If disability compensation has been granted for a particular medical condition, the VA will have assigned a percentage of disability (ranging from 0% to 100%) and an effective date of disability for that condition.  If there is a compensable rating assigned (10% or higher), the VA will calculate whether any retroactive benefit is due and also advise the current monthly benefit to be paid to you.  If you are satisfied with the decision, you need do nothing further.

If the VA has denied eligibility or if you are not satisfied with the percentage rating and/or effective date of an approved medical condition, you generally have one year from the date of the decision within which to file an appeal requesting further review of your claim.  Appeal options include:

  • Supplemental Claim (requires new evidence be submitted as part of the appeal)
  • Higher-Level Review Request (a senior reviewer examines the evidence of record)
  • Decision Review Request (considered by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals [BVA])
    • Direct Review Lane (evidence of record considered)
    • Evidence Submission Lane (90 days to submit new evidence for consideration)
    • Hearing Lane (hearing scheduled; new evidence can be submitted)

Note that review options also exist if you are not satisfied with a decision issued by the BVA, including filing a Supplemental Claim or an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.