Page 1

How do I find the answers to my questions?

There are several ways to use this pamphlet. You can simply read it from start to finish — it discusses the steps in the appeal process in the order they normally occur. Some common abbreviations and a glossary that explains many of the terms used in the pamphlet are located at the end of this on-line file. Clicking on any question in the Table of Contents will take you directly to the answer.

Representation

This pamphlet discusses the appeal process in detail, but it should not be considered a complete checklist for filing an appeal. Think of it as "one more tool in the toolbox" for understanding the benefit claims system. While it is possible to "go it alone," most people have found the assistance and experience of appeals representatives to be very helpful. Many Veterans Service Organizations, as well as state and county veterans' departments, will represent you free of charge. We strongly urge you to consider contacting one of these organizations to help you with your appeal.

User tips

The appeal process has certain terms and phrases you should become familiar with in order to understand the process better. As you follow through this guide, refer to the glossary anytime you see an unfamiliar term or abbreviation.

For many items, we have provided the United States Code (U.S.C.) or Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) number, followed by the section (§) number inside {brackets}. If you would like to read the actual codes, you can find them in the legal section of your local library or on the World Wide Web (WWW). The Internet Law Library section of the U.S. House of Representatives WWW page http://www.house.gov/ is an excellent source for the entire U. S. Code and Code of Federal Regulations. If you have a representative, the representative should also be able to help.

In the printed version, words or phrases that are explained in the glossary or listed in the index are printed in italic type the first time they are used.

The printed version also contains a "Notes" section inside the back cover for jotting down any questions you have for VA or for your representative, if you have one.

Navigating the Pamphlet