What Is eBenefits
eBenefits was the VA's original web portal for veterans to access disability ratings, payment information, and manage certain benefits online. The VA has been transitioning all eBenefits functionality to VA.gov since 2020, with a complete phase-out scheduled by the end of 2024. If you filed a claim before 2023, you likely used eBenefits to check your claim status or view your disability rating decision.
What You Could Do on eBenefits
eBenefits provided several core functions that mattered to disability claimants:
- View your current disability rating percentage and effective date
- Check Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam scheduling and results
- Monitor claim status and decision letters in real time
- Download your VA disability award letter showing your monthly payment amount
- Access your eFolder, which contained scanned evidence you submitted and VA records
- Apply for specific benefits like health care enrollment or dependent add-ons
- View payment history and direct deposit information
Why the Transition Matters
The move from eBenefits to VA.gov consolidates everything into one platform, but the transition has created confusion. Many veterans still receive instructions to use eBenefits in older materials or outdated VSO guidance. If you're working with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) on an appeal or filing a supplemental claim, ask explicitly whether your representative is submitting documents through VA.gov or the old eBenefits system, as this affects processing speed and document visibility.
Your disability rating and payment status remain unchanged during this transition. You'll see the exact same information on VA.gov that you previously accessed on eBenefits, though the interface and navigation are different.
Accessing Your Information Now
All functions formerly available through eBenefits now live on VA.gov. To view your disability rating, claim status, or C&P exam details, log into VA.gov using your preferred credentials (VA.gov sign-in, Login.gov, ID.me, or MHV). Look for the "Manage Your Health and Benefits" section to access disability and compensation information.
If you're currently appealing a rating decision or submitting a nexus letter for a new condition, submit all documentation through VA.gov's upload portal or through your VSO's eVIP system. Paper submissions still work but take longer, typically 30 to 60 days for processing versus 5 to 10 days for electronic uploads.
Common Questions
- Can I still log into eBenefits?
- eBenefits logins will eventually stop working as the platform is decommissioned. If you still have access, use it to verify your current disability rating and payment information before it's fully shut down. After that, all information transfers to VA.gov automatically.
- My claim decision shows a different rating on eBenefits than what I expected. What does that number mean?
- Your disability rating is expressed as a percentage, from 0% (service-connected but no disability compensation) to 100%. The VA rates each condition separately using the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Your overall rating determines your monthly compensation. For example, a 70% rating paid approximately $3,737 monthly as of 2024. If your rating seems incorrect, you can file a Higher-Level Review or supplemental claim with new medical evidence or a nexus letter linking your condition to military service.
- I need to reschedule my C&P exam. Do I do that through eBenefits or VA.gov?
- Use VA.gov. C&P exam scheduling and reschedules are now managed through VA.gov's appointment system. If you received a scheduling notice with an eBenefits link, ignore it and go directly to VA.gov instead. Contact VA Schedule at 1-800-827-1000 if you can't reschedule online.