Question 1

How long do I have to appeal a VA rating decision?

Accepted Answer

Under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), you generally have one year (365 days) from the date of your VA rating decision to file a Higher-Level Review (HLR), Supplemental Claim, or Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) Direct Review. Missing this deadline can result in loss of your effective date.

Question 2

What is the difference between HLR, Supplemental Claim, and BVA appeal?

Accepted Answer

A Higher-Level Review (HLR) asks a senior reviewer to re-examine your existing evidence — no new evidence allowed. A Supplemental Claim lets you submit new and relevant evidence. A BVA Direct Review sends your case to a Veterans Law Judge. Each lane has different timelines and strategic advantages.

Question 3

What is the CAVC appeal deadline?

Accepted Answer

If you receive a Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) decision you disagree with, you have 120 days from the date of that decision to file an appeal with the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). This is a strict jurisdictional deadline — it cannot be extended.

Question 4

What happens if my decision was before February 19, 2019?

Accepted Answer

Decisions issued before February 19, 2019 fall under the legacy appeals system, which has different rules, timelines, and procedures. The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) only applies to decisions on or after that date. If you have a legacy appeal, consult with an accredited representative for guidance specific to your situation.

VA Appeal Deadline Calculator

Step 1: What type of decision did you receive?

Step 2: When was the decision issued?