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Veterans
VA benefits, explained plainly
Plain answers, free accredited help, and VA's own timelines. Plainly never prepares or files a VA claim.
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Find free accredited help
VA accredits people to help with claims. Help from an accredited VSO representative is always free.
No group pays Plainly. Plainly earns nothing when you contact them.
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National groups with accredited representatives:
Many counties have a veterans office too. It is free to ask.
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How VA benefits work
Plain-language pages on common VA letters and how a claim moves, step by step.
Timelines
General appeal timelines
VA publishes three ways to ask for a new look at a decision. These are the general filing periods. Your own letter states the dates that apply to you.
Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995)
For when you have new and relevant evidence VA did not have before.
Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996)
A senior reviewer takes a new look. VA's general period is 1 year from the date on the decision letter.
Board Appeal (VA Form 10182)
A Veterans Law Judge reviews the case. VA's general period is 1 year from the date on the decision letter. Contested claims have 60 days.
Source: VA decision reviews · va.gov ↗
Plainly does not read your letter and does not compute your deadline. The dates on your letter control.
Your reminder
Set your own reminder
Your VA letter states its own dates. Plainly does not read your letter and does not set dates for you. Type a date from your letter to make a calendar file.
Plainly provides general educational information about VA benefits and procedures. Plainly is not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is not affiliated with VA, and does not act as your representative before VA. Plainly does not recommend which claim or review option you should pursue, evaluate the evidence supporting your claim, predict a disability rating, or prepare or prosecute a VA claim. Free assistance with a VA claim is available from VA-accredited veterans service organizations, attorneys, and claims agents.