Board of Veterans' Appeals
An independent body within the Department of Veterans Affairs that reviews VA disability claim appeals when a veteran disagrees with a regional office decision.
The BVA is staffed by Veterans Law Judges. You can appeal to the BVA from a Higher-Level Review decision or directly from an initial decision. Three docket options: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or Hearing Request. Average BVA processing time ranges from 12 to 18+ months.
Also known as
Related terms
- CAVC
An independent federal court that reviews final Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions when a veteran believes the BVA made a legal error in their VA disability case.
- 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 Board of Veterans' Appeals
What is the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)?+
The Board of Veterans' Appeals, or BVA, is a part of the VA. It looks at VA disability claim appeals when veterans disagree with a decision from their local VA office. The BVA's job is to make a final decision on these appeals, making sure all rules are followed.
When does the BVA get involved in a VA claim?+
The BVA gets involved after you have asked for a review of your claim at your local VA office and still do not agree with their decision. They are the next step in the appeals process if you believe the VA made a mistake on your claim.
How do I appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals?+
To appeal to the BVA, you must first have received a decision you disagree with and have filed a higher-level review or supplemental claim. If you still disagree, you can then choose to appeal directly to the BVA. This involves choosing a hearing or just a review of your file.
What decisions can the BVA make on my appeal?+
The BVA can make different decisions. They can agree with your appeal and grant your benefits, deny your appeal, or send your case back to the local VA office for more work. Their decision is based on all the evidence in your claim.