Re-open and reconsideration claims - New Changes - AMA

[dajoker12]

Just a heads up, as of February 19, 2019, if a Veteran is wanting to submit a claim for contentions that are reconsiderations or reopens, the 526ez is no longer the authorized form and will no longer be accepted per Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) guidelines. 

I suggest anyone looking for more information to take a look at the VA Form 20-0998 which can be found at https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-20-0998-ARE.pdf

or

https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/appeals.asp

and

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/56694/vas-appeals-modernization-act-takes-effect-today/

and

https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/

The authorized forms to submit the aforementioned types of claims are as follows:

VA Form 20-0995 for supplemental claims, which can be found at https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-20-0995-ARE.pdf

VA Form 20-0996 for Higher Level Revies claims, which can be found at https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-20-0996-ARE.pdf

and

VA Form 10182 Decision Review Request: Board of Appeal https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/forms/board-appeal-10182.pdf

 

If you submit a claim pertaining to a contention that was previously denied using a 526ez, no action will be taken on that claim. You will simply get a letter stating that you need to download one of the aforementioned forms. The 526ez is still authorized for new contentions and for increases.

 

EDIT

**********

Any claims with re-open or reconsiderations prior to the specified date are treated as they were before. There is no need to re-submit anything. 

Edited February 24, 2019 by dajoker12

[Berta]

Great info-Thank you!

There had been some concern here over BVA appeals but this info will help others.

[broncovet]

Good info.  Im sure the VA will want to deny if the Vet uses the wrong form.  That's all part of the benefit of the doubt, right?  The VA's interpretation of BOD is Because (the VA) Doubts you will get any benefits.  

[63Charlie]

16 minutes ago, broncovet said:

Good info.  Im sure the VA will want to deny if the Vet uses the wrong form.  That's all part of the benefit of the doubt, right?  The VA's interpretation of BOD is Because (the VA) Doubts you will get any benefits.  

I just THOUGHT I was jaded.

[dajoker12]

5 hours ago, broncovet said:

Good info.  Im sure the VA will want to deny if the Vet uses the wrong form.  That's all part of the benefit of the doubt, right?  The VA's interpretation of BOD is Because (the VA) Doubts you will get any benefits.  

I don't know anyone that likes denying anything. The VA isn't the body that signed this into law. I am just letting people know so they aren't wondering why they are having to re-submit a claim. But if you prefer to submit them using a 526ez only to find out later what I already told you to begin with, then by all means, feel free to do so. I don't make policy. I am here trying to help out Veterans. Per my original post, if the VSR is following proper protocol, a letter will be sent out stating that the claim needs to be filed on one of the three previously specified forms. 

Edited February 24, 2019 by dajoker12

[Pedro L]

dajoker12, thank you very much for the heads up.  Great response to some tough feedback from our fellow vets.  Lighten up folks.

[doc25]

Good thing I submitted my reopened claim 1/31/19.