Here's what the VA means by "new": Evidence dated after your denial OR evidence that wasn't in your original file when they made their decision. Simply finding your old medical records that were always in the system doesn't count as "new."

Here's what they mean by "relevant": It actually helps prove your case. Evidence needs to directly relate to the condition you're claiming.

The big advantage of EP 040: If you file within one year of your denial, you keep your original effective date. That means your backpay goes back to when you first filed, not when you filed the supplemental. This can make a significant difference in your compensation.

What works well in supplemental claims based on BVA data:

  • Private medical nexus opinions linking service to condition
  • New medical evidence showing worsening or new diagnosis
  • Service records you didn't have during the original claim
  • Buddy statements that add context the VA didn't previously have

What typically doesn't work:

  • Resubmitting the same documents from your original claim
  • Arguing with the rater's decision without new supporting evidence
  • Generic letters that don't clearly connect service to condition

EP 400 - Higher-Level Review

Slowest standard appeal at 118 days average. Success rate is 18-20%.

HLR is designed for cases where a senior rater reviews the same evidence to check if the original rater made an error. No new evidence can be submitted. If new evidence is discovered in your file during the review, your HLR claim may be closed and you'll need to refile.

When HLR works well:

  • Rater overlooked evidence that was in your file
  • Rater misread or misinterpreted your medical records
  • VA failed their duty to assist (didn't obtain records they should have)
  • Clear procedural error occurred

When HLR typically doesn't work:

  • You didn't have strong evidence in your original claim
  • You need to submit new evidence to strengthen your case
  • The original decision was correct based on the evidence available

The data shows: If you have or can obtain new evidence, filing EP 040 (Supplemental) offers a higher success rate with similar processing time. HLR is most effective when you can point to a specific error made with the existing evidence in your file.

EP 930 - Board Remand

Longest processing at 145 days average. Remands often lead to eventual approval because the Board of Veterans' Appeals has identified specific issues that need to be addressed.

What happens with a remand:

  1. Regional Office receives detailed instructions from the Board
  2. RO follows Board's orders (conduct proper exam, obtain missing records, etc.)
  3. RO makes a new decision based on complete development
  4. If denied again, you can appeal back to the Board

The Board remands cases when they identify that the VA didn't properly develop the claim. This gives you a clear roadmap of what needs to happen for your claim to be reconsidered properly.

Strategic EP Code Selection

Here's where understanding these codes gives you an advantage.

If you have ANY existing VA rating:

File increases as EP 020 instead of new claims as EP 010. Same condition, faster processing (87 vs 95 days), higher success rate (60% vs 55%). The VA already has your file, use that to your advantage.

If you were denied and have options:

Have new evidence or can get it? → File EP 040 (Supplemental)

  • Similar processing time to HLR (102 vs 118 days)
  • Much higher success rate (50-60% vs 18-20%)
  • Can submit new evidence to strengthen your case

No new evidence but confident the rater made an error? → File EP 400 (HLR)

  • Only if you can point to specific mistakes with existing evidence
  • Request informal conference to explain the error verbally
  • Understand your 18-20% success rate going in

Can get new evidence but want to preserve effective date? → File EP 040 within one year of denial

  • Keeps original effective date for backpay
  • Gives you time to get quality evidence
  • One shot to get it right with new evidence

The bottom line: Evidence quality matters more than EP code selection. A strong EP 040 with a solid private nexus letter beats a weak EP 020 every time. But if evidence is equal, choosing the right EP code saves you time and improves your odds.

Understanding Processing Time Variations

These processing times are national averages based on VA data. Your individual experience will vary based on several factors:

Factors that affect your timeline:

  • Your Regional Office's current workload
  • Complexity of your claim
  • Whether you need a C&P exam
  • Completeness of your evidence
  • Time of year (processing tends to slow around holidays)

About averages: By definition, half of all claims take longer than the average time. If your claim is complex or your Regional Office is experiencing high volume, expect your timeline to be on the longer end of the spectrum.

What you can control:

  • Submit complete evidence upfront to avoid delays
  • Respond quickly to any VA requests for information
  • Track your EP code to monitor progress
  • Choose the right EP code type for your situation

The key is setting realistic expectations. Some claims process faster than average, some slower. Focus on building the strongest possible claim rather than trying to game the timing.

Your EP Code + Your Regional Office = Your Timeline

EP code is only half the equation. Your Regional Office significantly impacts your actual processing time.

Same EP code, different timelines by RO:

Salt Lake City RO + EP 020 = ~60 days Washington DC RO + EP 020 = ~110 days

Salt Lake City + EP 400 = ~95 days
Washington DC + EP 400 = ~160 days

Regional Offices handle different claim volumes and have varying staffing levels, which affects processing times. Some ROs consistently process faster, while others experience longer backlogs.

Your EP code gives you the national average, but your assigned Regional Office determines your actual experience. You can't choose your RO (it's based on where you live), but knowing which one handles your claim helps you set realistic expectations.

How To Use This Information

1. Check your EP code

Log into VA.gov → Check claim status → Look for your EP code in claim details. If you can't find it, call 1-800-827-1000 and ask "What EP code is my claim?"

2. Set realistic expectations

Your EP code gives you a baseline timeline. Add time for your specific circumstances - complex claims, slower Regional Offices, or holiday periods will extend processing.

3. Monitor for changes

Your EP code changing indicates progress. The claim moved stages, a decision was made, or your appeal was processed. Regular monitoring helps you stay informed.

4. Choose strategically when filing

  • Have an existing rating? File increases (EP 020) rather than new claims (EP 010)
  • Getting denied with new evidence? File Supplemental (EP 040)
  • Getting denied without new evidence but see a clear error? Consider HLR (EP 400)

5. Focus on evidence quality

No EP code strategy saves a weak claim. Strong evidence - private medical opinions, comprehensive nexus letters, complete service records - is what wins claims. Proper documentation matters more than processing speed.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Mistake #1: Filing HLR when you have new evidence

HLR doesn't allow new evidence submission. If you have new evidence or can obtain it, file a Supplemental Claim (EP 040) instead for a higher success rate.

Mistake #2: Filing Supplemental without new evidence

Make sure you actually have new and relevant evidence before filing EP 040. Obtain new medical records, nexus letters, or other supporting documentation first.

Mistake #3: Not monitoring EP code changes

Check your EP code regularly. When it changes, something has happened with your claim - it's progressed to a new stage or received a decision.

Mistake #4: Filing new claims when increases are available

If you have any existing rating (even 0%), consider filing related conditions as increases (EP 020) rather than new claims. Faster processing and the VA already has your file.

Mistake #5: Expecting exact timeline predictions

Processing times are averages. Your individual claim may take longer or shorter depending on complexity, Regional Office workload, and other factors. Plan accordingly.

What I'm Building

Understanding EP codes and processing timelines shouldn't require digging through forums or calling the VA repeatedly. The information exists, but it's not always presented in a way that helps veterans make informed decisions.

I'm building Claim Raven to make VA claims information more accessible. Track your EP code, get alerts when it changes, see how your timeline compares to similar claims, and understand what's happening at each stage of your claim.

The goal is simple: Give veterans clear information about their claims so they can make better decisions and set realistic expectations throughout the process.

I'm not a lawyer or VSO. This is educational information based on VA data and BVA case analysis. Individual experiences vary.

If you found this helpful, check out the free tools at ClaimRaven.com.

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