You may be discouraged about your Veterans’ disability claim. You thought that you proved a nexus between your disability and the military service-related event that led to it, or that a condition diagnosed prior to your active-duty service was aggravated beyond normal wear and tear because of it. So why has the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied your claim?
You can appeal the decision. However, the VA offers three different types of hearings and appeals. Even if you choose a Board appeal, there are three further options involved. A VA Board Review lawyer from the largest Veterans law firm in the country offers free consultations from anywhere in the U.S. to ensure your appeal is handled properly.
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) reviews Veterans’ appeals when they believe the VA wrongly denied their claims for benefits. The three options you have include filing a supplemental claim if the original claim did not provide relevant evidence that you wish to provide now, requesting a higher-level review where a senior reviewer will give the initial information another look, and a Board appeal. Our attorneys can explain why a VA Board Appeal may be the best option for you.
The BVA offers three dockets to pursue your BVA appeal, depending on your situation. You may choose a Direct Docket Review if your attorney believes all compelling evidence is in the VA’s possession because you cannot submit new evidence, although this is the fastest route to resolve your denial.
If you have additional relevant information pertaining to your case, you can ask for an Evidence Submission Docket that will enable you to submit new evidence within 90 days of filing your appeal.
Although choosing a Hearing Docket means your case will take longer to resolve, you will also gain the opportunity to have your lawyer present your case in person before a Veterans Law Judge so they can answer any questions and clear up any misunderstandings.
A Veterans Law Judge has special knowledge of federal law that impacts those who serve in the U.S. military. When they hear a case, they issue a written opinion that grants or denies your appeal or remands it elsewhere for further consideration. In your hearing with the Judge, your lawyer can present new evidence and help you answer any questions the judge asks. A decision in your case will take time as the Judge contemplates new evidence and reviews the transcript of your hearing, although the BVA tries to issue decisions within one year. If your case is more complex, it could take even longer. Talk to a VA Board review attorney to learn if this type of appeal is right for you.
It can seem like a defeat when you are denied some VA benefits you earned during your active-duty military service if you contracted a debilitating illness or injuries in a military-related accident, but there is always hope if we help you appeal the denial. One tactic is to request one of three Board Reviews that we will discuss with you based on your circumstances.
You served your country honorably and we have dedicated our law practice to helping Veterans just like you. We are the largest firm of its kind in the country and are available to advise you during a complimentary consultation. If your VA claim for benefits was denied, call a VA Board Review lawyer to discuss where you go from here.
