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Denied VA Claims
What to do after a VA claim denial, and the review and appeal paths available.
Overview
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Common questions
Top Questions
A denial letter should explain the VA's reasoning — common factors include insufficient evidence of service connection or of a current diagnosis. Reading the full decision letter is the first step.
Veterans generally have a few review options after a denial, including a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board Appeal, each with its own process and deadlines.
A Supplemental Claim is a way to submit new and relevant evidence for the VA to consider after a decision.
A Higher-Level Review asks a more senior VA reviewer to take a fresh look at the same evidence already on file, without adding new evidence.
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Educational information, not legal or medical advice. Veteran Benefits USA is an independent organization and is not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For official, current program rules, see VA.gov.
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