The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (AMA) is a law that was signed into effect on August 23, 2017. Some of its provisions took effect immediately, while others were phased in over time. The new appeals process established by AMA became effective on February 19, 2019, after a year and a half of preparation and implementation by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This means that veterans who received a decision from the VA on or after that date are eligible to use the new appeals process under AMA. It's worth noting that veterans who received a decision before February 19, 2019, may still be able to opt into the new appeals process if they meet certain criteria. It is an important piece of legislation that aims to improve the appeals process for veterans who have been denied disability benefits by the VA.
Before the passage of AMA, the appeals process for VA disability claims was lengthy and cumbersome, often taking years to resolve. This led to frustration and hardship for many veterans who were waiting for the benefits they had earned through their service to their country. The new law aims to streamline and modernize the appeals process, making it easier for veterans to get the benefits they deserve.
One of the key features of AMA is the introduction of three new options for veterans who have been denied disability benefits. These options are intended to provide veterans with more choices and more control over their appeals process. They are:
Supplemental Claim: This option allows veterans to submit additional evidence in support of their claim. If new evidence is submitted, the VA will reconsider the claim and make a new decision.
Higher-Level Review: This option allows veterans to have their claim reviewed by a more senior VA official. The official will review the claim de novo, which means they will review it as if it was a new claim.
Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals: This option allows veterans to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The Board will review the claim and issue a decision.
Another important feature of AMA is the introduction of a new system for processing appeals. The new system is intended to be faster and more efficient than the old system, which was often bogged down by backlogs and delays. Under the new system, veterans will have access to more information about the status of their appeal, and the VA will be required to provide regular updates on the progress of the appeal.
In addition to these changes, AMA also includes provisions to improve the training of VA employees who work on disability claims and appeals, as well as provisions to encourage greater collaboration between the VA and veterans service organizations.
Overall, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 represents a significant step forward in improving the appeals process for veterans who have been denied disability benefits. The new options and streamlined process are intended to make it easier for veterans to get the benefits they have earned, and to reduce the frustration and hardship that many veterans have experienced in the past. However, time will tell whether this process will achieve its end goals of a easier and speedier process.