Appeal Cancel

[Guest Dean2]

I just got notified that one of my items on appeal was granted locally at 10%. There is also a 30% rating for the condition. The RO wants to know if I am satisfied with 10% and if they can drop it from the rest of my appeal to BVA.

Do you always automatically continue an appeal like this for higher percentage, or are there times when you should agree with the local decision?

[vaf]

You're probably the only one who can truly answer that. Take a look at the criteria for the 30%. If you believe you warrant the higher rating, and understand that the appeal process is a long one, then you should appeal. You're the one best familiar with your condition. You can show the 30% rating criteria to your physician (preferably non-VA) and ask if in his/her opinion, you meet that criteria.

My personal belief is that the veteran should assume right out of the gate that the VA is lowballing, and should appeal for a higher rating. Our own personal experience has proven that approach to be a valid one.