Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents - CT.gov

Chapter 12 Appeals of VA Claims Decisions 95Chapter 12Appeals of VA Claims DecisionsVeterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the right to appealdecisions made by a VA regional office or medical center. Typicalissues appealed are disability compensation, pension, educationbenefits, recovery of overpayments, and reimbursement for unauthorizedmedical services.A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of a VA decisionto file an appeal. The first step in the appeal process is for aclaimant to file a written notice of disagreement with the VA regionaloffice or medical center that made the decision.Following receipt of the written notice, VA will furnish the claimant a“Statement of the Case” describing what facts, laws, and regulationswere used in deciding the case. To complete the request for appeal,the claimant must file a “Substantive Appeal” within 60 days of themailing of the Statement of the Case, or within one year from thedate VA mailed its decision, whichever period ends later.Board of Veterans’ AppealsThe Board of Veterans’ Appeals makes decisions on appeals onbehalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Although it is not required,a veterans service organization, an agent, or an attorney mayrepresent a claimant. Appellants may present their cases in personto a member of the Board at a hearing in Washington, D.C., at a VAregional office or by videoconference.Decisions made by the Board can be found on the Web site at http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/. The pamphlet, “Understanding the AppealProcess,” is available on the Web site or may be requested by writing:Hearings and Transcription Unit (014HRG), Board of Veterans’Appeals, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420.U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans ClaimsA final Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision that does not grant aclaimant the benefits desired may be appealed to the U.S. Court ofAppeals for Veterans Claims, an independent court, not part of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs.