If you receive a decision from the VA on your initial claim for disability compensation that you believe is incorrect or does not award the full amount you are entitled to, you may appeal the decision to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) by filing a Notice of Disagreement within one year of the date of the decision. You can appeal issues such as the denial of service connection, the ratings awarded, or the effective date of your benefits. You must determine whether you want your appeal to be handled by a Decision Review Officer (DRO) or through the traditional process. You can also request a hearing at this time. When considering your appeal, a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney who can explain your options is highly recommended.
After you file your Notice of Disagreement, the VA will issue a Statement of the Case, which is a more detailed explanation of the findings in your ratings decision and how and what evidence was considered in making those findings. If you still disagree with the VA’s findings, you must act quickly by filing a VA Form 9 with your Regional Office within 60 days of the receipt of the Statement of the Case. You may also request a hearing in front of the BVA at this time. Again, the assistance of an accredited, experienced VA attorney can help with your appeal to the BVA by developing your claim and presenting it in an effective manner which will encourage a favorable decision.
