VA

Disability Appeals

When the VA Gets It Wrong, Berry Law Helps Make It Right

When you’ve served your country, you shouldn’t have to fight for the benefits you earned. Yet thousands of Veterans every year receive inaccurate, delayed, or unfair VA disability decisions. At Berry Law, we help Veterans nationwide appeal those decisions and get the compensation they deserve.

Our team includes Veterans who’ve been through the same process. We understand the frustration, the waiting, and the sense that no one’s listening. That’s why we take every appeal personally.

If you believe your VA decision was wrong, you have options—and a limited time to act.

Understanding Your VA Disability Appeal Options

After the VA issues a decision, you can request a new review through one of three main appeal paths. The right one for you depends on your situation and whether you have new evidence to support your case.

Supplemental Claim

If you’ve gathered new and relevant evidence since your original claim, this may be the preferred path.

  • When to use it: You’ve obtained medical records, service documentation, or statements that weren’t part of your initial file.
  • What happens: A reviewer will re-examine your case, including the new evidence.
  • Typical timeline: Around 125 days on average.

At Berry Law, we help ensure your new evidence is complete, compelling, and presented the right way to strengthen your claim.

Higher-Level Review

If you believe the VA made an error but you don’t have new evidence, you can request a higher-level review.

  • When to use it: The VA overlooked something, misapplied the law, or made a clear error.
  • What happens: A more experienced reviewer will re-evaluate your case based on the existing record.
  • Optional conference: You can request an informal call with the reviewer to explain where the VA went wrong.
  • Typical timeline: About 125 days.

Berry Law attorneys routinely identify errors in how the VA interpreted medical or service records. We know what to look for—and how to make sure those mistakes get corrected.

Board Appeal

If you disagree with the decision after review—or want your case heard by a Veterans Law Judge—you can take your appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C.

You can choose one of three dockets:

  • Direct Review: The judge reviews your case based only on the evidence already in your file.
  • Evidence Submission: You can submit new evidence within 90 days of your appeal.
  • Hearing: You appear before a Veterans Law Judge (virtually or in person) and present your case.

This level of appeal requires precision and persistence. Berry Law has represented thousands of Veterans before the Board and understands how to prepare your case for the best possible outcome.

What Happens After Your Appeal

If your appeal is granted: You may receive back pay from the effective date of your original claim.

If denied: You may be able to appeal again—to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).

Our firm has experience arguing cases at the CAVC and higher levels of review. Many of our attorneys are Veterans themselves who’ve been where you are now.

Why Veterans Nationwide Choose Berry Law

After the VA issues a decision, you can request a new review through one of three main appeal paths. The right one for you depends on your situation and whether you have new evidence to support your case.

Veteran-Led Team

Founded by a Vietnam Veteran and led by Army Veteran John Berry, our firm understands what service means.

Nationwide Representation

We’ve helped thousands of Veterans across all 50 states.

Proven Results

Millions recovered in back pay and benefits for our clients.

No Upfront Costs

You pay nothing unless you receive a backpay award.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

In most cases, you have one year from the date on your VA decision letter to request a new review or file an appeal.

Yes. Our attorneys can step in at any stage of the process—from initial denial to appeals before the Board or CAVC.

 A Supplemental Claim is for cases with new evidence; a Higher-Level Review is for cases where you believe the VA made an error with the evidence already on record.

 Yes, but only under the Evidence Submission or Hearing dockets. The Direct Review docket does not allow new evidence.

 Absolutely. We represent Veterans nationwide, regardless of where they live or where they served.

We work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You defended your country. Now let us defend your rights.

Our Veteran attorneys are ready to help you appeal your VA disability decision and get the benefits you deserve.