VA Appeal Checklist - VeteranTools.io

Initial Steps

Act within the deadline

Note Your Decision Date

You have 1 year from the decision date to file most appeals

Review the Decision Letter

Understand exactly what was denied and why

Choose Your Appeal Lane

Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal

Gather New Evidence

For Supplemental Claims

Identify Evidence Gaps

What was missing that led to the denial?

Obtain New Medical Evidence

Updated records, new diagnoses, or medical opinions

Get Nexus Letter

Medical opinion linking condition to service

Collect Buddy Statements

Lay evidence supporting your claim

Submit Your Appeal

File correctly

Use Correct Form

VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental), 20-0996 (HLR), or 10182 (Board)

Include All New Evidence

Submit everything with your appeal form

Keep Copies

Retain copies of everything you submit

Track Your Appeal

Monitor status on VA.gov or through your VSO