New Bill May Give Vets Less Time to Appeal VA Disability Decisions

A new bill introduced in Congress would shorten a veteran’s time to appeal VA disability decisions on disability ratings from the regional office from one year to six months.

Currently, veterans have one year to file a Notice of Disagreement from rating decisions issued by the regional office. The new legislation, introduced in early May, would reduce this period to six months. The bill contains a provision that would allow this time period to be extended for a period of up to 186 days if there is good reason why the veteran did not timely appeal his decision.

The provision is part of the “Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2013.” It is not entirely clear how this bill is a benefit to veterans. A better solution would probably be to streamline the process by which VA puts together a Statement of the Case, allowing the veteran to go directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals after he or she files a Notice of Disagreement. The Statement of the Case serves little apparent useful purpose and tends to delay the handling of appeals by at least a year and usually much longer.

Need Help Appealing a VA Disability Rating Decision?

That’s exactly why we’re here. Our veterans disability advocate are committed to ensuring your claim is accurately decided, so you can receive all the benefits to which you’re entitled by law. We’ll help you cut through the VA’s red tape and face the strict deadlines for appeals. Contact Veterans Help Group for a free, online veterans disability case evaluation.