A Guide to VA Acronyms for the Claims and Appeals Process
Navigating the VA appeals process can be confusing and stressful. For veterans and their family members, trying to make the right decisions and understand the military’s complex jargon can add an additional level of stress as you seek the benefits your livelihood depends on.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common VA terms and definitions so you can navigate the appeals process with confidence. There’s a lot to get to, so let’s jump right in!
VA Acronym List for Claims and Appeals
We’ll start our VA acronym list with terms that are important for both filing your initial claim, as well as making an appeal in the case that your claim is denied.
AMA: Appeals Modernization Act
In 2019, the Appeals Modernization Act was introduced, allowing Veterans the opportunity to select one of three routes for their appeals process: supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, and Board appeals.
C&P: Compensation and Pension Examination
The VA may have you or your family member undergo the compensation and pension exam. This will help the VA assess your claim and get you the adequate level of benefits.
EAJA: Equal Access to Justice Act
If your case is appealed to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims or higher, your attorney can keep track of their billable hour and your costs. If the Veteran is ultimately successful in their court case, their attorney may be able to apply for Equal Access to Justice Act fees.
Under the Equal Access to Justice Act, attorney fees for cases against the government can be reimbursed, meaning that your court costs could effectively be covered if you win your case.
FOIA: Freedom of Information Act
Depending on the type of evidence needed to build a strong case for your claim, your lawyer may file a FOIA request, which is a formal request for access to Federal records.
IME: Independent Medical Examination
As you file an appeal, you may choose to undergo an independent medical examination. The physician who performs your IME will have no connection to the VA appeals process, unlike the physicians performing your C&P exam. This can help provide a more objective assessment of your disability. Note that veterans can submit an IME at their personal cost.
NOD: Notice of Disagreement
If your claim is denied or doesn’t provide a sufficient disability rating, filing a notice of disagreement informs the VA that you don’t agree with their decision.
SOC: Statement of Case
When you file your Notice of Disagreement (NOD), the VA will review your decision. When they finish that review, the VA will send you a statement of case, which documents your claim, the evidence you submitted in support of your claim, and the VA’s rationale for their decision. If your SOC denies your claim, you can file an appeal.
For more information on filing your appeal, check out our guide to the VA appeals process.
SSOC: Supplemental Statement of Case
A Supplemental Statement of Case is just like a statement of case, although it accounts for any new evidence you may have submitted with VA form 9 or if VA renders a new decision due to a BVA remand
VA Form 9: Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
When the VA makes a decision on your appeal in your statement of case, it will come with VA Form 9. VA Form 9 is one of the most crucial forms for the entire appeals process, as it allows you to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. VA Form 9 also has some strict deadlines: it must be filed within 60 days of receiving your statement of case.
VARO or RO: Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office or Regional Office
The regional office refers to your regional VA office. This is where your claim journey begins, and you’ll have to visit the RO for things like medical exams.
VA Acronym List for VA-Related Bodies
It may come as a surprise that there are so many courts involved with the process of appealing a veteran’s claim, but it’s necessary for ensuring justice.
BVA: Board of Veterans Appeals
If you receive a RD and disagree with it, one option under you can file an appeal with the Board of Veterans Appeals.
CAVC: Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
If the Board of Veterans Appeals denies your appeal, you have the opportunity to appeal it once more to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). A critical distinction about the CAVC is that the VA no longer has any obligation to assist you ahead of the hearing. A civilian attorney is essential for success in a CAVC appeal.
VBA: Veterans Benefits Administration
The Veterans Benefits Administration is responsible for distributing a number of benefits for veterans, including disability benefits, pensions, educational benefits, and more. If your claim is granted, they will ultimately be the body that distributes your benefits.
VHA: Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest healthcare system in the country. It serves over 9 million veterans each year. It’s important to be familiar with the VHA, as they may be responsible for providing the benefits you’re appealing for.
Navigate the Appeals Process With Confidence
The VA claims and appeals process has no shortage of acronyms and technical jargon. Family members helping to file claims or appeals, and even veterans with decades of service under their belt can be surprised by how confusing these terms can be to navigate. When your livelihood depends on these benefits, that confusion can become an emotional burden, or even end up costing you the benefits you’re entitled to.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the appeals process alone. By turning to an experienced, VA-accredited attorney like Michael D.J. Eisenberg, you’re enlisting the help of someone who can help you understand the impact of each decision and form compelling arguments to secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
Note: Consultations for Veterans’ Benefits Appeals Matters are free; however, consultations for Military Records Issues and Medical/Physical Evaluation Boards are paid.