VA Claims Information

STEP 8: FILING AN APPEAL

For those who are filing an appeal:

• Utilize all the steps mentioned.
   
• When you write the attachment, include the following as part of your paragraph under the condition:
   
  • For each individual point, write the VA's finding(s) found on the decision explanation for the original claim(s). Use quotation marks around the VA's information if it is word for word.
     
   

  Using these findings as a beginning for the condition paragraph gives you the ability to submit the specific information needed to make your case on appeal for that decision.
  
  

  • Give the reasons for your disagreement with the VA's decision.
     
  • Write clearly listing the documentation already submitted or being submitted with this letter that shows your disagreement.
     
  • Mention any nexus letters that pertain to the decision.
     
  • Mention any buddy letters that clarify the specific circumstances.
    
   
• Continue listing information as mentioned in STEP 7 for the rest of the condition.
   
• If you mention in this attachment records already submitted to the VA, be sure to state they have been previously submitted.
   
• When you type the Enclosure section of the attachment, you can also make a heading that notes all items previously submitted. This allows you to group everything so the VA knows what is in previously submitted records and can look for them.
   

Example:

Previously Submitted:
Dr. Reed Allot, 7/08/07, nexus letter
Dr. Feel Good Evaluation
Dr. Hi deHoe 7/10/02-6/26/03
Article: "Joe's Coffee Stimulus affects Sleep," I'm Not Sleepy Magazine, Oct. 2010 Issue

Enclosures This Attachment:
Cpl. U. P. Ures, 9/15/08, buddy letter
Dr. Nose Gaye 6/03/03
Dr. M. Tee 5/9/04