How VA disability appeals work
Under the Appeals Modernization Act, veterans have three paths after a denial. Each has different timelines, evidence rules, and deadlines. Choosing the wrong lane can cost you months — or your case.
Higher-Level Review
A senior VA reviewer re-examines your claim for clear error. No new evidence allowed. Best when the original examiner made a factual or legal mistake.
Supplemental Claim
Submit new and relevant evidence the VA didn't previously consider — a nexus letter, additional medical records, a buddy statement. Protects your effective date if filed within 1 year.
Board of Veterans' Appeals
An independent Board judge reviews your case in Washington, D.C. Three hearing options — direct review, evidence submission, or a hearing with testimony.
Federal Court (CAVC)
If the Board denies your claim, you can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims — a federal level. This level requires an accredited attorney. Outcomes here set precedent.
Common conditions — and why veterans are underrated
The VA assigns ratings using strict diagnostic codes. Incomplete C&P exams, missed secondary conditions, and incorrect codes are the most common reasons veterans receive less than they're owed.
PTSD
Rated 0/30/50/70/100 — often underrated
Traumatic Brain Injury
Cognitive ratings, complex; consolidations often missed
Military Sexual Trauma
Special privacy protections; difficult claims to file
Burn Pit / Toxic Exposure
PACT Act presumptions — many still unclaimed
Hearing Loss & Tinnitus
Most commonly claimed; ratings often undervalued
Back, Knee & Shoulder
Range-of-motion ratings; radiculopathy secondaries
Sleep Apnea
Secondary to PTSD or obesity; frequently initially denied
Hypertension
New Agent Orange presumption under PACT Act
Cancer
20+ PACT Act presumptive cancers now covered
Depression & Anxiety
Often secondary to physical service injuries
TDIU
Pay at 100% if service kept you from working
Camp Lejeune
Contaminated water exposure 1953-1987
Were you denied before August 2022? The law has changed in your favor.
The PACT Act is the largest expansion of VA benefits in history — adding 20+ burn pit and toxic exposure presumptive conditions. Veterans previously denied for burn pit exposure, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures are now winning at a 73% rate. If you were denied before this law passed, your case may be worth filing again.
Were you denied before August 2022? The law has changed in your favor.
Las Vegas area veteran services
Every resource below has been verified for Southern Nevada veterans. This is not a comprehensive national directory — it's a local guide to the offices, clinics, and organizations within reach.
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System
Full-service VA medical center. Primary health, surgery, pharmacology, prosthetics, women's health, oncology, and telehealth services.
📞 (702) 791-9000Henderson VA Clinic
Primary care, mental health, women's health, laboratory, and pharmacy services. Serves the Henderson and Boulder City veteran communities.
📞 (702) 791-9000Las Vegas Vet Center
Free, confidential counseling for combat veterans and MST survivors, PTSD treatment, individual and group therapy, family counseling, employment referrals. No VA enrollment required.
📞 (702) 251-7873Community Resource & Referral Center
Health care, benefits enrollment, housing referrals, mental health, and basic needs. Walk-in accepted.
📞 (702) 791-9000Pahrump VA Clinic
Primary care and telehealth for rural Southern Nevada veterans. Serves the Pahrump Valley veteran population with direct access to VA Southern Nevada.
📞 (702) 791-9000Veterans Crisis Line
Available nationwide, including Las Vegas. Immediate confidential crisis intervention. Staffed by VA-trained responders. Call, text, or chat — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
📞 988 (press 1)This is a partial listing. View the full Southern Nevada Veterans Resource Directory with 60+ verified local resources.
“Jamie went the long mile in handling my issues with the VA. Communication was good and the results were very good.”Richard Z on Google
Nevada veteran benefits you may not know you have
Your federal VA rating unlocks Nevada-specific benefits as well. These are often underclaimed because no one explains them during the original claims process.
Property Tax Exemption
Reduces assessed home value by $10,000-$20,000 depending on disability rating, reducing your annual tax bill.
Vehicle Registration Waiver
100% service-connected disabled veterans qualify for a vehicle registration waiver through the Nevada DMV.
Home Is Possible for Heroes
Below-market 30-year fixed mortgage rates and down payment assistance for Nevada veterans purchasing a home.
State Employment Preference
Veterans receive a 10-point preference on Nevada state civil service exams, giving a significant advantage in hiring.
In-State Tuition
UNLV, CSN, Nevada State, and other NSHE institutions offer in-state tuition rates for eligible veterans and their dependents.
Hunting & Fishing License
Resident hunting and fishing licenses available at reduced cost — a small benefit with real value for active veterans.
Tell us about your case. We'll tell you if we can help.
A 15-minute call is all it takes to know whether you have grounds for an appeal. If we can help, we'll tell you exactly how. If we can't, we'll point you in the right direction.
Request a Free Case Review
Takes about 2 minutes. We'll reach out within one business day.
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About Conviction Solutions and Attorney
Conviction Solutions is the trade name of Resch Law, PLLC, a Las Vegas law firm founded by attorney Jamie Resch. The firm was built on one idea: a bad decision should not have to be permanent. For veterans, that means challenging VA decisions that deny service connection or assign a rating lower than the evidence supports.
