Appeals Modernization Act

The AMA allows Veterans to decide which method of claim decision review is best for them, depending on the circumstances of their claim.

Chats with the Chief: Cheryl L. Mason, the first woman to chair the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, talks about improvements to the board.

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.

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.

The Appeals Modernization Act was signed into law by President Trump on August 23, 2017, and has been fully implemented beginning today. VA is proud to now offer Veterans greater choice in how they resolve a disagreement with a VA decision.

VA will not accept RAMP elections from Veterans with a legacy appeal after Feb. 15, 2019; however, RAMP claims pending on or after Feb. 15 will continue to be processed until the inventory is complete.

As of May 27, the Board of Veterans Appeals has signed more than 53,650 decisions in fiscal year (FY) 2018, which is approximately 86 percent more than the 28,839 decisions signed through the same period last year.