Appeal a VA decision, step by step

A guided path from "read your decision" to filed, then what to do if you are denied again. Work top to bottom; the steps after "file" happen while you wait.

Your decision

Work through your decision

Read what the VA decided, record the reasons and evidence listed, and keep your questions with your preparation.

Open a decision reading sheet Use the Letter Interpreter

Read the Rating Decision guide Find reference cases

Before you choose
1 Understand your decisionread what VA actually decided

More: How VA weighs medical opinions Negative evidence: prior denials stack

2 Choose your appeal lane

More: Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) Withdrawing a claim or appeal

3 Build new evidencethe Supplemental lane is evidence-driven

More: How VA weighs medical opinions Nexus letter guide

📨 File your appeal on VA.gov
File your HLR, Supplemental Claim, or Board appeal. Or have your representative file it for you.
After you file, while you wait
4 Track it / Board hearing

More: Browse BVA judges BVA Insights VA Appeals Pulse

5 If denied again

More: Effective dates Appeal Outcomes by Condition

Anytime, get accredited help
6 Find accredited helpall VA-accredited
7 Related

More: Search BVA decisions Understand your decision letter

Not sure which lane fits your denial?

Answer four quick questions and see how the Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board lanes apply to your situation, including which element your denial turned on. General education, not a recommendation about your claim.

1. Which element was your denial based on?

Service connection needs three things. Your decision letter's "Reasons for Decision" section usually names the one VA found missing. Knowing it tells you exactly what a Supplemental would need to add.

2. Can you still get new and relevant evidence?

New means VA did not have it before. Relevant means it speaks to the missing element above, for example a new diagnosis, a private nexus opinion, newly found service records, or a buddy statement about the in-service event.

3. Have you already filed a Supplemental Claim on this issue?
4. Have you already filed a Higher-Level Review on this issue?

Open the full appeals guide: the three lanes side by side, and when to escalate to the Board →

Heading to the Board? See what the data and case law show about the three dockets →

Restart the wizard

RateMyVSO is encyclopedic. Cards link to research and tools. Not legal advice.