Filing for Disability in Virginia
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Virginia, 38.2% are approved — above the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
Virginia approves 38.2% of initial disability claims. That’s 1.2 percentage points above the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Virginia vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
Virginia's medical approval rate has fallen from 45.8% to 38.2% over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
38.2%
Claims Filed
3,947
Determinations
4,338
Pending Claims
12,450
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
17.0%
Recon Claims Pending
3,630
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Charlottesville
Hearing OfficeCharlottesville · 4 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,123 pending
approval
Norfolk
Hearing OfficeNorfolk · 6 judges · 8.5 months wait · 1,713 pending
approval
Richmond
Hearing OfficeRichmond · 5 judges · 8.5 months wait · 1,416 pending
approval
Roanoke
Hearing OfficeRoanoke · 4 judges · 8.0 months wait · 910 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 24.3%
- Disabled Child
- 58.0%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 13.6%
- Disabled Child
- 32.0%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,924
- Approved
- 770
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,477
- Approved
- 658
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 937
- Approved
- 228
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 569
- Approved
- 330
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,307
- Approved
- 222
What to Do Next
Review Virginia's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in Virginia. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Virginia?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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