ȱ
ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱ
ŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
˜ž•ŠœȱŽ’ȱŽ’–Ž›ȱ
Ž’œ•Š’ŸŽȱ˜›—Ž¢ȱ
Ž‹›žŠ›¢ȱŜǰȱŘŖŖşȱ
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŝȬśŝŖŖȱ
   ǯŒ›œǯ˜Ÿȱ
řřŝŖŚȱ
ȱŽ™˜›ȱ˜›ȱ˜—›Žœœ
Pr
epared for Members and Committees of Congress

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
ž––Š›¢ȱ
Congress, through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provides a variety of
benefits and services to veterans and to certain members of their families. These benefits range
from health care and related services to burial benefits. The veteran’s basic eligibility for these
programs and services is usually determined by the local VA office. Veterans not satisfied with the
VA’s decision(s) may wish to have them reviewed and may appeal the decision(s). This report
traces the various steps involved in the appeal process—starting with the original application for
benefits and concluding with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. A flow chart outlining all of
the steps in the appeal process is provided.
Following the filing of the initial appeal, the local VA office will either allow or disallow the
claim. If the veteran/claimant wishes to appeal, a written request for appeal must be filed and
various time deadlines and other requirements must be met prior to the case being considered by
the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). The appeal before the BVA may be a hearing at the local
VA office by a traveling Board member; a hearing at the BVA office in Washington, DC; or a
videoconference hearing at the local VA office. There are specific guidelines for a person
representing a veteran before the BVA. Legislation enacted in the 109th Congress changed
traditional guidelines to allow for legal representation for veterans throughout the administrative
appeals process.
The veteran/claimant may appeal the decision of the BVA to the Court of Appeals for Veterans
Claims (CAVC), which is an independent federal court and not part of the VA. The decision of the
CAVC may be appealed by either the veteran/claimant or the VA to the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit), an Article III court that sits in Washington, DC and has
exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases challenging CAVC rulings. Decisions of the Federal Circuit
may be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has final jurisdiction.
The VA has various statutory obligations to assist the veteran in the preparation of his/her
application for benefits and any subsequent appeal(s). Among these obligations are assistance in
the preparation of the initial application; provision of various records; medical exams; and other
related issues. Certain legal and factual presumptions are established by statute that may be
favorable to the veteran’s claim. These issues are examined in Appendix A of this report.
Legislation introduced in the 111th Congress concerning the appeal process is summarized in
Appendix B. Legislation that was considered in the 110th Congress concerning the appeal process
is summarized in Appendix C. Although this legislation was not enacted into law, it is expected
that similar legislation concerning the appeal process may be introduced in the 111th Congress.
This report will be updated to reflect legislative activity as it occurs.

˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
˜—Ž—œȱ
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Veterans’ Benefits...................................................................................................................... 1
Appeals from the Local VA Office Decisions ........................................................................... 1
The Appeal Process ......................................................................................................................... 2
Flow Chart of the Various Steps in the Appeal Process ............................................................ 2
Filing the Original Claim for Benefits at the VA ...................................................................... 4
The Appeal: The First Steps ...................................................................................................... 4
Time Limit .......................................................................................................................... 5
The Notice of Disagreement (NOD) .................................................................................. 5
Appeal to the Local VA Office............................................................................................ 5
The Statement of the Case .................................................................................................. 5
VA Form 9 and the Substantive Appeal ............................................................................. 6
Supplemental Statement of Case ........................................................................................ 6
Time Limitation ................................................................................................................. 6
Withdrawal of Issue(s) ........................................................................................................ 6
Issues Related to the Appeal Process ........................................................................................ 6
Filing Extensions ............................................................................................................... 6
Representation for the Appeal ............................................................................................ 7
Attorney Representation: Recent Legislation ..................................................................... 7
Information for the Appeal.................................................................................................. 8
Location of the VA Form 9 ................................................................................................. 8
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)........................................................................................... 9
Organization.............................................................................................................................. 9
The BVA’s Docket..................................................................................................................... 9
The BVA Docket and Docket Number................................................................................ 9
Waiting Time....................................................................................................................... 9
Personal Hearings.......................................................................................................................... 10
Request for a BVA Hearing..................................................................................................... 10
Scheduling the BVA Hearing .................................................................................................. 10
The Ninety-Day Rule ...............................................................................................................11
The Appeal at the BVA.............................................................................................................11
Notification of the Board’s Decision........................................................................................11
The Remand ............................................................................................................................ 12
Additional Appeal Options...................................................................................................... 12
Notice of Appeal ............................................................................................................... 12
Motion for Reconsideration .............................................................................................. 13
Reopening the Case........................................................................................................... 13
CUE Motion...................................................................................................................... 13
Death of the Appellant Before a Decision Issued ................................................................... 14
Subsequent Judicial Appeals ................................................................................................... 14


˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
’ž›Žœȱ
Figure 1. Appeal Process ................................................................................................................. 3

™™Ž—’¡Žœȱ
Appendix A. Duties and Obligations of the VA to the Claimant/Appellant .................................. 15
Appendix B. Legislation Introduced in the 111th Congress........................................................... 20
Appendix C. Legislation Considered in the 110th Congress.......................................................... 21

˜—ŠŒœȱ
Author Contact Information .......................................................................................................... 26

˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
—›˜žŒ’˜—ȱ
ŽŽ›Š—œȂȱŽ—Ž’œȱ
Congress, through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provides a broad
variety of benefits and services to veterans and certain members of their families.1 Among the
benefits that the VA extends to veterans are various types of health care and related services, such
as nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers; various types of financial benefits, including
disability compensation and pensions; education, vocational training, and related career
assistance; home financing; life insurance; burial benefits; and benefits for certain family
survivors.2
The veteran’s basic eligibility for these various services and programs is usually determined by
the local VA office.3 Various criteria must be met in order for the veteran to be eligible for VA
benefits, and the local VA office scrutinizes the veteran’s claim before determining eligibility.4
™™ŽŠ•œȱ›˜–ȱ‘Žȱ˜ŒŠ•ȱȱ’ŒŽȱŽŒ’œ’˜—œȱ
Veterans not satisfied with the decisions made by the local VA office on their claims or benefits
may wish to have the decisions reviewed on appeal.5 The VA has stated that the two most
common types of appeals concern 1) the VA’s denial of benefits for a disability that the veteran
believes is service-connected; and 2) the VA’s rating a disability as less severe than the veteran
believes is warranted.6 The first issue involves disability compensation, which is a monthly cash
benefit for veterans currently impaired from past service-connected activities.7 The second issue

1 See generally Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents, published by the Department of Veterans Affairs (2008
edition), available online at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf. See CRS Report RL33113, Veterans Affairs:
Basic Eligibility for Disability Benefit Programs
, by Douglas Reid Weimer. This report deals with the fundamental
requirements for disability benefit programs. See CRS Report RL33323, Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-
Connected Disabilities
, by Douglas Reid Weimer. This report discusses various aspects of disability compensation, a
monthly cash benefit program for veterans currently impaired from past service-connected activities.
2 See CRS Report RL33323, Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-Connected Disabilities for an overview of the
disability benefit programs.
3 The local VA office is defined by the VA as “any local office of the Department of Veterans Affairs where claims for
VA benefits are received and determined.” This is usually a VA Regional Office or an administrative office at a VA
medical center. The legal term for such an office is the “agency of original jurisdiction.” A VA Regional Office is one
of 58 VA regional offices located throughout the United States and its territories, and it is at these offices where most
claims for VA benefits are filed and determined. Thus, all Regional Offices are considered to be “local offices,” but the
concept of “local office” may also include administrative offices located at VA medical centers.
Therefore, all Regional
Offices are “local offices,” but not all “local offices” are Regional Offices. See Board of Veterans’ Appeals,
Understanding the Appeal Process
, published by the Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Pamphlet 01-00-1 (January
2000) at 38-39 (cited to afterward as “Understanding”). See http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/y2000.pdf for the publication
online. Go to the website and click on “Understanding the Appeal Process.” It should be noted that sometimes this link
does not work.
4 See CRS Report RL33323, Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-Connected Disabilities.
5 How Do I Appeal?, published by the Board of Veterans Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Pamphlet 1-02-
02A (April 2002) at 1 (cited to afterward as “How Do I Appeal?”). See http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/pamphlet.htm. Go
to the website and click on “How Do I Appeal?” for an online copy of the pamphlet.
6 Id.
7 See CRS Report RL33323, Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-Connected Disabilities at 1.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
involves the VA’s rating of the severity of the veteran’s disability—which is directly related to the
amount of monthly disability compensation (a cash payment) the veteran receives.8 While these
two issues seem to be the most prevalent types of appeals, nearly any decision made by the local
VA office concerning veterans’ benefits may be appealed.9
An appeal of the local VA office’s decision may be made to 1) the local VA office (which made
the original decision) and/or 2) the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), which is discussed below.
The findings of the BVA may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Veterans Claims. Subsequent
appeals may be made to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and ultimately to the
U.S. Supreme Court.
‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ
•˜ ȱ‘Š›ȱ˜ȱ‘ŽȱŠ›’˜žœȱŽ™œȱ’—ȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ
The appeal process consists of several steps. The following flow chart provides a simplified
outline of the steps that must be taken by the veteran in an appeal. Each step is discussed in detail
in the text following the chart.

8 Id. at 7-10. For instance, the local VA office may determine that the veteran is 10% disabled, while the veteran
believes that he/she is 40% disabled.
9 See How Do I Appeal? at 1. For example, a veteran may appeal a denial of education benefits made by the local VA
office.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
Řȱ


ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
Figure 1. Appeal Process

Source: Adapted from charts at How Do I Appeal? at 2 and Understanding at 32.
Note: These filing time limits apply in most cases. However, they do not apply to “simultaneously contested
claims,” when more than one person is trying to receive benefits that only one person is entitled to, such as life
insurance proceeds. See Understanding at 11.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
řȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
’•’—ȱ‘Žȱ›’’—Š•ȱ•Š’–ȱ˜›ȱŽ—Ž’œȱŠȱ‘Žȱȱ
In order to apply for VA benefits, the veteran must file a claim at the local VA office or VA
medical facility.10 A claim for benefits may also be filed on-line.11 The claim must specifically
state the requested benefit(s).12 Assistance to the veteran during the application process may be
provided by representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)13 and/or by other
persons or agents.14 The VSOs have staff located at most local VA offices.
In addition to assistance that may be provided by the VSOs or other agents, the VA is obligated by
statute and regulation to provide certain assistance to the claimant during the original claim
procedure and during any subsequent appeal(s). Such assistance many involve locating and
producing records and providing medical examinations. Certain presumptions relating to medical
conditions are also mandated by statute. These obligations and presumptions are summarized in
Appendix A of this report.15
Following receipt of the veteran’s claim for benefits, the local VA office will review the claim and
make a decision about the claim(s).16 The local VA office will either allow or deny the claim.17
Where relevant, the local VA office may also rate (on a percentage basis) the veteran’s degree of
service-connected disability.18 The local VA office’s determination will be mailed to the veteran.19
If the veteran is not satisfied with the local VA office decision, the veteran may appeal.
‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•DZȱ‘Žȱ’›œȱŽ™œȱ
An appeal20 is a request for a review of a local VA determination21 on a claim for benefits.22
Anyone who has filed a claim for benefits with the VA and has received a determination from a

10 The local VA office is defined by the VA as “any local office of the Department of Veterans Affairs where claims for
VA benefits are received and determined.” See discussion at note 3.
11 See How Do I Appeal at 3. File the claim at http://www.vba.va.gov/vonapp. This is the Veterans ON-line
APPlication (VONAPP) website. It should be noted that sometimes this website is not functional.
12 Such benefits might relate to medical care, disability compensation, or educational benefits.
13 Such organizations are the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and other veterans’ groups.
14 See How Do I Appeal? at 3.
15 See discussion at Appendix A.
16 See CRS Report RL33323, Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-Connected Disabilities, at 1-2.
17 Id.
18 Id. at 7-10.
19 See How Do I Appeal? at 3.
20 See 38 C.F.R. § 20.200. What Constitutes An Appeal. “An appeal consists of a timely filed Notice of Disagreement
in writing and, after a Statement of the Case has been furnished, a timely filed Substantive Appeal.”
21 See Understanding at 6. Most local determinations are made by the local VA office. However, some determinations
made by VA medical facilities, such as eligibility for medical treatment, may also be appealed.
22 38 U.S.C. § 511(a) outlines the authority of the Secretary of the VA to make decisions regarding benefits for
veterans.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
Śȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
local VA office is eligible to appeal a complete or a partial denial of a claim.23 The veteran may
also appeal the level of benefit granted.24
’–Žȱ’–’ȱ
The veteran seeking a review of the local VA office decision (called “the appellant”) has one year
from the date on which the local VA office mails the appellant its initial determination of the
claim to appeal. After one year, the local VA office determination is considered final and cannot
be appealed unless there is proof of clear and unmistakable error on the part of the VA.25
‘Žȱ˜’ŒŽȱ˜ȱ’œŠ›ŽŽ–Ž—ȱǻǼȱŘŜȱ
There is no special form needed to initiate the appeal process. The appellant need only submit a
written statement disagreeing with the local VA office’s claim determination and stating the
veteran’s wish to appeal the claim determination. This statement is called the Notice of
Disagreement (NOD).27
™™ŽŠ•ȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱ˜ŒŠ•ȱȱ’ŒŽȱ
The NOD is filed with the same local VA office that made the decision being appealed,28 as this is
the location of the appellant’s claims file or claims folder,29 unless the appellant has moved. After
the NOD is filed, the appellant may request that a Decision Review Officer (DRO) from the local
VA office review the claims file. The DROs provide a second review of the entire file and may
also hold a personal hearing on the claim.30
‘ŽȱŠŽ–Ž—ȱ˜ȱ‘ŽȱŠœŽȱ
At this point, the local VA office will either allow or not allow the claim. If the claim is
disallowed, the local VA office will prepare and send to the appellant a Statement of Case (SOC)
and a blank VA Form 9 to be used for continuation of the appeal. The SOC summarizes the
submitted evidence, the relevant laws, and regulations and provides the local VA office’s reasons
for disallowing the claim.31

23 Again, see Understanding at 6. Most local determinations are made by the local VA office. However, some
determinations made by VA medical facilities, such as eligibility for medical treatment, may also be appealed.
24 For example, a veteran may be determined to be 20% disabled, but the veteran may believe that he/she is 40%
disabled and appeal.
25 See Understanding at 6-7.
26 See 38 C.F.R. § 20.201.
27 See Understanding at 39.
28 38 C.F.R. § 20.300.
29 For the purpose of this report, the appellant’s records will be referred to as “claims file.”
30 See How Do I Appeal? at 4.
31 See Understanding at 8-9.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
śȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
ȱ˜›–ȱşȱŠ—ȱ‘Žȱž‹œŠ—’ŸŽȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱřŘȱ
To continue an appeal, the appellant must fill out and return the VA Form 9—the Substantive
Appeal—to the local VA office. Form 9 is available on-line.33 The appellant must state the
requested benefit, any mistakes in the SOC, and indicate whether a personal hearing is
requested.34 The Form 9 becomes part of the claims folder and is the basis for adding the appeal
to the Board of Veterans Appeals docket. Specific provisions exist for withdrawing the appeal.35
ž™™•Ž–Ž—Š•ȱŠŽ–Ž—ȱ˜ȱŠœŽȱřŜȱ
If the appellant submits new evidence or information, the local VA office will prepare a
Supplemental Statement of Case (SSOC). The SSOC is similar to the SOC and includes the
newly submitted information.37 The appellant has 60 days from the date the SSOC was mailed to
submit, in writing, any matter in dispute on the SSOC.
’–Žȱ’–’Š’˜—ȱřŞȱ
The local VA office must receive the VA Form 9 within 60 days from the date that the VA mailed
the SOC (or SSOC) or within one year of the date that the original decision denying the claim,
whichever date is later.39
’‘›Š Š•ȱ˜ȱ œœžŽǻœǼȱ
If the appellant does not wish the Board of Veterans Appeals to examine an issue that is contained
in the SOC or the SSOC, the appellant may state on Form 9 that the appellant is withdrawing the
issue(s) on the appeal.40
œœžŽœȱŽ•ŠŽȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ
’•’—ȱ¡Ž—œ’˜—œȱŚŗȱ
An appellant may request an extension of the 60-day filing period for filing a Substantive Appeal
or the 60-day period to respond to a Supplemental Statement of the Case.42 The appellant makes

32 38 C.F.R. § 20.202.
33 See http://www.vba.va.gov. Go to the website, then go to “Board of Veterans’ Appeals,” then go to “VA Forms,”(in
the lower right hand corner) then type in VA9.
34 A personal hearing must be requested. Without such a request, the BVA will review the claims file and the VA Form
9 and make a decision without meeting or speaking with the appellant and his/her representative.
35 38 C.F.R. § 20.204.
36 38 C.F.R. § 20.302(b), (c).
37 See Understanding at 40-41.
38 38 C.F.R. § 20.302.
39 Id. See How Do I Appeal? at 6.
40 See Understanding at 10.
41 38 C.F.R. § 20.303.
42 38 U.S.C § 5105(d)(3); 38 C.F.R. § 20.303.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
Ŝȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
this request in writing to the local VA office handling the appeal. The appellant needs to explain
to the VA local office why extra time is needed to file.
Ž™›ŽœŽ—Š’˜—ȱ˜›ȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱŚřȱ
The appellant may represent him/herself at the appeal. However, the VA has reported that about
90 percent of appeals heard before the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) have some third-party
representation.44
There are three different categories of representatives that the appellant may engage. The first
includes representatives of the VSO or from the state or local veterans’ office. Usually, the
representatives from the VSOs and the government veterans’ offices do not charge for their
services.45 Second, the VA recognizes certain “agents” who are able to represent appellants and
who are certified by the VA.46 Third, the appellant may engage a lawyer for representation.47
The appellant must complete a VA Form 21-22 to authorize representation by a VSO or a related
entity on the appeal.48 The appellant must complete a VA Form 21-22a to authorize
representation by a recognized agent49 or a lawyer for his/her appeal.50 An appellant is limited to
one representative recognized by the BVA.51
˜›—Ž¢ȱŽ™›ŽœŽ—Š’˜—DZȱŽŒŽ—ȱŽ’œ•Š’˜—ȱ
The Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006,52 enacted in the
109th Congress, modified attorney participation in the appeal process. The act also requires the
Secretary of the VA to provide additional qualifications and standards for agents and attorneys
who represent veterans before the VA, including standards that deal with (1) training and
character and (2) fee criteria and limitations. The Secretary is authorized to charge and collect
fees from the agents or attorneys to be used for administrative expenses for veterans’ benefits
programs. The following grounds for suspension of agents or attorneys are provided in the act:
presenting frivolous claims, prior suspensions, charging excessive or unreasonable fees, or failure
to comply with the Secretary’s regulations.
The legislation significantly broadens opportunities for legal representation during administrative
appeals. Previously, an attorney could not represent a veteran for a fee until the BVA made a final
decision.53 This had the effect of excluding an attorney from the process until all of the

43 See in general, 38 C.F.R. § 20.600. Some legislation proposed in the 110th Congress, discussed below, would have
changed the representation available to appellants.
44 See Understanding at 12.
45 See Understanding at 12.
46 38 U.S.C. § 5904; 38 C.F.R. § 20.604.
47 38 C.F.R. § 20.603.
48 38 C.F.R. § 20.602. See note 33.
49 38 C.F.R. § 20.604.
50 38 C.F.R. § 20.603. See note 33.
51 See Understanding at 12.
52 P.L. 109-461, Title I.
53 See Figure 1. Appeal Process at 3.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŝȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
administrative appeals had been exhausted. The act now permits an attorney to enter the appeal
process at a much earlier date—after the veteran has received a decision on his or her claim from
the VA and decides to appeal this initial decision administratively through the filing of a NOD.54
An attorney may now provide representation for a fee after the NOD is filed. The act requires the
Secretary to provide Congress with an evaluation of the effect of the new system of
representation not later than 42 months after the date of enactment. The Secretary is also
authorized to review fee agreements, and the Secretary may order a reduction in an agreed upon
fee if the Secretary finds the fee excessive or unreasonable. The Secretary’s decision may be
reviewed by the BVA, which is authorized to make the final review of the issue.55
Broadening attorney participation in the veterans’ appeal process has been somewhat
controversial. Opposition has focused on attorneys’ fees and the possibility of additional delays in
the appeal process. On March 5, 2007, Representative Ron Lewis introduced H.R. 1318,56 which,
if enacted, would repeal the authority for certain agent or attorney representation in veterans’
benefit cases before the VA. In effect, the bill would restore the process that existed prior to the
enactment of the 2006 law and would permit representation only after the BVA renders a final
decision in the case. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and
referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. The bill never
emerged from committee consideration in the 110th Congress.
—˜›–Š’˜—ȱ˜›ȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ
Should new evidence or medical proof supporting the appellant’s claim arise during the appeal
process, the evidence should be submitted to the VA. If the appellant’s claims file is at the local
VA office and the new evidence is sent there, the VA local office will send the appellant an SSOC
if it does not allow the claim after reviewing the new evidence. The new evidence will be added
to the claims file and considered during the appeal process.57
˜ŒŠ’˜—ȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱȱ˜›–ȱşȱ
After the Form 9 is filed, it becomes part of the claims file and serves as the basis for the appeal
to the BVA. The Form 9, as part of the claims file, will be sent by the local VA office to the BVA
and will be reviewed later by the BVA when the BVA considers the appeal and reviews the entire
claims file.

54 Id.
55 38 U.S.C. § 7104.
56 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007).
57 See Understanding at 13-14.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
Şȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
‘Žȱ˜Š›ȱ˜ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ™™ŽŠ•œȱǻǼȱ
›Š—’£Š’˜—śŞȱ
Known as the “Gateway to VA Appeals,”59 the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) is a part of the
VA based in Washington, DC.60 The BVA reviews benefit claims appeals and issues decisions on
those appeals. The BVA is composed of “Members of the Board” who are attorneys experienced
in veterans’ law, appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and approved by the President of
the United States. Staff attorneys, who are designated as Counsel or Associate Counsel, assist
Members of the Board in preparing decisions.61 The function that they provide is similar to a law
clerk who assists a judge in his/her legal capacities.62
‘ŽȱȂœȱ˜Œ”Žȱ
‘Žȱȱ˜Œ”ŽȱŠ—ȱ˜Œ”Žȱž–‹Ž›ȱ
The local VA office will forward the appellant’s claims file to the BVA’s docket. The law requires
that the BVA decide cases on a “first come, first served” basis.63 Each appellant’s case is added to
the docket when the VA receives the substantive appeal—VA Form 9—and the claims file from
the local VA.64
On occasion, the BVA may, on a motion by the appellant, advance the order of a claim on its
docket.65 The appellant must demonstrate compelling need, exceptional circumstances, or proof
of hardship.66 The BVA seldom grants a request for “advancement on the docket,” as the BVA
feels that most appeals involve some form of hardship and the BVA wishes to treat all appellants
fairly.67
Š’’—ȱ’–Žȱ
Once a case/claim has been entered on the BVA’s docket, it is uncertain how long it may take for
the BVA to reach a decision on the case. The VA has stated that as of the fall of 1999, it took an
average of two years from the time a NOD was filed until a final decision was issued.68 However,

58 For a general overview of the BVA, see the website at http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva.
59 Id.
60 38 U.S.C. § 7101(a); 38 U.S.C. § 7104.
61 See Understanding at 6.
62 Id.
63 38 U.S.C. § 7107(a); 38 C.F.R. § 20.900.
64 See Understanding at 15. Each case is assigned a docket number when it is added to the list of cases. The first two
numbers are the year in which the case was filed and the remaining numbers indicate the order in which the case was
added to that year’s list/docket. For example, 05-00111, would indicate the 111th claim filed in 2005.
65 38 U.S.C. § 7107(a)92); 38 C.F.R. § 20.900.
66 For example, terminal illness, bankruptcy, pending eviction, and other hardships.
67 See Understanding at 16.
68 Id.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
şȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
2005 congressional testimony by the Undersecretary for Benefits of the VA appears to indicate
that the decision time has been substantially reduced.69
Ž›œ˜—Š•ȱ ŽŠ›’—œȱ
There are two types of personal hearings: a local VA office hearing70 and a BVA hearing.
As previously discussed,71 a local office hearing is held at the local VA office between the
appellant and a hearing officer from the local VA office staff. Such a hearing is arranged between
the appellant and the local VA office. The local VA office may find in favor of the appellant. The
appellant may subsequently appeal an adverse finding by the local office hearing through the
BVA.
The appellant may present his/her case in person to a member of the BVA. There are three types
of BVA hearings: a hearing by a Board member at a the local VA office (Regional Office), called
a Travel Board hearing;72 a hearing at the BVA office in Washington, DC; or a videoconference
hearing at the local VA office, if it is equipped for videoconferencing. The VA does not pay the
appellant’s travel expenses.73
ŽšžŽœȱ˜›ȱŠȱȱ ŽŠ›’—ȱ
The typical way to request a BVA hearing is for the appellant to indicate on VA Form 9 the type
of hearing that the appellant wishes. The appellant may also write to the BVA to request a
hearing, indicating whether a hearing is requested at the local level or in Washington, DC.
Œ‘Žž•’—ȱ‘Žȱȱ ŽŠ›’—ȱ
The schedule of the hearing depends upon the type of hearing requested. The BVA has reported
that the Travel Board hearings are usually held as soon as they can be scheduled on the hearing
officer’s calendar,74 but that they may be difficult to arrange because of the schedules of the BVA
Board members and the accumulation of a sufficient number of appeals to warrant a scheduled
visit from a BVA member.75 Videoconferenced hearings are less complicated to arrange and can
be scheduled more quickly than Travel Board hearings, according to the BVA.76

69 Testimony of Daniel L. Cooper, Undersecretary of Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs before the Senate
Veterans Affairs Committee (May 26, 2005). See http://www.va.gov/OCA/testimony/svac/05052620.asp.
70 This is sometimes called a Regional Office hearing, an RO hearing, or a hearing officer hearing.
71 See “Appeal to the Local VA Office” on page 6.
72 See note 3.
73 See Understanding at 18.
74 Id. at 19.
75 Id.
76 Id.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗŖȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
Hearings that are held at the BVA offices in Washington DC are usually scheduled close to the
time when the BVA will consider the case. In 2000, the BVA reported that hearings are scheduled
about three months in advance.77
‘Žȱ’—Ž¢ȬŠ¢ȱž•Žȱ
The local VA office will notify the appellant by letter when it transfers the claims file to the BVA
in Washington, DC. The letter will inform the claimant that the claimant has ninety days from the
date of the letter or until the BVA decides the case, whichever comes first, to add additional
evidence to the file, request a hearing (if none was selected), and/or select or change
representation.78
In order for the BVA to accept any of these materials after the expiration of the ninety-day period,
the appellant must submit a motion—a written request—asking the BVA to accept the item, even
though it is late. The motion must include an explanation of why the item is late and demonstrate
why the BVA should accept the item into the claims file.
‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱŠȱ‘Žȱȱ
The local VA office will forward the appellant’s file to the BVA. The appellant will be notified in
writing when the file is officially transferred and received by the BVA.79 The decision time in the
appeal process varies from case to case. After the file is received by the BVA, the appellant’s case
will then be assigned to a Board member for review. When the docket number for the appeal has
been reached, the file will be examined by a Board member and a staff attorney. They will check
the file for completeness, review all of the evidence and arguments, the transcript of the local VA
hearing, the statement of the appellant’s representative (if the appellant has a representative), and
any additional information that may be with the claims file.80 The Board member may request the
staff attorney to undertake additional research on the case and prepare recommendations for the
review of the Board member. If the appellant requested a BVA hearing, the Board member
assigned to the case will conduct the hearing before reaching a decision.
˜’’ŒŠ’˜—ȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱ˜Š›ȂœȱŽŒ’œ’˜—ȱ
The BVA will issue its decision in writing. The decision may contain legal documents and legal
discussions as well as medical discussions. The decision will be mailed to the appellant’s home
address.81
The decision will allow, deny, or remand the claim. If the claim is allowed or denied, the BVA’s
decision is final. A remand is not a final decision and allows further work on the claim.82

77 Id.
78 38 C.F.R. § 20.1304.
79 See Understanding at 21. Appellants may check the status of their files after its transfer by BVA by telephone at 202-
565-5436.
80 Id. at 22.
81 Id.
82 See How Do I Appeal at 11.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗŗȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
If the appeal is denied, the BVA will send a copy of the “Notice of Appellate Rights” that
describes additional actions that the appellant may choose to pursue.
‘ŽȱŽ–Š—ȱ
At times, the BVA may review an appeal and determine that the case is not ready for a final
decision. The BVA will send the case back to the local VA office with directions as to what should
be done. The action of returning the case to the local VA office for additional work is called a
remand. It is sometimes described as “additional development.”83
After the case has been returned to the local VA office, it will perform the additional work on the
file. The local VA office will review the case and issue a new determination. If the local VA office
does not allow the claim, it will return the case to the BVA for a final decision. The case keeps its
original place on the BVA’s docket, so it is usually reviewed relatively soon after it is returned to
the BVA.84
Certain cases are remanded because of new rulings by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans
Claims or changes in the law. The local VA office will then review them within the context of the
new legislation or the court ruling.85
’’˜—Š•ȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ™’˜—œȱ
Should the appellant wish to appeal the BVA’s decision, the appellant may appeal to the United
States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), an independent court and not part of the
VA.86 An appellant may also wish to pursue further motions with the BVA.
˜’ŒŽȱ˜ȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ
Usually, the appellant must file the Notice of Appeal with the CAVC within 120 days from the
date the BVA’s decision is mailed. (The mailing date is stamped on the front of the BVA’s
decision.)
If the appellant filed a motion to reconsider with the BVA within the 120-day time period and that
motion was denied, the appellant has a new 120-day period to file the Notice of Appeal with the
CAVC.87 The new 120-day period begins on the date the BVA mails the appellant a letter
notifying the appellant that it has denied the motion to reconsider.

83 See Understanding at 24.
84 Id.
85 Id.
86 See the CAVC’s website: http://www.vetapp.uscourts.gov/.
87 See Understanding at 25-26 for the appropriate addresses to file the Notice of Appeal and a copy of the Notice of
Appeal.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗŘȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
˜’˜—ȱ˜›ȱŽŒ˜—œ’Ž›Š’˜—ȱ
If the appellant is able to demonstrate that the BVA made an obvious error of fact or of law in its
decision, the appellant may file a written “motion to reconsider” the appeal.88 The appellant may
have the VSO representative advise him/her whether to file the motion, and the VSO
representative may also provide assistance in its preparation. The motion to reconsider is sent
directly to the BVA and not to the local VA office.
The appellant must demonstrate that the BVA made a mistake in law or in fact and that the BVA’s
decision would have been different if the mistake had not been made.89
Ž˜™Ž—’—ȱ‘ŽȱŠœŽȱ
If the appellant has “new and material” evidence relating to his/her claim, the appellant can
request that the case be reopened.90 In order to be considered “new and material,” the evidence
submitted must include information related to the case that was not included in the claims folder
when the Board reviewed and decided the case.
To reopen a case, the appellant must submit the new evidence directly to the local VA office and
not to the BVA.91
ȱ˜’˜—ȱ
A BVA decision may be reversed or revised if the appellant is able to show that the decision
contained “clear and unmistakable error” (CUE).92 The written request for the BVA to review its
decision for CUE is called a motion. CUE motions are filed directly with the BVA and not with
the local VA office.
The motion for CUE review must meet various requirements. In order to succeed, the conclusion
must be reached that the BVA would have decided the case differently, but for the error. A
difference in opinion is not sufficient.93 If the motion is denied, the appellant cannot request
another CUE review. The VA has reported that not many CUE motions are successful.
The appellant may file a motion to review a BVA decision for CUE at any time. However, if the
motion for CUE is filed after filing a timely Notice of Appeal with the CAVC (120 days),94 the
BVA will not be able to rule on the CUE motion.95

88 38 U.S.C. § 7103; 38 C.F.R. § 20.1000; 38 C.F.R. § 20.1001.
89 See Understanding at 27.
90 38 U.S.C. § 5108; 38 U.S.C. § 7104(b); 38 C.F.R. § 3.156; 38 C.F.R. § 20.1105.
91 See Understanding at 27.
92 38 U.S.C. § 7111; 38 C.F.R. § 20, subpart O.
93 Id.
94 See “Nature of Appeal” at 11.
95 See Understanding at 28.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗřȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
ŽŠ‘ȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱ™™Ž••Š—ȱŽ˜›ŽȱŠȱŽŒ’œ’˜—ȱ œœžŽȱ
The death of the appellant usually ends the appeal.96 If the appellant dies, the BVA normally
dismisses the appeal without issuing a decision. Any rights of a deceased appellant’s survivors are
not affected by this action. The survivors may file a claim at the VA regional office (RO) for any
benefits to which they may be entitled.97
ž‹œŽšžŽ—ȱ ž’Œ’Š•ȱ™™ŽŠ•œȱ
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) has exclusive jurisdiction to
hear cases involving challenges to VA decisions in an appeal of a CAVC decision and in a direct
challenge to VA regulation and VA policies of general applicability.98 A decision of the CAVC
may be appealed to the Federal Circuit by the persons who appealed to the CAVC or by the VA.
An appeal to the Federal Circuit must be filed within 60 days of the final CAVC decision. After
the Federal Circuit issues a final decision, either the claimant or the VA may petition the U.S.
Supreme Court for certiorari (to hear the case) within ninety days of the Federal Circuit’s final
action.99 The Supreme Court is the court of last resort and the Supreme Court’s decision is final.

96 38 U.S.C. § 7104(a); 38 C.F.R. § 20.1302.
97 See Understanding at 29.
98 38 U.S.C. § 7292. See CRS Report RS22561, Veterans Affairs: The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims—
Judicial Review of VA Decision Making
, by Douglas Reid Weimer.
99 38 U.S.C. § 7292(c).
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗŚȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
™™Ž—’¡ȱǯ ž’ŽœȱŠ—ȱ‹•’Š’˜—œȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱȱ˜ȱ
‘Žȱ•Š’–Š—Ȧ™™Ž••Š—ȱȱ
ž’ŽœȱŠ—ȱ‹•’Š’˜—œȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱ•Š’–Š—Ȧ™™Ž••Š—ŗŖŖȱ
The VA101 has various legal obligations to a claimant/appellant relating to the completeness of the
application for benefits (or a subsequent appeal), the provision of medical and service records,
and other issues related to the application/appeals process.
™™•’ŒŠ’˜—ȱŠ—ȱ˜’ŒŽȱ˜ȱ —Œ˜–™•ŽŽȱ™™•’ŒŠ’˜—ȱ
The VA is required to provide to any person claiming or applying for any benefit, the
“instructions and forms necessary to apply for that benefit.”102 These materials are to be provided
“free of all expense” to the claimant.103
If the claimant’s application for a VA benefit is incomplete, the VA is required to notify the
claimant of the information that is necessary to complete the application.104
Žšž’›Žȱ —˜›–Š’˜—ȱŠ—ȱŸ’Ž—ŒŽDzȱŠ—ȱ’–Žȱ’–’Š’˜—ȱŗŖśȱ
After the VA receives a complete or a nearly complete application for benefits, the VA is required
to notify the claimant of any information or medical or lay evidence that is needed to substantiate
the claim.106 As part of this notification requirement, the VA is required to indicate which
information and evidence is to be provided by the claimant and which information the VA will
attempt to obtain on the claimant’s behalf to substantiate and complete the claim.
The claimant is required to submit the above-mentioned evidence to substantiate the claim within
one year of the date of the VA’s notification
. If no further evidence is obtained, no benefits will be
paid or furnished on this claim.107
ž¢ȱ˜ȱœœ’œȱ•Š’–Š—œDZȱŽŒ˜›œȱ
The VA is required to make “reasonable efforts” to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence
necessary to substantiate the claim for benefits.108 However, certain exceptions exist to this

100 See CRS Report RL33323, Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-Connected Disabilities, by Douglas Reid Weimer.
101 The statutory language provides that “the Secretary” is required to provide various assistance to the claimant. For
the purposes of this summary and for consistency, the term “VA” is used instead.
102 38 U.S.C. § 5102(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.150(a).
103 38 U.S.C. § 5102(a).
104 38 U.S.C. § 5102(b); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b)(2).
105 These provisions are not applicable for any application or claim for government insurance benefits. 38 U.S.C. §
5103(b)(2).
106 38 U.S.C. § 5103(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b).
107 38 U.S.C. § 5103(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b)(1),
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗśȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
requirement. The VA is not required to provide assistance to the claimant if “no reasonable
possibility” exists that such assistance would aid in substantiating the claim.109 The VA may defer
providing assistance pending the claimant’s submission of essential information that is missing
from the claimant’s application.110
œœ’œŠ—ŒŽȱ’—ȱ‹Š’—’—ȱŽŒ˜›œȱ
The VA is required to make “reasonable efforts” to obtain relevant records (including private
records) that the claimant adequately identifies to the VA and authorizes the VA to obtain.111
Federal regulations outline the procedures for obtaining records not in the custody of a federal
department or agency112 and for obtaining records that are in the custody of a federal department
or agency.113 If, after making reasonable efforts, the VA is unable to locate the records, the VA
will notify the claimant that it is unable to obtain the records pursuant to this claim.114 The
notification must identify the records being sought, explain the efforts made to obtain the records,
and describe any further action to be taken by the VA regarding this claim.115 The VA’s efforts to
obtain records from the federal department or agency must continue until the records are
obtained, unless it is reasonably certain that such records do not exist or that further efforts to
obtain the records would be futile.116
ŽŒ˜›œȱ˜›ȱ˜–™Ž—œŠ’˜—ȱ•Š’–œȱ
If the case involves a claim for disability compensation, additional assistance in obtaining records
is required to be provided.117 Assistance is to be provided in locating the claimant’s service
medical records and other relevant records relating to the claimant’s active military, naval, or air
service that are held or maintained by a governmental entity;118 records of relevant medical
treatment or examination at VA health-care facilities;119 and any other relevant records held by
any federal department or agency that the claimant identifies and authorizes the VA to obtain.120
Ž’ŒŠ•ȱ¡Š–’—Š’˜—œȱ˜›ȱ˜–™Ž—œŠ’˜—ȱ•Š’–œȱ
If the case involves a claim for disability compensation, the VA is required to provide a medical
examination or obtain a medical opinion when such an examination or opinion is necessary to

(...continued)
108 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(1).
109 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(2); 38 C.F.R. § 3.160(d).
110 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(3).
111 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(1); 38 C.F.R. § 3.160©).
112 38 C.F.R. § 3.159A(c)(1).
113 38 C.F.R. § 3.159A(c)(2).
114 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(2); 38 C.F.R. § 3.160(e).
115 Id.
116 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(3).
117 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(3).
118 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(1).
119 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(2).
120 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(3).
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗŜȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
make a decision on the claim.121 The VA is required to treat an examination or opinion as
necessary if the evidence on the record, taking into consideration all information and lay or
medical evidence 1) contains competent evidence that the claimant has a current disability or
persistent or recurrent symptoms of disability122 or 2) indicates that the disability or symptoms
may be associated with the claimant’s active military, naval, or air service;123 but the record does
not contain sufficient medical evidence for the VA to make a decision on the claim.124
‘Ž›ȱœœ’œŠ—ŒŽȱ—˜ȱ›ŽŒ•žŽȱ
The statute is not to be construed as precluding the VA from providing such other assistance to a
claimant in substantiating a claim as the VA considers appropriate.125
ŽŒ’œ’˜—œȱŠ—ȱ˜’ŒŽœȱ˜ȱŽŒ’œ’˜—œȱ
When the VA makes a decision affecting the provision of benefits to a claimant, the VA is
required, on a timely basis, to provide the claimant (and the claimant’s representative) notice of
the decision.126 The notice must include an explanation of the procedure for obtaining a review of
the decision.127 If the VA denies a benefit, the notice is required to include a statement of the
reason for the decision and a summary of the evidence considered by the VA.128
Ȃœȱ‹•’Š’˜—ȱ˜ȱœœ’œȱ’—ȱ‘ŽȱŽŸŽ•˜™–Ž—ȱ˜ȱ•Š’–œȱ
Federal regulations require the VA to assist the claimant “in developing the facts pertinent to the
claim” and to render a decision that grants every benefit that can be supported in law while
protecting the interests of the government.129 Therefore, the VA has the duty to consider all legal
theories upon which the claim could be granted, regardless of whether the claimant argues or
focuses on every possible legal theory.
’œŠ••˜ Žȱ•Š’–œȱ
The statute specifically provides that the VA is not required to reopen a claim that has been
disallowed except when new and material evidence is presented or secured.130

121 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(4); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(4).
122 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2)(A).
123 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2)(B).
124 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2)(C).
125 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(g).
126 38 U.S.C. § 5104(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.103(b).
127 Id.
128 38 U.S.C. § 5104(b).
129 38 C.F.R. § 3.103(a).
130 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(f).
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗŝȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
Ž˜™Ž—’—ȱ’œŠ••˜ Žȱ•Š’–œȱ
If any new or material evidence is presented or secured relating to a claim that has been
disallowed, the VA is required to reopen the claim and review the former disposition of the
claim.131
ŽŸ’œ’˜—ȱ˜ȱŽŒ’œ’˜—œȱ˜—ȱ ›˜ž—œȱ˜ȱ•ŽŠ›ȱŠ—ȱ—–’œŠ”Š‹•Žȱ››˜›ȱ
A VA decision is subject to revision on the grounds of clear and unmistakable error, as previously
discussed.132 A review to determine whether a clear and unmistakable error exists in a case may
be initiated by the VA or upon the request of the claimant.133 A request for a revision of a VA
decision based on clear and unmistakable error may be made at any time after the decision is
made.134 Such a request for a revision shall be submitted to the VA and shall be decided in the
same manner as any other claim.135 If there is evidence to establish the error, the prior decision is
reversed or revised.136 For the purposes of authorizing benefits, a rating or other adjudicative
decision that constitutes a reversal or revision of a prior decision on the grounds of clear and
unmistakable error, is treated as if the decision had been made on the date of the prior decision.137
Ž—Ž’ȱ˜ȱ‘Žȱ˜ž‹ȱŠ—Š›ȱ
The VA is required to consider all information and the legal and medical evidence of record in a
case before it with respect to benefits under the laws administered by the VA.138 When there is an
approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the
determination, the VA “shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant.”139 Regulations provide
that when reasonable doubt arises, such doubt will be resolved in favor of the claimant.140 For
instance, the submitted medical evidence generally needs to show that it is as likely as not that
there is a connection between the in-service injury, occurrence, or illness and the current
disability. Thus, the VA can deny the claim only if the preponderance of the evidence is against
the claim.
Ž›Š’—ȱ›Žœž–™’˜—œȱ
In its analysis of certain claims, the VA is required by statute and/or regulation to make certain
presumptions.

131 38 U.S.C. § 5108.
132 38 U.S.C. § 5109A(a). See discussion at 12.
133 38 U.S.C. § 5109A(c).
134 38 U.S.C. § 5109A(d).
135 38 U.S.C. § 5109A(e).
136 38 U.S.C. § 5109(A)(a). See discussion at 12.
137 39 U.S.C. § 5109(A)(b).
138 38 U.S.C. § 5107(b).
139 Id. See 38 C.F.R. § 3.102.
140 38 C.F.R. § 3.102.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗŞȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
›Žœž–™’˜—ȱ˜ȱŽ’ŒŠ•ȱ˜ž——Žœœȱ
In evaluating a veteran’s claim, the VA generally presumes that the veteran entered the service in
sound medical condition.141 This may assist the veteran in proving a claim by making it difficult
for the VA to claim that the condition or disease existed prior to service. However, if the medical
impairment was noted at the time of entry into service, the veteran may have to prove that the
condition was exacerbated in-service. If the VA is able to prove by “clear and unmistakable
evidence” that the disease or injury was in existence prior to service and that it was not worsened
during service, the veteran’s claim will be denied.
™ŽŒ’Š•ȱž•Žœȱ˜›ȱŽ›Š’—ȱ —ȬŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱŒŒž››Ž—ŒŽœȱ
Special rules exist under which the VA is required to consider a service-connected problem by
presumption. For example, certain diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange will be
presumed to be service-related in the case of Vietnam veterans.142
A similar regulation holds that veterans who were held prisoners of war, or who served in combat,
can be presumed to have suffered traumatic, stressful events during their military service.143
Similarly, combat veterans have special rules applicable to them in proving an in-service injury or
other incident.144 Usually, if a combat veteran states that he/she suffered a disease, injury, or other
event during the combat, the VA will usually accept that statement as fact. This is the case even if
there are no service records to substantiate the claim.

141 38 U.S.C. § 1111.
142 38 C.F.R. § 3.307(a)(6)(iii).
143 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).
144 38 U.S.C. § 1154(b); 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(d),(f).
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŗşȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
™™Ž—’¡ȱǯ Ž’œ•Š’˜—ȱ —›˜žŒŽȱ’—ȱ‘Žȱŗŗŗ‘ȱ
˜—›Žœœȱ
ǯǯȱřŘȱ
H.R. 32 (sponsored by Representative Mike McIntyre),145 the proposed Veterans Outreach
Improvement Act of 2009 would direct the VA to establish, maintain, and modify as necessary
procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of outreach activities of the VA between and
among the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Public Affairs, the Veterans Health
Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration.
The bill would direct the Secretary to give priority to state and country outreach assistance in
locations that have relatively large concentrations of veterans, or are experiencing growth in the
veteran population. The bill would also authorize the Secretary to make grants to state or county
veterans agencies for state and local outreach services
ǯȱřŗśȱ
S. 315 (sponsored by Senator Russell D. Feingold),146 the proposed Veterans Outreach
Improvement Act of 2009 would direct the Secretary to establish a separate account for funding
outreach activities of the VA and a separate subaccount for the funding of outreach activities of
the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National
Cemetery Administration.
The bill would direct the Secretary to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring the effective
coordination of VA outreach activities between and among such elements, the Office of the
Secretary, and the Office of Public Affairs. It would authorize the Secretary to award grants to
state and local governments and to nonprofit community-based organizations to carry out
programs that offer a high probability of improving veterans’ outreach and assistance and
appropriate state veterans agencies for such purposes.
It is anticipated that additional legislation will be introduced in the 111th Congress which, if
enacted, will affect the appeal process. Specifically, it is expected that legislation will be
introduced to reduce the claims processing time for the original claim and any subsequent
appeals. Such legislation was introduced in the previous Congress. Because at least some of these
proposals are likely to resurface in the 111th Congress, they are summarized below.

145 H.R. 67, 111th Cong., 1st Sess. (2009). The bill was introduced on January 6, 2009 and on the same date was referred
to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
146 S. 315, 111th Cong., 1st Sess. (2009). The bill was introduced on January 26, 2009, and on that date was referred to
the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŘŖȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
™™Ž—’¡ȱǯ Ž’œ•Š’˜—ȱ˜—œ’Ž›Žȱ’—ȱ‘ŽȱŗŗŖ‘ȱ
˜—›Žœœȱ
ǯǯȱŜŝȱ
H.R. 67 (sponsored by Representative Mike McIntyre),147 the proposed Veterans Outreach
Improvement Act of 2007, would have established procedures for coordinating activities of the
VA and various related entities, including the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans
Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. The bill would have
provided assistance to the states to help carry out veterans benefits and related programs.
Outreach activities would have been funded through a separate appropriation account. The bill
defined “outreach” within the context of the legislation as taking steps to provide “information,
services and benefits counseling to veterans” and their survivors who may be eligible for such
benefits.148
ǯǯȱŜśřȱ
H.R. 653 (sponsored by Representative Thomas M. Reynolds)149 would have required the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to accept that an injury or disease is service-connected (if there is no
clear and convincing proof to the contrary), based upon the sworn affidavit of a veteran who
served in combat on or before July 27, 1953 (prior to or during the Korean War).
ǯǯȱŗŚřśȱ
H.R. 1435, the proposed Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2007
(sponsored by Representative Joe Baca),150 if enacted, would have directed the Secretary to
conduct a pilot program to reduce the number of pending benefits claims. The bill would have
established a three-year pilot program to handle pending veterans’ claims in the following states:
California, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.151 The bill outlined the procedures for the
development of the claim by the County Veteran Service Officer(s) (CVSO) and the claimant.152
Under the program, the CVSO would have served as the claimant’s advocate in developing and
transmitting the claim and would have cooperated with a veterans service organization to develop
the claim. Following the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary would have had to report
to Congress regarding claims pending reduction, statistics, and other related information.

147 H.R. 67, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007). The bill was introduced on January 4, 2007, passed the House on May 23,
2007, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on May 24, 2007.
148 Id.
149 H.R. 653, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007). The bill was introduced on January 24, 2007, and was referred to the House
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on March 2, 2007.
150 H.R. 1435, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007). The bill was introduced on March 9, 2007, and referred to the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on that date. The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
held hearings on April 17, 2007.
151 Id. § 4.
152 Id. § 4(d).
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
Řŗȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
ǯǯȱŗŚŚŚȱ
H.R. 1444 (sponsored by Representative John J. Hall),153 would have directed the Secretary to
make interim payments in cases remanded (referred back) to the VA by the BVA or the CAVC if
the VA failed to decide the matter within 180 days of remand. If the Secretary did not make a
decision within 180 days of the remand, then until the matter is finally decided, the Secretary
would have been required to pay an interim benefit of $500 per month. When a claim was finally
decided, and if benefits were awarded, the interim payments would be considered advance benefit
payments. If the final decision was not to award benefits, the interim benefits would not have
been considered an overpayment.
ǯǯȱŗŚşŖȱ
H.R. 1490 (sponsored by Representative Joe Donnelly)154 would have provided for a presumption
of service-connectedness in certain claims for benefits, upon the claimant proving service in a
conflict and the nature of the claim, unless the Secretary determined that there is positive
evidence to the contrary. The bill would have required the Secretary to award benefits, at a
“median level” as determined by the Secretary, immediately upon processing the claim until such
time as the appropriate level of benefits was determined.155 The bill would also provide for the
redeployment of VA claims workers freed up by the presumption of service-connectedness to
assist veterans with their claims.156
ǯǯȱŗśřŞȱ
H.R. 1538 (sponsored by Representative Ike Skelton)157 would have dealt primarily with
improving the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for
members of the Armed Forces. However, certain provisions could have also impacted the appeal
process. The bill addressed disability evaluations, a study by DOD and the VA concerning their
individual evaluation systems, and the possibility of combining the two systems. The bill would
also have streamlined record keeping and the transfer of records from DOD to the VA. Some of
the bill’s provisions are similar to those of S. 1283, discussed below.

153 H.R. 1444, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007). The bill was introduced on March 9, 2007, and referred to the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on that date. The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
held hearings on April 17, 2007.
154 H.R. 1490, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007). The bill was introduced on March 13, 2007, and referred to the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on that date. The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
held hearings on April 17, 2007.
155 Id. § 1.
156 Id. § 2.
157 H.R. 1538, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007). The bill was introduced on March 15, 2007, passed the House on March
28, 2007, and passed the Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent on July 25, 2007. A message on Senate
action was sent to the House on July 26, 2007. On September 5, 2007, the Senate ordered the measure printed as
passed.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŘŘȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
ǯǯȱŘŘśŝȱ
H.R. 2257 (sponsored by Representative Peter Welch)158 would have required the Secretary of the
VA to increase the number of benefits claims representatives. The bill would have required that
no fewer than two claims representative be located at each “vet center.”159
ǯǯȱŘŞśśȱ
In addition to providing new types of assistance, H.R. 2855 (sponsored by Representative Ciro D.
Rodriguez),160 the proposed Wounded Heroes Bill of Rights Act, would have established a
Wounded Heroes Independent Review Board (“Board”) to review certain cases involving
members of the Armed Forces or veterans who were severely injured on or after September 11,
2001, while on active duty.161
Upon the request of a “Wounded Hero,” the Board would expeditiously review the decision or
determination of the VA or other federal department or agency relating to the eligibility for or the
scope of benefits, including health care or vocational rehabilitation benefits. Following a review,
the Board would render a written advisory opinion relating to such eligibility or provision of such
care or benefits.
An advisory opinion rendered by the Board would be “considered as evidence” by the BVA and
the CAVC in any case with respect to the “Wounded Hero” before the BVA or the CAVC, upon
the submission of the opinion by the “Wounded Hero.”162 An advisory opinion rendered by the
Board could not be reviewed by any other official or by any court, whether by an action in the
nature of mandamus or otherwise. 163
ǯǯȱřŖŚŝȱ
H.R. 3047 (sponsored by Representative Doug Lamborn),164 the proposed Veterans Claims
Processing Innovation Act of 2007, would have provided changes to improve the processing of
claims for benefits administered by the VA by implementing a work credit system for the BVA.165
Under this system, a regional office of the BVA would receive work credit for a claim assigned to
the regional office when the appellate period for the claim has expired or the BVA had issued a

158 H.R. 2257, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. (2007). The bill was introduced on May 9, 2007, and was referred to the House
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on May 11, 2007.
159 These “centers” provide readjustment counseling and related mental health services to veterans (38 U.S.C. §
1712A(i)(1)).
160 H.R. 2855, 110th Cong., 1st Sess (2007). The bill was introduced on June 25, 2007, and referred to the House
Subcommittee on Military Personnel, House Subcommittee on Health, and House Ways and Means on that date. On
July 25, 2007, the bill was referred to the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
161 H.R. 2855, § 311.
162 Id. § 315(c).
163 Id. § 315(d).
164 H.R. 3047, 110th Cong., 1st Sess (2007). The bill was introduced on July 16, 2007, and referred to the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. On July 23, 2007, it was referred to the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs. Subcommittee hearings were held on November 8, 2007.
165 H.R. 3047, § 2
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
Řřȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
final decision with respect to the claim.166 The bill would also have implemented the electronic
processing of claims for benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary).167
Section 4 of the bill would have provided for the treatment of the beneficiary of a deceased
veteran’s accrued benefits as the claimant for the purpose of incomplete claims at the time of the
death of the veteran.168 Thus, if a veteran claimant died before completing the submission of a
claim for any benefit administered by the Secretary, the person who would have received any
accrued benefits due to the veteran would be treated as the claimant for the purpose of completing
the submission of the claim.169
ǯǯȱśŖŞşȱ
H.R. 5089, (sponsored by Representative John Barrow),170 proposed to reform the veterans’
disability determination process by requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay disability
compensation to certain veterans based on the concurring diagnosis of two physicians.
ǯǯȱśśŝŜȱ
H.R. 5576 (sponsored by Representative Steve Buyer),171 the proposed Veterans Claims Backlog
Reduction Act of 2008, would have mandated certain criteria for individuals who wish to serve as
an agent or an attorney for a veteran in the preparation and presentation of the veteran’s benefit
claims. The bill would also have required an assessment of ratings specialists and veterans service
representatives; a pilot program for claims processing using technology; and other issues relating
to reducing the number of pending claims.
ǯǯȱśŞşŘȱ
H.R. 5892 (sponsored by Representative John J. Hall),172 the proposed Veterans Disability
Benefits Claim Modernization Act of 2008 would have required the Secretary to provide
assistance to survivors and dependents of deceased veterans concerning benefits and services
delivered by the VA. The bill would also have required the Secretary to review the ratings
schedule for veterans’ disabilities. Other provisions of the bill were directed at reducing the
number of claims in processing.

166 Id. § 2(b). Presumably, this system could monitor and evaluate the workload and productivity of the regional offices
of the BVA.
167 Id. § 3.
168 Id. § 4.
169 Id. § 4(a).
170 H.R. 5089, 110th Cong., 2d Sess (2008). The bill was introduced on January 22, 2008, and was referred to the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on that same date.
171 H.R. 5576, 110th Cong., 2d Sess (2008). The bill was introduced on March 14, 2008 and was referred to the House
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on March 14, 2008.
172 H.R. 5892, 110th Cong., 2d Sess (2008). The bill was introduced on April 24, 2008, and was referred to the Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on July 31, 2008.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŘŚȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
ǯǯȱŜŘřŜȱ
H.R. 6236, (sponsored by Representative Steve Chabot),173 the proposed Veterans Disability
Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008 would have required a VA study of the rating system
and an advisory committee for the maintenance and readjustment of this schedule. The bill would
also have required implementation of certain employment and other practices aimed at improving
claims processing efficiency.
ǯȱŗŘŞřȱ
S. 1283, (sponsored by Senator Mark Pryor)174 dealt primarily with improving the management of
medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces.
However, certain provisions could have impacted the appeal process. Among these issues were
evaluation of the disability evaluation system, a study by DOD and the VA concerning their
individual evaluation systems, and the possibility of combining the two systems. Some of the
bill’s provisions are similar to those of H.R. 1538, discussed above.
ǯȱŗřŜřȱ
S. 1363 (sponsored by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton),175 the proposed Bridging the Gap for
Wounded Warriors Act, planned to improve health care for severely injured members and former
members of the armed forces. The bill would have created a Department of Defense-Department
of Veterans Affairs Office of Transition (“Office”).176 The functions of this office would have
included “developing uniform standards, to be applicable across the military departments and to
the Department of Veterans Affairs, for the rating of disabilities incurred or aggravated by
members of the Armed Forces during service in the Armed Forces.”177 The bill would also have
provided for the reform of the disability ratings systems of the Department of Defense and the
Department of Veterans Affairs.178
ǯȱŘŝřŝȱ
S. 2737 (sponsored by Senator Daniel K. Akaka),179 the proposed “Veterans’ Rating Schedule
Review Act” would have amended title 38 of the United States Code to grant jurisdiction to the
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to review compliance of ratings for disabilities under

173 H.R. 6236, 110th Cong., 2d Sess (2008). The bill was introduced on June 11, 2008, and was referred to the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on the same date.
174 S. 1283, 100th Cong., 1st Sess (2007). The bill was introduced on May 3, 2007, and was referred to the Senate
Committee on Armed Services on that date.
175 S. 1363, 110th Cong., 1st Sess. The bill was introduced on May 10, 2007, and referred to the Senate Committee on
Armed Services on that date.
176 S. 1363, § 3.
177 Id. § 3(c)(5).
178 Id. § 4.
179 S. 2737, 110th Cong., 2d Sess (2008). The bill was introduced on March 10, 2008, and was referred to the Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on that date.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
Řśȱ

ŽŽ›Š—œȱŠ’›œDZȱ‘Žȱ™™ŽŠ•ȱ›˜ŒŽœœȱ˜›ȱŽŽ›Š—œȂȱ•Š’–œȱ
ȱ
the schedule of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 with the statutory requirements applicable to entitlement to
disability compensation.
ǯȱřŚŗşȱ
S. 3419 (sponsored by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton),180 the proposed Veterans Disability
Claims Modernization Act of 2008 would have required the VA to provide direct assistance to
survivors and dependents of deceased veterans regarding benefits and services delivered by the
VA. It would have also required a study and maintenance and readjustment of the rating schedule.
Other provisions would have streamlined the claims process with the goal of reducing the number
of claims in processing.

ž‘˜›ȱ˜—ŠŒȱ —˜›–Š’˜—ȱ

Douglas Reid Weimer

Legislative Attorney
dweimer@crs.loc.gov, 7-7574





180 S. 3419, 110th Cong., 2d Sess. (2008). The bill was introduced on August 1, 2008, and was referred to the Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on that date.
˜—›Žœœ’˜—Š•ȱŽœŽŠ›Œ‘ȱŽ›Ÿ’ŒŽȱ
ŘŜȱ