Types of VA Decision Letters Explained

When filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans can expect to receive several types of letters from VA.  These letters outline everything from VA’s initial rating decision to the Board’s decision regarding an appeal.  These communications include important details about a veteran’s case and explain the next steps in the VA disability benefits process.  Veterans may receive different letters depending on which system their appeal is in: Legacy or AMA.  The Legacy system was the VA appeals process until February 2019, when new legislation under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) changed the system.

These letters often contain so much information that they can be difficult to digest.  Below is a breakdown of the common types of letters veterans might receive, including:

• AMA Rating Decision
• AMA Notice of Action Letter
• AMA Board Decision
• Legacy Rating Decision
• Legacy Notice of Action Letter
• Legacy Board Decision
• Statement of the Case (SOC)
• Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC)

AMA Rating Decision Letter

A AMA Rating Decision is the procedural document VA sends to a veteran once it has decided the veteran’s claim.  In other words, this document tells a veteran if their claim has been granted or denied.  After listing the veteran’s personal information, such as their representative (if they have one) and VA File number, the Rating Decision will have a brief summary of the claim.  This may include a veteran’s dates of service, military branch, and the date their claim was received.

Following the summary is the decision itself.  Here, each issue the veteran claimed will be listed as granted or denied.  If granted, the veteran will also find their rating and the effective date for that condition.  The next section lists all evidence on record that was submitted or collected in support of the claim.  The rest of the Rating Decision explains each issue in more detail.  It describes the rationale behind each decision, governing regulation(s), evidence used to support service connection, and any favorable findings identified.

AMA Notice of Action Letter

An AMA Notice of Action Letter is a letter sent to a veteran when VA has made a decision regarding their disability benefits.  It is important to note that this is not a rating decision, but an explanation of the steps a veteran can take now that VA has made a decision about their benefits.  A Notice of Action letter is sent to a veteran with VA’s rating decision.  The top of the first page will include personal information such as the veteran’s name, address, chosen representative (if they have one), and their Social Security number or C-File number.  Next, the letter will list the veteran’s benefit information, outlining which condition(s) the veteran is service connected for and the effective date for each condition.

It will also state the veteran’s monthly compensation, that start date for the payment, and any additional compensation to which the veteran may be entitled.  For example, a veteran with a disability rated at or above 30 percent who has one dependent child will receive additional compensation for that child.  If a veteran has multiple dependents, the letter will include a table showing the exact amount awarded per dependent and the payment start date.

The Notice of Action letter goes on to explain factors that can impact or change a veteran’s compensation, such as reentry into active duty or incarceration.  Veterans should notify VA immediately if there is a change in any condition that affects their right to continued payments.  Contact information is included in the letter to help veterans contact VA through mail, electronically, or in person.

Lastly, the letter explains a veteran’s rights to seek further review of VA’s decision if they disagree or are dissatisfied with the outcome.  It lists the three options available to the veteran under the Appeals Modernization Act: (1) filing a Supplemental Claim; (2) requesting a Higher-Level Review; or (3) appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.  It also outlines how the veteran should proceed with their chosen appeal lane, what form(s) they need to submit, where they can find an accredited representative to assist them, and more.

AMA Board Decision Letter

When a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals makes a decision about a veteran’s case in the AMA system, the veteran will be notified via a mailed letter.  The first page of the AMA Board Decision outlines the contents of the decision and offers instructions for veterans who have questions or disagree with the decision wish to continue their appeal.  In the top left corner of this page, veterans will find the VA seal.  Under this should be the date, the veteran’s name, and their address.  In the upper righthand corner veterans should see either their Social Security number or the number associated with their claims file (C-File).

The second page of the document contains information specific to the veteran’s case.  Veterans will see the title “Board of Veterans’ Appeals” clearly across the top of this page, followed by their name, their Social Security number or C-File number, and their BVA docket number.  If the veteran has an accredited representative this will also be listed at the top of the page.  The document will then state the Board’s decision regarding the veteran’s claim and explain the reasons and bases that led to the finding.  This may include:

• An explanation of the decision
• Test results or medical opinions
• Rating criteria
• Applicable case law
• Supplementary evidence

At the end of the Board decision is information regarding the veteran’s appeal rights.  In the new system under the Appeals Modernization Act veterans have several options if they disagree with the Board’s decision on their appeal.  The decision letter will tell the veteran exactly which appeal lanes are available to them, such as:

• Filing a Supplemental Claim
• Appealing to the CAVC
• Filing a motion for the Board to reconsider

The deadlines for each option are noted.  It will also provide the veteran with answers to some frequently asked questions and tell them where they can find more information.

Legacy Rating Decision Letter

Similar to the AMA Rating Decision, the Legacy Rating Decision explains VA’s decision regarding a veteran’s claim in the Legacy system.  It opens by listing the veteran’s personal information, including their representative (if they have one), VA File number, and the date of the Rating Decision.  Next, the veteran will find a short summary of their claim which may include their dates of service, military branch, and the date their claim was received.

After this are the “Decision” and “Evidence” sections.  The “Decision” section lists each condition for which the veteran is seeking service connection and states whether it is granted or denied.  If granted, it also states the effective date and rating percentage for the decision.  The “Evidence” section lists all evidence that was submitted or collected in support of the claim.  The rest of the letter explains, in detail, the reason for each decision.  Each explanation tells the veteran why that particular decision was made and what evidence VA considered.  Typically, portions of the rating criteria for the issue at hand will also be included.

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Legacy Notice of Action Letter

This letter tells veterans what VA decided regarding their entitlement amount and payment start date.  It also includes information about additional benefits, what veterans should do if they disagree with VA’s decision, and who to contact if they have questions or require any assistance.  The first page of the letter will list the veteran’s name, the date, and other details pertinent to their case (e.g., VA File number).

Next, the veteran will find an overview of their monthly entitlement.  Any Cost of Living adjustments, rating adjustments, awards of TDIU, or changes to payments for any eligible dependents will also be listed here.  The Legacy Notice of Action Letter letter will also include a review of the rating decision and the effective date for each compensable condition.  The rest of the document explains when the veteran can expect payment, how they can enroll in and use the eBenefits system, and how to start the appeal process if they disagree with VA’s decision.

Legacy Board Decision Letter

When the Board of Veterans’ Appeals makes a decision on a veteran’s appeal in the Legacy system, the veteran will receive a Legacy Board Decision letter.  In the upper left-hand corner of this page, veterans will find the VA seal.  Under this should be the date, the veteran’s name, and their address.  In the upper righthand corner veterans should see either their Social Security number or the number associated with their claims file (C-File).  The letter begins by alerting the veterans that the Board has made a decision on their appeal.  It then lists the three possible decisions (i.e., grant, remand, and denial or dismissal) the veteran could receive and instructs them on next steps for each decision.

On the next page, the veteran will find information relating to their specific claim.  Veterans will see the title “Board of Veterans’ Appeals” clearly across the top of this page, followed by their name and their BVA docket number.  If the veteran has an accredited representative this will also be listed at the top of the page.  The letter will then state the Board’s decision regarding the veteran’s claim and explain the reasons and bases that led to the finding, citing applicable case law, findings of fact in the case, and other evidence used in making the determination.

Following this, the veteran will find information regarding their rights to appeal the Board’s decision.  It is important to note that if the veteran’s appeal was remanded to the local VA office for additional development the decision cannot be appealed, as it is not yet a final decision.  However, if the veteran receives a decision other than remand with which they are not satisfied, they can file an appeal

• Appeal to the CAVC
• File a motion with the Board for reconsideration
• File a motion with the Board to vacate the decision
• File a motion with the Board for revision based on clear and unmistakable error

If a Veteran does not elect one of the above appeal options, the Board decision will become final.  Veterans then have the option to reopen their claim at their local VA office by submitting a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence.

The Board decision concludes by answering a number of frequently asked questions, including how to proceed with the different appeal options and what deadlines they need to be aware of, and telling veterans where they can find more information.

Statement of the Case (SOC)

A Statement of the Case is a document that explains the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision regarding a veteran’s disability benefits case.  The SOC, which a veteran receives after filing a Notice of Disagreement, gives the veteran information about their denial or partial denial of VA disability benefits.  It is a summary of the law and evidence in a veteran’s claim that is intended to guide the veteran as they develop their appeal.

Once a veteran has filed a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) informing VA that they disagree with its rating decision, VA will re-evaluate the claim to determine if any errors were made during the initial decision-making process.  If errors were made and a new decision is warranted, the veteran will receive a new rating decision.  If VA finds that  no errors were made during the original claims review process, the veteran will receive an SOC explaining the reasoning behind VA’s decision.

The top of the first page of the document will have the veteran’s personal information, such as their name, address, and Social Security number or C-File number.  It continues on to explain what the veteran will need to do next and the deadline they must meet in order to keep their case open.  Additionally, the document provides information regarding hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, what will happen once the veteran files their appeal, and where the veteran can find an accredited representative to assist them in the appeals process.

The next few pages of the Statement of the Case provide a detailed explanation of the decision.  At the top of each of these pages the veteran should find their name, VA File number, Social Security number, and other identifying information.  The following is typically included in this explanation:

• A list of evidence used to make the decision, such as medical records, service records, lay statements, and employment history
• Regulations and laws related to the decision
• The actual decision, with all issues of the claim addressed separately
• Reasons for the decision and an explanation of how the evidence listed supports it

Enclosed in the SOC the veteran will also find , which they can use to file an appeal.  They will also find information regarding appeal hearing options, if they wish to request one, and instructions on how to file the form and proceed with the appeal process.

Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC)

A Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) is a document provided by a veteran’s local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional office to amend or update the Statement of the Case (SOC).  Veterans may receive an SSOC if they submit new evidence with their appeal of the SOC, but VA is continuing to deny their claim.  The document explains why VA has decided to deny some or all of the veteran’s appeal based on the evidence submitted.  If they disagree with VA’s decision, veterans, or their representatives, are free to submit more evidence.  If VA denies the appeal again, the veteran will receive another SSOC.

Similar to the SOC, the veteran should find their name, VA File number, Social Security number, and other identifying information at the top of each page of the actual decision.  These pages will outline the issues at hand, the evidence and pertinent laws and regulations referenced, and the decision made regarding the case.  The veteran will also find a detailed description of the reasons and bases for the Board’s decision.  Finally, the veteran will see the “Response” section, in which they can elect one of two options.  In short, the response indicates whether the veteran would like their case to be returned to the Board immediately, or if they want to use the allotted 30-day period to submit additional information or evidence to support their claim.

Was Your VA Claim or Appeal Denied?

The experienced, accredited veterans’ advocates at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD have decades of experience successfully representing veterans before the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the Federal Circuit Court. If your VA claim or appeal has been denied, we may be able to help. Contact us today at 800-544-9144.