VA appeal deadline calculator for claims agents
Quick answer: Under the Appeals Modernization Act, a claimant has one year from the date of the VA decision notice to request higher-level review, file a supplemental claim, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The deadline is the same for all three lanes. Enter the decision date below to see the deadline.
Why the deadline matters for agents
A missed appeal deadline is the fastest way to lose a case you should have won. Under the AMA, the one-year clock runs from the date of the VA decision notification for all three lanes: higher-level review, supplemental claim, and Board appeal (38 U.S.C. 5104C(a)(1); 38 CFR 19.32; 38 CFR 20.202). If the year passes with no action, the decision becomes final.
What the lanes allow
- Higher-level review (VA Form 20-0996): a senior reviewer re-examines the same evidence. No new evidence allowed. Good when the error is on the face of the record.
- Supplemental claim (VA Form 20-0995): new and relevant evidence is submitted. This lane can also be used after the deadline, because a supplemental claim starts a new decision rather than continuing the old appeal.
- Board appeal (VA Form 10182): goes to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The claimant picks a docket: direct review, evidence submission, or hearing.
Exam tip
The exam loves testing whether you know the deadline is the same across lanes, and what happens when it is missed. The trap answer is usually a shorter period (60 or 120 days, which belong to other VA contexts). One year, from the decision notice, all three lanes. See also effective dates and AMA basics.
Not legal advice. This tool is an educational aid that adds one year to the date you enter. It does not account for weekends, holidays, mailing rules, or VA administrative variations. Always verify deadlines against the actual decision notice and the current regulation before relying on them for a client.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a claimant have to appeal a VA decision?
One year from the date of the VA decision notification to request higher-level review, file a supplemental claim, or appeal to the Board (38 U.S.C. 5104C(a)(1); 38 CFR 19.32; 38 CFR 20.202).
Does the one-year appeal deadline differ by appeal lane?
No. The one-year deadline applies to all three AMA lanes. The lanes differ in what you can do, not how long you have to choose.
What happens if a VA appeal is filed late?
VA generally will not accept a late appeal of a final decision. A supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence can still be filed at any time, starting a new decision rather than continuing the old appeal.
Sources
Checked October 5, 2026. Primary sources unless marked SECONDARY.