What options do Veterans and appellants have to reduce the time they have to wait for a decision?
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On July 28, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) by Executive Order 6230, Veterans Regulation No. 2(a). The Board was delegated the authority to render the final decisions on appeal for the Administrator (now Secretary) and was directly responsible to the Administrator (Secretary). The Board was charged “to provide every possible assistance” to claimants and to take final action that would “be fair to the Veteran as well as the Government.” The Board continues to meet this charge. Learn more »
How do I file an appeal?If you are dissatisfied or disagree with a VA decision, you have the right to file an appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. The Board will review the evidence presented and issue a decision.
You can find the status of your appeal from the “Check your claim or appeal status” web page then following the guidance listed there. You can also call 1-800-827-1000.
As a general matter, the Board is required by law to review appeals in docket order. However, the Board may advance an appeal on the docket (AOD) if the appellant demonstrates unusual hardship such as serious illness, severe financial hardship, or other sufficient cause. Additional information on AOD status is located under Customer Service.
The Board understands that many Veterans and appellants have been waiting a long time for a decision. We acknowledge that this wait can be very frustrating and want to explain why getting a Board decision can take a long time, and what options Veterans and appellants have to reduce the time they have to wait for a decision. The Board decision wait times page is available with additional details.
If Veterans, appellants, representatives or Regional Offices have questions about their hearings, the Hearing Coordinator List provides the hearing team coordinator points of contact.
What is the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA)In 2017 the AMA was passed and took effect in February 2019. AMA created a new decision review process allowing Veterans to choose from three lanes to determine the path their appeal will follow. The three lanes to choose from are supplemental claim, higher-level review, and appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
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Initial Claim decision received. Do you agree with your initial decision?
You are done! Please visit the VA website to see what benefits and services you may receive.
