Denied or underrated? Compare your appeal options
Under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), you generally have one year from a decision to act and keep your original effective date.
| Lane | Best when | New evidence allowed? | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | You have new and relevant evidence VA hasn’t seen | Yes, required | Fastest of the three, typically months |
| Higher-Level Review | You believe VA misapplied the facts or law already in the file | No new evidence | No hearing; a senior reviewer re-examines the existing record |
| Board Appeal | You want a Veterans Law Judge to review the case, with or without a hearing | Depends on the docket chosen | Longest of the three |
Free vs. paid help
Only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives may assist with a VA claim (38 CFR § 14.629). VSO help is free. Accredited attorneys and agents generally may charge a fee only after VA issues its initial decision on the claim (38 CFR § 14.636) — not for filing your first claim.
Find an accredited VSO or use the calculator to see what a corrected rating would pay before you decide which lane to pursue.