Hi there!
It’s one of the more common questions veterans have for the Veterans Benefits Administration:
What’s the difference between claims and appeals?
The appeals process is a bit tricky, so we’re going to try to help clear things up a little.
To begin, a claim is what you submit when first seeking VA disability benefits or increased benefits.
These can be filed online, or submitted in person or through the mail.
An appeal, however, starts only after you’ve disagreed somehow with the VA’s one or more decisions.
Once you’re in the appellate process, your appeal goes through multiple reviews by different and independent adjudicators.
It’s at this point that you can hire an attorney.
Does that help clear things up?
We hope so.
Knowing the difference between claims and appeals can help you get through the process a whole lot faster.