ELIGIBILITY TOOL

Appeal Path Comparison

Based on 38 CFR Part 20 Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) rules and VA.gov decision-review guidance. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).

Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026

Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.

Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 20 (AMA board appeals), 38 CFR § 3.2500 (Decision reviews), VA.gov decision reviews

Answer a few questions about your situation and this tool can help identify which VA appeal lane may be the most suitable option under the Appeals Modernization Act38 CFR Part 20. Veterans generally have one year from a decision to request a reviewVA.gov decision reviews. Actual outcomes depend on individual circumstances. This tool is decision-support only; a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited representative selects and files the appeal lane.

Step 1 of 5

What type of decision are you seeking to appeal?

Initial claim denialRating increase denialEffective date disputeService connection denial

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Higher-Level Review and a Supplemental Claim?: A Higher-Level Review is a de novo look at the same evidence by a more senior VA reviewer, no new evidence is permitted. A Supplemental Claim lets you submit new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered. If you have new medical opinions, records, or lay evidence, a Supplemental Claim is usually the right lane; if you believe VA misapplied the law or facts on what was already in the file, a Higher-Level Review may fit.
How long do I have to appeal a VA decision?: Under the Appeals Modernization Act, you generally have one year from the date of the decision notice to request any of the three review lanes. Missing the one-year window can mean starting the claim over as a new submission, which can affect your effective date.
Can I keep working while a Board Appeal is pending?: Yes. Filing a Board Appeal does not restrict employment, and it does not waive any benefits currently being paid. A Board Appeal is a review of VA’s decision and does not by itself pause an existing rating.
Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?: No. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) can represent you at no cost for every appeal lane. Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees in some circumstances, subject to 38 CFR § 14.636. The VA Office of General Counsel publishes an accreditation search at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation.

Appeal Path Comparison

Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026

Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.

Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 20 (AMA board appeals), 38 CFR § 3.2500 (Decision reviews), VA.gov decision reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Higher-Level Review and a Supplemental Claim?

A Higher-Level Review is a de novo look at the same evidence by a more senior VA reviewer, no new evidence is permitted. A Supplemental Claim lets you submit new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered. If you have new medical opinions, records, or lay evidence, a Supplemental Claim is usually the right lane; if you believe VA misapplied the law or facts on what was already in the file, a Higher-Level Review may fit.

How long do I have to appeal a VA decision?

Under the Appeals Modernization Act, you generally have one year from the date of the decision notice to request any of the three review lanes. Missing the one-year window can mean starting the claim over as a new submission, which can affect your effective date.

Can I keep working while a Board Appeal is pending?

Yes. Filing a Board Appeal does not restrict employment, and it does not waive any benefits currently being paid. A Board Appeal is a review of VA’s decision and does not by itself pause an existing rating.

Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?

No. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) can represent you at no cost for every appeal lane. Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees in some circumstances, subject to 38 CFR § 14.636. The VA Office of General Counsel publishes an accreditation search at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation.