How to Appeal a VA Disability Decision
A step-by-step guide to understanding your options and taking action
Denied or underrated? You don’t have to accept the VA’s decision without a fight.
If your VA disability claim was denied — or your rating doesn’t reflect the full impact of your condition — you have the right to appeal.
This guide walks you through the appeals process step by step, helping you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Understanding the VA Appeals System
Securing VA disability benefits can be a difficult process. Even when a veteran’s condition is service-connected, initial claims may be denied or rated too low. The good news is the VA has a structured appeals system that gives you the chance to challenge those decisions and pursue the full benefits you’ve earned.
When to Consider Filing an Appeal
Not every VA decision reflects the true impact of your service-connected condition. If your benefits were denied or under-rated, you have the right to appeal.
Common reasons veterans choose to file an appeal include:
- Your disability rating is too low. You believe the VA didn’t fully recognize how severe your condition is.
- Your claim was denied. You think the VA made a mistake in reviewing your case.
- Some conditions were left out. The VA didn’t connect all of your service-related conditions to your claim.
To move forward with an appeal, you’ll need to explain why you disagree — and back it up with strong evidence. Most appeals must be filed within one year of the VA’s decision.
If you’re not sure whether an appeal is the right move, Chambers Law Firm can review your case and help you understand your options.
Building a Strong VA Appeal
A successful appeal starts with strong, well-organized evidence. You’ll need to clearly explain why the VA’s decision was incorrect and support your case with documentation such as:
- Updated medical records or recent evaluations
- Statements from your treating doctors
- Letters from family, coworkers, or fellow service members who’ve seen how your condition affects you
The more credible and detailed your evidence, the better your chances of success.
Taking the First Step Toward Your Appeal
If your claim wasn’t approved the way you expected, start by carefully reviewing the VA’s decision letter. This document explains how the VA evaluated your case — and where they may have gone wrong.
From there, you can decide which parts of the decision you want to challenge and begin gathering evidence to support your appeal.
The process can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Chambers Law Firm helps veterans take that first step with confidence, reviewing decisions and guiding you through your next move.
List of Services
- Higher Level Review
A senior VA reviewer re-examines your original claim using the same evidence.
✅ Best if you believe the VA overlooked something or made an error.
- Supplemental Claim
List Item 2
You can submit new and relevant evidence that wasn’t in your original claim.
✅ Ideal if you’ve gathered updated records or new supporting statements.
- Board Appeal
List Item 3
A Veterans Law Judge reviews your case. You choose:
- Direct Review (no new evidence)
- Evidence Submission (new evidence within 90 days)
- Hearing (in-person or virtual)
✅ Choose this if you want a judge to consider your case more thoroughly.
If you're unsure which path fits your situation best, Chambers Law can help you weigh your options and move forward with confidence.
Filing Your VA Appeal
Once you’ve chosen the right appeal path, the next step is to file the correct form:
For a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim:
- VA Form 20-0995 – for a Supplemental Claim (new evidence)
- VA Form 20-0996 – for a Higher-Level Review (same evidence)
For a Board Appeal:
- File a Notice of Disagreement (VA Form 10182) to request review by a Veterans Law Judge.
These forms are your opportunity to explain why the VA got it wrong. Include any supporting documents and keep your explanation focused and factual.
Not sure which form to use or how to present your case? Chambers Law can help ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
Once submitted, the VA’s review process may take several months. Patience is key — but knowing your appeal is filed properly can bring peace of mind.
After You Submit Your Appeal
Once your appeal is submitted, the waiting period begins. The VA review process can take time, but tools are available to help you stay updated.
You can track the status of your appeal at VA.gov, which provides insight into where your case stands.
When the VA reaches a decision, you’ll receive a formal letter explaining the outcome:
- ✅ If your appeal is approved, your rating may be updated and compensation may increase.
- ❌ If it’s denied, you still have options — such as submitting new evidence or changing appeal lanes.
Chambers Law helps veterans understand their appeal outcomes and decide the best next step — whether that means moving forward with new evidence or shifting to a different review path.
Navigating the Appeals Process
Challenging the VA’s decision isn’t easy—but it’s often necessary to get the benefits you deserve. And you don’t have to go through it alone.
Every veteran’s situation is different. The appeals process can involve tough decisions, confusing paperwork, and long wait times. But when you understand your options and have the right support behind you, the process becomes more manageable—and far less stressful.
At Chambers Law Firm, we walk veterans through each step of the appeals journey. From reviewing decisions to preparing strong evidence and meeting deadlines, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
If you’re unsure which appeal option is right for you — or just need help making sense of the process — reach out to our team. We’re here to guide you toward the benefits you’ve earned.
Because no veteran should have to fight alone.
