If you’re a veteran and don’t agree with the VA’s decision about your benefits or health care, you have the right to ask for a review. The old appeals system has been replaced with a new Decision Review process that gives you more choices and faster results.
Your Review Options
Here are the four main ways you can challenge a VA decision:
✅ 1. Supplemental Claim
- Use this if you have new and relevant evidence (like medical records or reports) that wasn’t looked at the first time.
- You’ll get a fresh review based on the new information you provide.
✅ 2. Higher-Level Review
- This is a second look by a senior VA reviewer.
- No new evidence can be added.
- They’ll just recheck your current file for any errors or missed details.
✅ 3. Board Appeal
- If you still don’t agree with the decision, you can ask the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your case.
- A Veterans Law Judge will take a closer look and make a new decision.
✅ 4. Clinical Appeal (For Medical Decisions)
- If you disagree with a VA medical decision made by your care team, you can file a Clinical Appeal.
- This lets you ask for a re-evaluation of your treatment or care plan.
Special Cases You Can Also Appeal
Some situations require a different type of review. These include:
- Family Caregiver Program: If you’re part of the caregiver support program and disagree with a decision.
- Contested Claims: When more than one person is trying to get the same benefit.
- VA Insurance Claims: Disputes over VA life insurance policies.
- Fiduciary Claims: Issues involving a person who manages VA benefits for someone else.
Check and Manage Your Appeals
🔎 Track Your Claim Status
- Already filed a decision review? You can log in to your VA account to check your status.
- This tool doesn’t show medical (health care) appeals.
📆 Legacy Appeals
- If your appeal was filed before February 19, 2019, you may still be in the legacy appeal system.
- You can learn more about that process on the VA website.
Need Help? You’re Not Alone.
👨⚖️ Get Expert Support
You can get free help from:
- A VA-accredited attorney
- A claims agent
- A Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
They can help you choose the best review option for your situation and guide you through the process.
Other Helpful Resources
- FAQs – Find answers to common questions about decision reviews.
- What Happens Next – Learn what to expect after you request a review.
- VA Debt Help – View and manage any debts related to VA benefits, including making payments or asking for help.
Why This Matters: The Appeals Modernization Act
The Appeals Modernization Act was created to make the VA decision process faster and fairer. Veterans can now get results more quickly, with more control over how their claim is reviewed.
