Appeals Modernization Act
The 2019 VA reform (effective February 19, 2019) that replaced the legacy VA appeals system with three distinct lanes: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) appeal.
Designed to reduce the VA's enormous appeals backlog and give veterans faster, more transparent options. Key principle: only the Supplemental Claim lane accepts new evidence; the HLR lane reviews the existing record for clear error.
The AMA eliminated the old NOD to SOC to Form 9 to BVA pathway and replaced it with three clearer, faster lanes.
Legacy appeals filed before February 19, 2019 may still be in the old system -- veterans can opt into AMA.
-> BenefitKarma's VA Appeals Guide walks through all three AMA lanes with plain-language flowcharts.
Also known as
Related terms
- Higher-Level Review
One of three VA appeals lanes introduced by the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) in 2019, in which a more senior VA claims processor reviews the original decision for clear errors — no new evidence is submitted.
- Supplemental Claim
One of three VA appeals lanes under the AMA in which a veteran submits new and relevant evidence to support a previously denied claim -- allowing the VA to reconsider its decision in light of the new evidence.
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Frequently asked questions about Appeals Modernization Act
What is the Appeals Modernization Act?+
The Appeals Modernization Act, or AMA, changed how veterans appeal VA decisions. Before AMA, there was one main way to appeal. Now, veterans have three options. These options are a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, and an appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. It became law in 2019.
What are the three lanes of appeal under AMA?+
Under the Appeals Modernization Act, you can choose from three ways to appeal. The Supplemental Claim lets you add new evidence to your claim. A Higher-Level Review asks a senior reviewer to re-examine your claim. The third option is sending your appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals for a decision.
Which appeal option should I choose with AMA?+
Choosing the best appeal option depends on your situation. If you have new evidence, a Supplemental Claim might be best. If you think the VA made a mistake with the evidence they already had, consider a Higher-Level Review. For a direct decision from a judge, the Board of Veterans' Appeals is an option.
When did the Appeals Modernization Act take effect?+
The Appeals Modernization Act, often called AMA, went into effect on February 19, 2019. This date is important because it changed the process for how veterans can appeal decisions made by the VA. Claims filed after this date follow the new rules.