Three appeal paths under the Appeals Modernization Act: Higher-Level Review (Form 20-0996), Supplemental Claim (Form 20-0995), or Board Appeal (Form 10182).
If VA denies or under-rates your claim, you have three appeal paths under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). Higher-Level Review (a senior reviewer takes a fresh look), Supplemental Claim (you submit new evidence), or Board Appeal (direct to the Board of Veterans Appeals). You generally have 1 year from the decision date to file. CVSOs file appeals for free.
Detail
- Higher-Level Review (Form 20-0996): same evidence, fresh senior reviewer. ~5 months. Cannot include new evidence.
- Supplemental Claim (Form 20-0995): you must include "new and relevant" evidence (e.g., a nexus letter, newer medical records). ~6 months.
- Board Appeal (Form 10182): direct to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). Three docket choices: Direct Review (fastest, ~9 months), Evidence Submission (90-day window), Hearing (slowest, 2-4 years).
- Cumulative: you can do them in series — Supplemental Claim → Higher-Level Review → Board Appeal — preserving your effective date.
- CAVC (Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims): if BVA denies, appeal to a federal court. Hire a VA-accredited attorney for CAVC.
- Free help: VSOs and CVSOs handle appeals for free (no contingency fee). Paid attorneys may charge up to 20% of back-pay (capped by VA), but only on appeals — not initial claims.
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