What Should I Do If My Disability Claim Is Denied?

Understanding a VA Disability Denial

A denial from the VA does not mean your claim is over. Veterans have the right to challenge the decision through an appeals process designed to review and reconsider denied claims.

Understanding the reason for denial is the first and most important step.

Common Reasons for Denial

VA disability claims are often denied due to:

• Lack of medical evidence
• Missing service connection (nexus)
• Insufficient documentation of severity
• Incomplete application information

Many of these issues can be corrected with additional evidence.

VA Appeal Options

Veterans have several options after a denial, including filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) within one year of the decision.

Depending on the case, appeals may involve:

• Higher-Level Review
• Supplemental Claim with new evidence
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) review
• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) in certain cases

Each path provides a different level of review.

Strengthening Your Appeal

Many successful appeals are based on new or improved evidence, such as updated medical opinions or additional service records that were not previously submitted.

Properly strengthening the record can significantly improve the chances of approval.

Get Help With Your Appeal

For assistance with your claim, fill out a Free Case Evaluation or contact Stevens & Sullivan at 404-467-9017 to speak directly with an experienced Veterans Disability attorney.