What You Need to Know About Decision Granted by the BVA 

When you apply for VA disability benefits, understanding each step of the process is crucial, especially when it involves a decision from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). 

If you receive a notification that says “Decision Granted BVA,” here’s what it means and what you can expect next.

What is the Board of Veterans’ Appeals?

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) is an entity within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) tasked with reviewing and deciding appeals on veterans’ disability claims. 

When local VA offices make decisions on claims, veterans can appeal these decisions to the BVA for a review, which can result in overturning or modifying the initial decisions.

Interpreting a Decision Granted by the BVA

A “Decision Granted” by the BVA means that the board has fully or partially approved the appeal you made regarding your disability claim. 

This decision is pivotal as it determines the benefits you’ll receive going forward.

Review the Decision Notification

The notification provides details about the decision, including the type of benefits awarded, and possibly the effective date, and compensation rate. 

It’s important to review every detail to understand the scope of the decision.

Next Steps After a Decision Granted BVA

The decision might affect your disability rating, potentially leading to increased benefits or back pay. 

If anhe effective date is mentioned in your decision letter, it is crucial to pay close attention to this date as it determines when your benefits start.

What do I do if I Disagree?

If you’re not fully satisfied with the decision, there are multiple options to appeal the decision. 

Any Board decision may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). 

Note that this should be done within 120 days from the date of the BVA decision. 

Under the legacy appeal system, the only option for appealing a Board decision was to appeal to CAVC. 

Under the AMA system, however, while a CAVC appeal is still an option, the decision may also be appealed by filing a supplemental claim appeal with new evidence.

Additional tips for navigating a BVA Decision effectively:

• Documentation is Key: Keep all correspondence, medical records, and related documents organized. These documents may be crucial if you decide to pursue further appeals.
• Understand Legal Jargon: Decisions can be laden with complex legal language. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification from legal experts or veteran service organizations.
• Be Proactive: Stay on top of your claim by understanding your rights and the benefits you are entitled to. If you need to appeal, act swiftly to meet all deadlines.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a VA-accredited attorney to help navigate the complexities of further appeals, especially if the case goes to the CAVC.

Cassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.