VA Invites Feedback on Easier Appeal Forms
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating the forms veterans use to appeal decisions about their benefits. Veterans who disagree with a VA decision will still use these forms, but the VA wants your feedback on making the process easier and clearer. Comments are open until January 30, 2026, and this update won’t cost veterans extra money or add delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ask for a Faster Board Decision
If you file VA Form 10182 to appeal a VA decision, the form will get a new checkbox that lets you ask the Board to issue a decision as soon as possible even if you are still within the period to change your review option under 38 CFR 20.202(c)(2). By checking it you acknowledge that once the Board issues a decision you will not be permitted to change your Board review option.
Remove Confusing VHA Checkbox
VA Form 10182 will remove the checkbox that asked whether you are appealing a denial by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The Board says removing that checkbox will reduce confusion for appellants who complete the form.
Clarify Time Impact of Evidence or Hearing
The VA Form 10182 will be amended to clarify that selecting the Evidence Submission or Hearing with a Veterans Law Judge review option may extend the time it takes for the Board to decide an appeal. This informs appellants that those options can delay the Board decision timeframe.
No Added Time or Cost Burden
The Board estimates the revisions add no extra burden to appellants: estimated 110,000 respondents, an average 30 minutes per respondent, and an estimated annual burden of 55,000 hours. The Board states the checkbox changes will not increase respondents' burden and may reduce administrative delays caused by Williams v. McDonough.
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