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Reviewed July 31, 2026

File a VA Board Appeal using Form 10182

Use a Board Appeal when you want a Veterans Law Judge to review an eligible VA decision. You must identify the exact issues and choose Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or a Hearing.

Start with the date on the decision letter

A Board Appeal is generally due within one year of the decision on an initial claim, Supplemental Claim, or Higher-Level Review. A contested claim generally has a 60-day deadline. Follow the deadline and review rights printed in your own letter.

Confirm that a Board Appeal is available

A Board Appeal asks a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review one or more issues. It is generally available after an initial claim decision, Supplemental Claim decision, or Higher-Level Review decision. You cannot ordinarily request a second Board Appeal in a row for the same issue.

List only the issues you want the Board to review

Use the wording and decision date from the VA letter. The Board reviews only the issues listed in the appeal. If different issues need different dockets, the current Form 10182 instructions require a separate form for each review option.

Choose one Board docket

  • Direct Review: no new evidence and no hearing. The judge reviews the record that existed when VA issued the decision.
  • Evidence Submission: no hearing, but you may submit evidence with the appeal or within 90 days after VA receives it.
  • Hearing: you speak with a Veterans Law Judge and may submit evidence at the hearing or within 90 days afterward.

Use the current form or online tool

You can request a Board Appeal online for eligible decisions. For a paper appeal, use VA Form 10182, Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement). The official form page lists the current revision as June 2026. Download it directly from VA.gov rather than reusing an older saved copy.

Submit through an official channel

  1. Online: sign in to VA.gov and use the Board Appeal tool.
  2. Mail: follow the current Form 10182 instructions and official Board address.
  3. In person: VA currently permits delivery at a VA regional office.
  4. Accredited help: a VA-accredited VSO representative, attorney, or claims agent can assist.

Keep evidence within the selected window

Direct Review does not accept new evidence. Evidence Submission accepts evidence with the appeal or during its 90-day window. The Hearing docket accepts evidence at the hearing or during the following 90 days. Evidence sent outside the permitted record may not be considered in that Board decision.

Save proof and monitor the appeal

Keep the signed form, attachments, online confirmation, mailing proof, and a copy of the decision letter. VA will notify you when the appeal is placed on the docket. You can check status through VA.gov and should keep contact information current.

After the Board decides

A Board decision may grant, deny, or remand an issue. If you disagree with the Board decision, possible next steps include a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence or an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The court deadline is separate and is generally 120 days from the Board decision letter.

Official sources

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