VA Appeal Letter

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When writing a VA appeal letter, it is important to make sure you call your area Veteran’s Administration first to find out the name of a VA employee and the proper department to which the appeal should be sent. Any special forms the VA requires for the processing of appeals should be downloaded from their website, completed and attached to your letter.

Format and Content

Most often VA appeal letters are written when individuals are denied disability benefits by the government agency. A VA appeal letter format must include a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) and both should be sent to your regional Veteran’s Administration office. The NOD can be submitted on VA Form 21-4138 along with your letter detailing why you disagree with the VA’s decision to deny benefits. The letter and NOD should include the date of the VA’s decision and the specific issues with which you have a disagreement. You have one year from the VA’s original decision to file your appeal letter with your regional VA office and you may include medical records or other supporting documentation with your appeal.

Sample

Military personnel who have been injured or experience medical problems as a result of active duty in defense of the United States have a right to appeal benefit denials such as disability. This VA appeal letter sample is from a former member of the U.S. armed services who received an honorable discharge, but is now suffering from what appears to be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The individual has not been able to hold down a job and has applied for disability through the VA but has been denied benefits.