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Simplify the VA Disability Benefits Appeals Process with our comprehensive video guide. Unravel the intricacies, know your rights, and streamline your appeal journey. Equip yourself with knowledge and boost your chances of securing the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.

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Start a VA claim

1

Step 1

Initiate the Claim

Claimant files a VA claim, and the VA regional office (RO) responds with a VCAA letter followed by a decision notice.

2

Step 2

Express Disagreement

If dissatisfied, the claimant files a notice of disagreement. If denied, VA issues a statement of the case (SOC).

3

Step 3

Opt for DRO Review

Within 60 days of the VA letter offering a DRO review, claimants can request this additional examination.

4

Step 4

File a Formal Appeal

If unresolved, the claimant submits the Substantive Appeal VA Form 9 within the required timelines.

5

Step 5

Board and Beyond

The Board of Appeals reviews and decides. If necessary, further appeals to the CAVC are possible within 120 days.

Step 1

File Initial Claim

Veterans submit their disability claim, and the VA makes a decision.

Step 2

Supplemental Claim

If dissatisfied, veterans can submit new and relevant evidence to support their claim.

Step 3

Higher-Level Review

Opt for a more experienced adjudicator to review the claim decision without adding new evidence.

Step 4

Board Appeal

Veterans can take their appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals if they disagree with the decision.

Step 5

Court Review

If dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, veterans have the option to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act

Upon filing a new claim, the VA’s rating decision now includes: decided issues, evidence summary, applicable laws, and favorable findings. It clarifies denial reasons, evidence used, and criteria for granting benefits.
Post-rating, veterans have one year to act. Options include seeking a higher RO review, submitting new evidence, or filing an NOD for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Judge gavel and law books

Higher-Level Review

From your initial claim, you have a year to opt for a review at the VA regional office, ensuring a quality check on the original opinion. This de novo review—examining without considering the prior decision—doesn’t permit extra evidence or hearings. If the outcome is positive, your original claim date remains; if negative, you can file a supplemental claim or appeal to the board.

Supplemental Claim

Within a year from your decision date, you can file a supplemental claim by submitting new and relevant evidence. The VA aims to decide within 125 days, preserving your original claim’s effective date.
Post-decision, if unsatisfied, you have three choices: resubmit evidence within a year, preserving your claim date; request a higher review; or opt for a board review lane.

Law and Justice in United States of America

Board Review Lane

To appeal at the BVA, file a notice of disagreement (NOD) within a year of the decision. Previously, multiple steps preceded a BVA appeal, but now, an NOD directly takes you there.
The NOD, submitted on the VA’s specified form, must detail the veteran’s disagreements. Veterans can request a BVA hearing, submit more evidence, or seek a review without added information. The VA plans to allow post-filing NOD modifications.

New Effective Date Rules

Under the new system, by choosing a lane within a year, your effective date for granted claims remains the original claim date.

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You’ve served our country bravely, but the government denied your disability claim. Enlist our team to take up the fight.

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