After a denial
The reason for the no is in the letter
Social Security and the VA each give you a limited time to challenge a decision, and each offers more than one way to do it. The deadline and the path both matter.
Social Security's levels run in order: reconsideration, a hearing before a judge, the Appeals Council and then federal court. You generally have sixty days from the date on the notice, plus a few days for mailing, to start the next one.
After a VA rating decision there are three lanes: a supplemental claim with new evidence, a higher-level review of the same record, or an appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Pick the lane, and the clock, with someone who has read the decision.
Deadlines in short
Sixty days from Social Security's notice, plus a few days for mailing
One year from a VA decision to choose a lane and keep your original start date
Missing a date isn't always the end: ask before you assume it is
Start here
Where your claim is now
Find the notice you have in your hand, and read the line under it.
A first denial
We read it for the exact reason, then decide whether new records, a new opinion or a plain request to look again fits best.
A hearing date
We look at what the judge has in the file and what is missing, then prepare you for the questions a judge usually asks.
A VA rating that seems low
We compare the decision with your records and mark where a supplemental claim or review could change the number.
A judge ruled against you
We read the decision for mistakes the next level can fix, and tell you honestly whether a further appeal makes sense.
Appeal questions
How long do I have to appeal?
It depends on the notice. Social Security's is generally sixty days, and the VA's is generally a year. Start with the date printed on the letter and call us as soon as you have it.
Do I have to start over?
Usually not. A claim keeps its place when it moves to the next level. A new claim can change your start date, so ask first.
What if I missed the date?
There can be a way back in when there was a good reason, such as hospital stays or a notice that never arrived. Tell us what happened.
What does it cost me?
Nothing up front. At Social Security the fee is the one set by law and paid from back pay; veterans pay no fee for VA appeals here. Record charges are separate, and we tell you first.