VA Disability Appeals: Don’t Give Up on the Benefits You Deserve

If your VA disability claim was denied, underrated, or otherwise didn’t result in the benefits you believe you're entitled to, you're not alone — and you’re not out of options. As a veteran-led law firm, we understand the frustration of being denied for injuries or conditions that stem from your military service.

Fortunately, there are three official appeal options available under the VA’s modernized decision review system.

Supplemental Claim Higher-Level Review Board of Veterans’ Appeals

  • If your VA disability claim was denied and you’ve since found new evidence that supports your case, a Supplemental Claim may be the best next step. This appeal path allows you to submit new and relevant evidence that wasn’t included in your original claim or any prior appeal. Once submitted, the VA will re-evaluate your case in light of the new material.

    This is often the right choice if your initial claim was denied due to insufficient evidence or missing documentation. Filing within one year of the prior decision may preserve your original effective date — a major benefit if your appeal is successful.

    Best for situations where:

    You’ve received new medical records or nexus letters

    A private doctor or specialist has provided an updated opinion

    You now have buddy statements or other supportive documentation

  • A Higher-Level Review is designed for cases where no new evidence is needed, but the VA simply got it wrong. This process puts your claim in front of a more experienced VA adjudicator for a fresh review. You’re not allowed to submit any new records, but you can request an informal conference call to point out errors or misinterpretations.

    This appeal path is typically faster than going to the Board and can be effective if the issue was legal or procedural. It’s a great option when the VA overlooked something already in the file or failed to apply the correct standard.

    Best for situations where:

    The VA ignored key evidence already submitted

    You believe the law was applied incorrectly

    You want a quicker review than the BVA process allows

  • The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is the most formal appeal option. Your case is reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge, and you have the ability to choose from three different tracks:

    Direct Review – no hearing or new evidence

    Evidence Submission – submit new evidence within 90 days

    Hearing Request – appear before a judge (virtually or in person)

    BVA appeals tend to take longer but offer a higher level of legal review. This is often the right path when your claim is complex, involves conflicting medical opinions, or when multiple prior decisions have failed to fully recognize your service-connected condition.

    Best for situations where:

    You want a judge to hear your case

    You have new evidence that strengthens your case and want it reviewed by a higher authority

    You believe prior VA decisions missed the mark or failed to properly consider complex medical or legal issues

Contact Us About Your VA Disability Claim

We’re committed to helping veterans get the benefits they’ve earned. Provide a few details below, and we’ll be in touch to review your situation and next steps.