Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has exclusive jurisdiction to provide judicial review of final decisions by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).
The Court provides an impartial review of the BVA decisions, including claims for service connection, increased ratings, TDIU, and many more.
When the Board of Veteran’s Appeals (Board) issues a decision, there are two appeal options.
- Appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) within 120 days of the date on the BVA decision; or
- Submit a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new and relevant evidence to the Regional Office within one year of the date on the BVA decision
Why Appeal to the Court?
Appealing to CAVC is preferred and has numerous advantages:
- There is no cost to the Veteran or surviving dependent when represented at the Court. VA pays all legal fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).
- Court judges are independent from VA.
- Court judges historically send back more than 70% of Board decisions based on VA mistakes.
- The Court’s response is usually quick – generally in 8-10 months.
- A favorable resolution at the Court will give the Board instructions on the next steps of the claim.
