⚖️ Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) 3-Lane Finder

Was your claim denied or under-rated? Under the Appeals Modernization Act, you have 3 distinct legal appeal lanes. Answer these 3 questions to find the exact lane that protects your backpay and maximizes your chance of approval.

1. Do you have NEW and RELEVANT evidence to add to your claim file? (e.g., private nexus letter, new DBQ, medical records, or buddy statement)

YES — I have new evidence to submit. NO — I want the VA to review the existing evidence already in my file.

2. Did the VA make a clear legal error or misread existing evidence in your file?

YES — The rater ignored existing evidence or misapplied 38 CFR Part 4. NO / UNCERTAIN — I just need a stronger medical opinion or re-evaluation.

3. Do you want a formal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge in Washington, D.C.?

YES — I want to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). NO — I want a faster administrative resolution at the Regional Office level.

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📄 DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL APPEAL FORM ➔

📊 Side-by-Side Comparison of the 3 AMA Appeal Lanes

Feature	Lane 1: Supplemental Claim	Lane 2: Higher-Level Review (HLR)	Lane 3: Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)
Official Form	VA Form 20-0995	VA Form 20-0996	VA Form 10182
New Evidence Allowed?	YES — Required	NO — Closed Record	YES (if Evidence/Hearing Sub-lane chosen)
Reviewer Level	Regional Office Rating Specialist	Senior Decision Review Officer (DRO)	Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) in D.C.
Informal Conference?	No	YES — 1-on-1 Phone Call with DRO	Hearing Option Available
Avg. Processing Time	60 - 120 Days	90 - 125 Days	1 - 3 Years