The three lanes
Under the Appeals Modernization Act, a decision can be challenged three ways: a Higher-Level Review, a Supplemental Claim, or an appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. You choose the lane that fits the reason for the denial.
Higher-Level Review
A senior reviewer looks at the same evidence again. No new evidence is allowed. This lane suits decisions where the evidence was already there and was misread or overlooked.
Supplemental Claim
You submit new and relevant evidence, such as a medical opinion linking your condition to service. This is the right lane when the claim was denied for missing evidence.
Board of Veterans' Appeals
A Veterans Law Judge decides the case, with or without new evidence and with the option of a hearing. It is the most thorough lane and usually the slowest.
Deadlines
In most cases you have one year from the decision date to choose a lane and keep your original effective date. Missing it can cost months of back pay.
Match the lane to the reason for the denial. New evidence belongs in a Supplemental Claim. File within one year to protect your effective date.Have a question about your own claim?
An accredited representative will review it with you at no cost.