Rapid Appeals Modernization Program Makes Way for New Process

As of February 15, the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) is no longer an option for new appellants, as the Veterans Benefits Administration (VA) has implemented the revised appeals process mandated by legislation passed in 2017. Designed as a transition between the previous procedure and the revised program, RAMP will still be used for claims that are in the system. Over the 10-month period that it was active, changes introduced under RAMP did cut down the timeframe for appeals, which had averaged between three and seven years.

In its announcement addressing the change, the VA stated its intention that the newer, streamlined appeals system will be fair, accurate and timely, with a goal of resolving most appeals within 125 days. Veterans appealing adverse decisions will have three options:

• Supplemental claim — This type of appeal is geared toward claimants who have new, relevant information about their situation. Usually, the additional evidence consists of documents that can be attached to the filing, but if the data is within the VA’s control, you can identify what you want the reviewer to look at.
• Higher-level review — Sometimes a claimant has the necessary evidence to obtain the result sought but the person evaluating the case makes an error. If nothing new has arisen, but you believe that a more senior reviewer would issue a different determination, a higher-level review is appropriate.
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals — Bringing your case to a judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is a longer process. You can request a hearing with a Washington, D.C. judge through a video conference at a VA location near you. The VA’s goal is to decide non-hearing matters with no new evidence within a year when no hearing is requested and no new evidence is introduced.

No matter which method best suits your needs, a lawyer well versed in VA appeals can provide knowledgeable counsel on your claim and present the strongest possible argument to support changing a previous decision that didn’t go your way.

Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban represents military veterans and their families in VA appeals and other proceedings relating to benefits. Please call 866-866-VETS or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at one of our offices, located in the Carolinas and Virginia.