Board Veterans Appeal
If you disagree with a VA decision, you may be able to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), where a Veterans Law Judge will review your case.
When filing a Board Appeal, you will choose one of three review options: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or a Hearing.
Additional Medical Evidence
Depending on the review option you select, you may be able to submit medical records or other evidence that the VA has not previously considered. Be sure to follow the evidence submission rules and deadlines for your selected Board Appeal option.
Official VA Forms
Decision Review Request
Use this form to appeal a VA decision to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. You will also use this form to select the type of Board review you are requesting.
Statement in Support of Claim
Use this form to provide a personal statement explaining, in your own words, how your military service caused or contributed to your claimed condition, the symptoms you experience, and how the condition currently affects your daily life.
Lay/Witness Statement
Consider using this form to submit a buddy statement from a spouse, friend, fellow or former service member, or another person with firsthand knowledge of your service-related injuries, conditions, or current symptoms.
Choose your Board Appeal Option
Direct Review
Choose Direct Review if you want a Veterans Law Judge to review your appeal based only on the evidence that was already part of your record at the time of the decision you are appealing.
With this option, you cannot submit new evidence or request a hearing.
Evidence Submission
Choose Evidence Submission if you want a Veterans Law Judge to review your case and consider additional evidence.
New evidence must be submitted with your Board Appeal or within 90 days after the Board receives your request. No hearing is held with this option.
Hearing
Choose the Hearing option if you want the opportunity to speak with a Veterans Law Judge.
You may submit new evidence at your hearing or within 90 days after the hearing. You are not required to submit new evidence to select this option.