The VA benefits appeals process can be understandably frustrating, particularly if you have new evidence that can support your claim but you are now allowed to submit it. The complexity of the process can make you feel impatient, and many individuals are confused about which appeal lane is best for your case. While a Veterans lawyer cannot speed up the process, they can help you navigate the system and identify the points in which you can submit new, relevant evidence of your disability.
The first appeal lane option is a higher-level review of your case by a more experienced VA applications official. Choosing this option means that no new evidence can be introduced at this stage, and the VA official can only consider the evidence that is already in your file. If submitting new evidence is important to your claim and you feel that it would better support your case, this appeal lane is not the optimal one to take.
Another appeal lane to consider is appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. If you choose this option, a Veterans Law Judge would review your case, and allow you to present new evidence in two of the three options. The downside of this lane is that it can take much longer due to the involvement of a judge.
The last option is to submit new evidence through a supplemental claim, serving as a middle ground between the previous two appeal lanes. A supplemental claim allows you to introduce new evidence to support your claim without the review of a judge or higher-level official. This is the most straightforward way to introduce new evidence into your VA case. It is important to consider all of your options, but the supplemental claim should be your first choice if submitting new evidence is critical to your approval. If the supplemental claim does not yield a favorable result, you can then explore other appeal options.
Consult with an attorney as early as possible to set yourself up for success when appealing your claim and submitting new evidence. If you or a loved one is frustrated or experiencing issues with the process of submitting new evidence, or if you need assistance with paperwork, consider reaching out to the largest Veterans law firm in the country. We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning we only charge if your benefits are approved. While we cannot speed up the VA’s process, we are here to guide you through each step, ensuring that your case is presented in the most effective way possible.
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Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
