New Checkbox Speeds Up Veterans' Appeals to Board
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating the form veterans use to appeal decisions to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. They’re adding a new checkbox that lets veterans ask for a faster decision, but once chosen, they can’t change their review option later. Veterans and their representatives should know about this change and can comment by March 23, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New checkbox for faster Board decision
If you file VA Form 10182 (Decision Review Request: Board Appeal), a new checkbox in Part III, number 11 will let you ask the Board to issue a decision as soon as possible even if it is still within the period to request a different review option under 38 CFR 20.202(c)(2). By checking this box you acknowledge that once the Board issues a decision you will not be permitted to change your Board review option. This revision responds to the Williams v. McDonough (2024) decision.
Clarify delays for evidence or hearing options
The VA Form 10182 will be revised to clarify that selecting the Evidence Submission or a Hearing with a Veterans Law Judge review option may extend the time it takes for the Board to decide an appeal. The clarification is intended to help appellants make a fully informed choice about which review option to select.
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