How long do I have to appeal a VA denial?

Generally, you have one year from the date of the rating decision to file in an AMA review lane. Check the decision letter because the correct deadline depends on the decision and review history.

Can the PACT Act reopen a previously denied claim?

A veteran may be able to file a Supplemental Claim when a condition or location is now covered or when new and relevant evidence is available.

Services

VA-Accredited Lawyers for Veterans’ Benefits Claims

Targeted legal support for veterans whose situation goes beyond a routine claim filing.

If VA denied your claim, assigned a rating that does not reflect your condition, or overlooked important evidence, a VA-accredited attorney can review the decision and explain your options. You can file an initial claim directly with VA or seek free help from an accredited VSO.

Who we help

Veterans whose claims have been denied or are stuck in delay
Veterans with rating decisions that undervalue their condition
Surviving spouses and dependents pursuing DIC
Veterans needing help developing nexus evidence for non-presumptive conditions
Families navigating a complex appeals timeline

Compare VA decision-review options

The right lane depends on whether the case needs new evidence, correction of an error in the existing record, or review by a judge.

Review option	New evidence?	Often considered when
Supplemental Claim	Yes	New and relevant medical, service, or exposure evidence is available.
Higher-Level Review	No	VA may have misread the existing record or applied a rule incorrectly.
Board Appeal	Depends on docket	A Veterans Law Judge should review the disputed issue.

What happens during a free case evaluation?

Share the VA decision letter and the issue you want reviewed.
Identify the favorable findings, disputed facts, and applicable deadline.
Assess whether the record needs evidence, legal argument, or both.
Explain whether legal representation or a free VSO route is appropriate.

Our services

Denied Claims & Appeals

Supplemental claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board of Veterans' Appeals representation.

Learn more about Denied Claims & Appeals

Rating Increase Appeals

Pursuing a higher rating where the VA's decision doesn't match your condition's severity.

Learn more about Rating Increase Appeals

Survivor & DIC Claims

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for surviving spouses and eligible dependents.

Learn more about Survivor & DIC Claims

Evidence & Nexus Support

Building the medical opinions, IMOs, and military records needed for complex claims.

Learn more about Evidence & Nexus Support

Free options you should know about

Before engaging any paid representation, every veteran should know: you can file directly at VA.gov, and free help from VA-accredited VSOs is available nationwide.

Start your free case evaluation or call (202) 934-2954.

VA accreditation and our approach

Cross & York's representatives are VA-accredited per 38 CFR Part 14. Our fee arrangements comply with 38 U.S.C. § 5904: no fee is charged for assistance with an initial claim before VA issues a Notice of Disagreement or initial decision. After that threshold, fees follow VA-permitted contingent or reasonable structures.