Any form of rejection of benefits by the VA can be challenging to accept, especially for veterans dealing with the effects of a service-connected injury or illness that affects their day-to-day quality of life. Being denied or disagreeing with the VA’s initial decision on your claim is not the end of the process. You have options for appealing the decision. For example, you can ask for a higher-level review of your claim, request a board appeal, or file a supplemental claim to continue your case. This is managed through VA form 10182.

What is Form 10182?

The VA has recently implemented new measures and processes meant to improve the timeliness, fairness, and transparency of claims decisions. As part of this appeals reform, they have introduced new forms, like the Decision Review Request: Board Appeal, known as Form 10182, or a Notice of Disagreement.

When should I use Form 10182?

If your VA disability claim outcome does not meet your expectations, it is not the end of the road for you. Form 10182 allows veterans who received either a denial of benefits or a disability rating they disagree with the opportunity to identify the specific issues on which they do not agree with the VA. Additionally, it gives the veteran the ability to submit more evidence for their claim or to request a Board hearing.

What information is needed for Form 10182?

Provide basic information about yourself, including your full name and social security number, your date of birth, your address and phone number, your email address, your VA file number, and the name of your representative (if applicable). Indicate which type of review you want, as well as the specific issues you are appealing. The form is complete with a certification and signature and should be mailed to the Board of Veterans Affairs.

Choosing The Right Type of Review

Form 10182 will ask you which type of review you seek to overturn the initial decision on your claim. The following are your review options:

• Direct Review: This is usually the option that will provide you with the quickest decision. If you believe the law or the facts of the case were misinterpreted, the Direct Review is your best option. A decision on a Direct Review is usually returned within one year.
• Submitting New Evidence: If you want to provide the Veterans Law Judge with additional evidence to review, choose this option. After filing Form 10182, you have 90 days to submit further evidence supporting your claim. More evidence typically means your chances are higher for a favorable decision. This option usually takes more than a year to receive a returned review.
• Hearing with a Veterans Law Judge: This option also allows you to submit additional evidence to support your claim. However, disabilities often impact you in ways that are not easy to describe or explain in writing. With a hearing, you can speak to a Veterans Law Judge in person and tell your story and the impact your disease or disability has had on your life in a more compelling way. This option has the longest wait time, as there are only 98 Veterans Law Judges and more than 67,000 veterans waiting to be heard.

Timeliness is Key

Once you receive your initial decision from the VA, you have one year to submit Form 10182. Additionally, if you wish to modify Form 10182 to choose a different review option, you have 60 days from when the Board receives your original form.