Crs Report for Congress - Veterans Affairs: The Appeal Process for Veterans' Claims: February 6, 2009 - Rl33704 (Paperback)

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 veterans basic eligibility for these programs and services is usually determined by the local VA office. Veterans not satisfied with the VAs decision(s) may wish to have them reviewed and may appeal the decision(s). This report traces the various steps involved in the appeal processstarting 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 ...