Appeals Modernization

February 2019 marked the successful implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA), which resulted in faster and easier ways to appeal your compensation claim. AMA created a new decision review and appeals process that features three lanes for you to choose from. As always, we recommend that you work with your VSO or representative to assist in making the best decision for you.

Veteran improvements were the focus of a modernization fair held Jan. 29 at the Veterans Affairs Central Office in Washington, D.C.

The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) of 2017 gave Veterans a greater choice in how to disagree with a VA claim decision. Giving Veterans more choice has been a top priority for VA. 

Veterans who have a legacy appeal pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have an opportunity to opt in to the modernized decision review program. The new process provides more options and a faster decision without changing their date of claim.

Minority Veterans’ needs and issues about VA benefits and services will be the focus of the inaugural 2019 National Minority Veterans Summit Sept. 27-28.

The Appeals Modernization Act improves the appeals process for Veterans and their families by giving them choice over how VA reviews their disagreement with a claim decision, ensuring Veterans receive faster, clearer decisions.

Veterans stuck in the old, legacy appeals process now have two new paths to transfer their appeals into the AMA Decision Review Process.

VA’s goal is to complete Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews in an average of 125 days, and decisions appealed to the Board for direct review in an average of 365 days.

Effective today, Veterans who appeal a VA claims decision have three decision review options: Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim and Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Veterans who participate in RAMP can choose to have their VA decision reviewed in either the Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review lanes that were created under the new law.

The proposed recommendations seek to modernize VA by reducing bureaucracy, increasing accountability and improving delivery of services to America’s Veterans and their loved ones.