In November 2017, VA launched the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP). RAMP provides a unique opportunity for Veterans with a pending disability compensation appeal to have early access to the more efficient review process in the historic Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 before the law takes effect in February 2019.

Previously, a Veteran with a pending appeal could only opt in to RAMP after receiving an invitation from VA. As of April 2, Veterans no longer need an invitation to participate in RAMP. Now, all Veterans with a pending disability compensation appeal can choose to participate in the new decision review process.

Under RAMP, Veterans have two options for review: a higher-level review lane or a supplemental claim lane, as outlined in the new law. Regardless of the lane Veterans pick, they will retain potential effective date protections for benefits. Here are the two available lane options under RAMP:

Higher-level review

  • A reviewer will conduct a de novo, or “new,” review of the previous decision based on the existing evidence of record.
  • Reviewers can overturn previous decisions.
  • You may not submit new evidence.
  • An informal conference is available; however, requesting an informal conference may cause some delay in processing

Supplemental claim lane

  • You may submit new evidence to support your claim.
  • VA will help you develop evidence in support of your claim under our legal “duty to sssist.”

It’s important to know in order to participate in RAMP, Veterans must:

  • Have an active appeal pending for a disability compensation claim in one of the following appeals stages:
    • NOD (notice of disagreement)
    • Form 9
    • Certified to Board (not activated)
    • Remand
  • Submit a signed RAMP Opt-in Election form.

VA encourages all Veterans with a qualified disability compensation appeal to participate in RAMP to take advantage of the benefits and speed of the new review process. However, if a Veteran does not want to participate, or if their appeal is not eligible for RAMP, VA will continue to process the appeal in the legacy appeals process.

To learn more about RAMP and Appeals Modernization, visit https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/appeals.asp

This article was submitted to VAntage Point by VA’s Appeals Management Office, which is responsible for the Veterans Benefits Administration’s appeals-related program policy, planning, budgeting, staffing and operational control.

Topics in this story

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21 Comments

  1. Vicky Reid June 5, 2018 at 00:29

    I elected to participate in the RAMP program, and it has been well over 125 days, and I have yet to receive any correspondence from VA!!!! Yes, the system really does work, if you want to hurry up and wait!!!!

  2. is May 28, 2018 at 18:06

    Read the paperwork!! It can take up to 125 days or 3 months for decision. Fill out the paperwork or fax it in with your new evidence such as a new DBQ and an IMO (independent Medical Opinion $). You have nothing to lose. The entire system will be on RAMP Feb 2019.

  3. James Curtis May 21, 2018 at 23:48

    U got to belief in the system..Rome was not built in one night.The Va is doing it’s best.
    .Please let’s give this new RAMP program time!!!!!! I believe in miracles ……..

  4. Dr David Hatfield, SGM, USA (Ret) May 21, 2018 at 18:02

    If you’re homeless, there are many resources available to you. Get hold of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) from any of the various organizations (VFW, DAV, PVA, VVA, AMVETS, American Legion, etc) at your local VA office or a County service officer in your state and get some immediate help from them.

  5. Patricia slagle May 21, 2018 at 12:46

    THERE IS NO NOTIFICATION ON THE RAMP INVITATION THAT IT HAS BEEN RECIEVED. ONCE AGAIN, WE HAVE BEEN MISLED. WHY CAN THE VA NO COMMUNICATE WITH VETERANS? WE TOOK A CHANCE, GOT OUT OF APPEALS LINE AND NOW WE ARE COMPLETELY IN THE DARK ON A PROCESS THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS. STARTING TO FEEL LIKE IT’S JUST ANOTHER SCAM TO LOSE PEOPLE IN THE SHUFFLE AND NOT DEAL WITH THEM.

  6. Jearyellwen Beals May 20, 2018 at 14:21

    Am a 60 years old army veteran homeless taking care of my mother 83 yrs old married to a Navy veteran been appeal long for my dad pension and disability ever since back in the 90 till my dad passed away but to no avail nothing still happens you guys just too much talk but if you needed are help we follow orders and if we need to used our benefits seems you ignore and abandoned us Need help and assistance for my mother pls help.

  7. Robert C Koontz May 17, 2018 at 12:46

    I’m praying that not only will a Judge take the time to read my active duty medical files that prove my back condition to be Service Connected, but that it will be done rapidly. Some of us are in very poor health, and our medical condition is causing severe financial hardships. I have my active duty medical files, the proof is right there. Why they have been denying my back service connection is beyond anyone who has read my files. I know that they are over worked and stressed. They’ve denied my back case since 2004. I don’t have 3 to 7 more years for my case to be heard again, I’m praying this program will finally give me some peace, and reduce my stress and financial hardship, to allow me to just focus on trying to get healthy. I and my family certainly needs a miracle

  8. David William Sunkle May 12, 2018 at 08:06

    YES ; I FIRST APPLIED BAck in 2012. i am still waiting..! HAVE APPLIED MANY TIME’S. NOW THEY SAY I WAS NOT IN COUNTRY.!!?. IN 1971 I WAS FLOWN FROM THE U.S.S. CHICAGO CG-11 to THE U.S.S. CONSTILLATION CV-64. and THEN ((INTO DA NANG , VIET NAM. THEY “SAY” THERE IS NO RECORD OF THIS.? BUT ; SOME HOW I DID GET FLOWN TO THE PHILLIPINES FOR TRANSFER BACK TO THE UNITED STATES. I WAS IN DA NANG FOR TRANSFER.!! WHERE THEY LOST MY RECORDS IS UN BELEAVIBLE.?? THIS IS UN BELEAVIBLE. BUT I REALLY NEED HELP IN THIS IMPORTANT MATTER. I AM NOW 78 I HAVE ALL of THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR ((AGENT ORANGE)) EXPOSURE. DIABETTES ; SCARRED LUNGS ; PROSTATE CANCER. HEART PROBLEMS THANKS FOR LISTENING. HOPE FULLY NOW I CAN GET MY LONG OVER DUE (AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE CLAIM) STEELED. DAVID W SUNKLE U.S.NAVY RETIRED.

    • David Simpler May 18, 2018 at 17:05

      David,

      This is why you should do a Form 21-22 and give your POA to a Service organization of your choice.

      I ama Service Officer for the DAV

  9. Jose Rivera May 11, 2018 at 14:00

    I am still waiting for VA to contact me for a claim Í made in July 17 2017 , no calls yet. I keep calling to what is taking so long and they say I have to wait for them to contact me. Almost a year, that is not fast like they say it would be.

  10. Larry d. Higgins May 10, 2018 at 18:10

    I want more information about the the appeals process.

  11. Larry Cross-Moblin Sr May 10, 2018 at 16:15

    I have waiting for years I need help with my benefits.

  12. Doug May 10, 2018 at 15:37

    Rapid (simple?) appeals claims through the VAj Yeah, good luck with that. Fill out these forms and send them in again and we’ll try one time to call you when we get to it and if you can’t answer when we call you can start over… that’s been my experience

  13. Wilfred R Moore May 10, 2018 at 15:12

    VA has rejected my request for Service Connected Disability three times. My right knee so bad I have a limp. My left shoulder constantly hurts. Asbestos exposure has to be addressed.

  14. Jay Shutt May 10, 2018 at 13:35

    I have claim in for home help, ,U S Air Force 1952 to1956

    • Mark Hasch May 21, 2018 at 22:52

      I feel ya brother!!! I’d be better off talking to a wall!!! More freaking smoke and mirrors if ya ask me!!! They know that if they hold off long enough well either die or kill ourselves off and they don’t have to pay a dime or better yet, “HELP”!!! Pisses me off!!! Don’t let the basterds win!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep fighting even if I fail you don’t! !!!!!!

  15. Charles Langston May 10, 2018 at 10:41

    I received the paperwork on this so-call RAMP when it was first started, filled the paperwork out, and sent it in and guess what… IT’S BEEN MANY MONTHS AND I HAVEN’T HEARD A WORD. THEY WERE GOING TO CONTACT ME WITH-IN A SET NUMBER OF DAYS !!!! IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 2Xs THE SAID ‘RAPID RESPONCE’ TIME AND NO CALL YET…….

  16. Jorge M Rodriguez Vega May 10, 2018 at 10:25

    I like to hear more about VA benefits

  17. Jorge M Rodriguez Vega May 10, 2018 at 10:23

    Thanks

Comments are closed.

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