Filing VA Form 20-0995: Supplemental Claims

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...

Continue reading…

How To Complete VA Form 21-4192

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...

Continue reading…

How To Complete VA Form 10182: Board Appeal

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.

Continue reading…

What are DROCs?

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...

Continue reading…

Active Vs. Passive Suicidal Ideation

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:

Continue reading…

How To Complete VA Form 21-0781

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...

Continue reading…

VA Form 21-8940: Applying for a TDIU Rating

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...
Continue reading…