How to appeal a VA claim is one of the most important things a veteran should understand after receiving a denial or low rating. Fortunately, the VA offers multiple paths to challenge a decision and seek the benefits you’ve earned through service.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three main options to appeal your VA decision—Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal—so you can choose the best one for your situation.
Why Was My VA Claim Denied?
Before diving into how to appeal a VA claim, it helps to understand why claims are denied in the first place.
Common Reasons for VA Claim Denial
Lack of a service connection
Insufficient or outdated medical evidence
Missed VA exams or incomplete forms
These denials can be frustrating, but they aren’t final. Filing a VA appeal gives you another chance to present stronger evidence or correct errors.
🔗 Learn more about Decision Reviews FAQ’s on the VA’s official site.
Different Ways to Appeal A VA Claim
Option 1: File a Supplemental Claim (New Evidence)
One of the most common ways to appeal a VA claim is by submitting a Supplemental Claim. A Supplemental Claim is the best option if you’ve gathered new and relevant evidence since your original decision.
How to File a Supplemental Claim
Submit VA Form 20-0995
Include new evidence such as:
Updated medical records
Buddy statements
A nexus letter from your doctor
The VA will reassess your claim based on this new information.
Filing a Supplemental Claim is often ideal for veterans who were denied due to a lack of medical or service-related documentation.
Decisions generally take 4 to 8 months.
Option 2: Request a Higher-Level Review
A Higher-Level Review is another avenue available when considering how to appeal a VA claim. This involves a new VA adjudicator reviewing your case—without allowing you to submit new evidence.
How to File a Higher-Level Review
Submit VA Form 20-0996
You can request an “informal conference” call to explain your position
This is a good option if you believe the VA made an error in reviewing the evidence you already submitted. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 months.
Option 3: Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
When other options don’t lead to a favorable outcome, appealing your VA decision to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals may be necessary. This is a formal, administrative legal process reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge.
Three Board Appeal Options
Direct Review: No new evidence or hearing (~12–18 months)
Evidence Submission Lane: Submit new evidence within 90 days (~18–24 months)
Hearing Lane: Request a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge (~2–3.5 years)
To start, file VA Form 10182 and choose your review type.
🔗 Explore the Board of Veterans’ Appeals overview
Why Hire a Lawyer to Appeal a VA Claim?
Knowing how to appeal a VA claim is one thing—executing the appeal correctly is another. Working with an experienced veterans disability attorney gives you the advantage of:
Knowing which appeal lane is best for your situation
Building the strongest evidence package
Avoiding procedural errors or missed deadlines
Representation during BVA hearings
At Chad Barr Law, we help veterans nationwide with VA disability appeals. Our attorneys are VA accredited. From developing supplemental claims to representing you before the BVA, we’re here every step of the way.
Call 888-2-VETLAW or request a free case review.
FAQs: How to Appeal a VA Claim
What is the deadline to appeal a VA decision?
You have 1 year from the date of your decision letter to appeal.
Can I appeal a VA decision more than once?
Yes. You can move from one appeal lane to another if needed, such as filing a supplemental claim after a Board appeal.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a VA appeal?
Absolutely. A VA accredited attorney can improve your odds and reduce delays by handling forms, deadlines, and evidence gathering.
Recommended Reading
Strategies to Appeal a VA Disability Claim
The Benefit of the Doubt Rule in VA Disability Claims
VA MISTAKE: PACT Act Claims Effective Dates
