Step 5 of the VA Claim Process: What to Do While You Wait Step 5 of the VA claim process is the rating phase. During this vital stage, the Department of Veterans Affairs carefully reviews your compiled evidence to decide which conditions are service-connected and what specific disability rating percentage each condition receives. While you wait, check your claim status on … [Read more...] about Stuck in Step 5 of the VA Claim Process? Here is What is Happening Behind the Scenes