Introduced as part of the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program in 2017, the supplemental claims option is a relatively new addition to the VA appeals process. A supplemental claim can be filed whenever a veteran is unsatisfied with his or her rating decision and would like his or her claim to...

VA Form 21-4192: Request for Employment Information In Connection With Claim For Disability Benefits

Whenever a veteran decides to apply for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), they will need to complete a VA Form 21-8940. In addition to that...

Under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), which took effect on February 19th, 2019, veterans can appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) after an initial claim, Supplemental Claim, or Higher-Level Review decision. Two Board appeals can not be submitted in a row for the same claim.

Decision Review Operations Centers (DROCs) are VA decision making centers designed to centralize the processing of all:

Higher Level Review appeals (HLRs)HLRs returns due to duty-to-assist (DTA) errorsAppeals Modernization Act (AMA) full grants by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board)AMA Board remands

The responsibilities and...

A higher level review (HLR) claim can be filed whenever a veteran thinks he or she has been unjustly rated and would like his or her claim to be reviewed by a decision review officer (DRO) at one of the VA’s Decision Review Operations Centers (DROCs). Higher level review is one...

What Is Suicidal Ideation?

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a common occurrence among many veterans struggling with mental health conditions. More than 6,000 veterans have committed suicide every year since 2005. For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, there are typically two categories of severity:

What is Tinnitus, and How Does It Relate to Depression?

Tinnitus is a complex condition that is commonly characterized by ringing in the ears, although symptoms can vary and include:

RoaringBuzzingClickingHummingHissing

One of the most common causes of tinnitus is exposure...

VA Form 21-0781 & 21-0781a: Statement in Support of Claim for PTSD

In order to apply for service-connection for PTSD, veterans need to need to complete VA Form 21-0781 or 21-0781a to support their claims. The purpose of these forms is for you to describe the...

VA Form 21-8940: Applying for a Total Disability Rating Based on Unemployability When applying for any type of service connection through the VA, the forms you need to use and the process itself can seem very complicated. The process of applying to obtain a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (a TDIU rating) can...