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.
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Frequently asked questions about Appeals Modernization Act
What is 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.
Who qualifies for Appeals Modernization Act?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for Appeals Modernization Act?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Start with the VA Appeal Options Explorer to map your path forward, then the VA Appeals Success Score to size up your odds. A free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office can help you file at no cost.