VA Appeals

Appealing VA claim decisions can result in increased compensation.

The VA appeals process allows Veterans, their dependents, or survivors to challenge a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision on a claim for Disability Compensation, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Aid and Attendance.

Types of VA Appeals

You can appeal a VA decision if:

• Your claim was denied
• You disagree with your VA disability compensation rating (e.g., you received a 30% disability rating but believe it should be 50%).
• You dispute the effective date of benefits (e.g., the VA starts payments later than you think is correct).
• The VA made an error in processing your claim (e.g., overlooked evidence or misapplied regulations).
• You believe the decision doesn’t reflect the evidence provided (e.g., medical records showing a service-connected condition were ignored).

Steps in the VA Appeals Process

There are different types of appeals, including a Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, and review by the Board of Veterans Appeals. Each type of review requires different forms and has specific evidence.

Getting a Favorable Decision

The VA appeals process can be complicated and hard to navigate. Choosing the right review option and the correct forms can be challenging. Common issues include:

• Errors or incomplete information on forms.
• Submitting the appropriate evidence to support your claim.
• Inconsistent decisions due to reviewers interpreting evidence differently.
• VA errors or oversights during the review process.

Long Processing Times

Appeals, especially at the BVA, can take months or years, particularly if a hearing is requested or the case is complex. Backlogs in the system delay resolutions.

Filing an Appeal

The appeals process can be draining, especially for Veterans or families dealing with disabilities, grief, or financial hardship while awaiting a decision. But it can also result in significant increases in monthly benefits and even large lump-sum back payments. 

Individuals who submit an appeal without assistance from a VA-accredited representative often have lower approval ratings due to errors, weak evidence, or misnavigation of the system.

Has your VA claim been denied?

If you applied for monetary benefits and your claim was denied, contact us today at (720) 779 – 3431 to learn about your appeal options.

Our skilled and experienced VA representatives have a proven track record of presenting strong appeal cases that result in favorable decisions.