“Hi, I’m Krystal Lechner. I’m an attorney at Woods and Woods. We help veterans across the nation with their disability and compensation claims.
“On February 19th, 2019, a whole new system for appeals claims went into effect with the VA — the Appeals Modernization Act, also known as AMA. Filings and appeals are now more complicated than ever with the VA.”
Four types of claims under AMA
“For one thing, under the new system, there are now four different types of claims that you can file. The first three are considered initial claims, and they’re filed on Form 21-526EZ.
“The first one is an initial claim. This is a situation where you’ve truly never filed a claim with the VA before for service connection, for disability, or for survivor’s benefits.
“The second is a request for revision of a clear and unmistakable error.
“The third is a claim for an increased rating. An example of an increased rating would be if a veteran filed for an original claim in 2015 for service connection for PTSD and was granted a rating of 30% that same year. The veteran filed no subsequent appeals until 2021 when the veteran felt like his disability had gotten more severe. The veteran could file an increased rating on this 21-526EZ form without new and material evidence. The reason that the VA doesn’t require new evidence in this situation, even though there was a prior claim, is that conditions get worse over time and it’s natural that they may deteriorate. The VA will look at whether or not the disability warrants a higher rating decision for the one year prior to the date that you filed the increased rating form.
“Everyone was extremely professional and seemed to be very concerned with my case. They always keep me informed about my case and the process. I would recommend in a minute.”
M.S., an Army vet in Oklahoma
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
“The fourth and final type of claim is a supplemental claim. This has to be filed on supplemental claim form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim. It doesn’t matter how many times you filed for a claim in the past, if you filed for it 20 years ago or if you filed for it 10 times. If more than one year has passed since your prior decision, you have to file a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence to reopen your claim under the new system.
“Why am I explaining these different claim options to you? Because it’s important that you file them on the proper form in order for your claim to be accepted.”
How Woods and Woods can help
“This is what we do at Woods and Woods every day. If you have questions, give us a call or visit our website. I’m Krystal Lechner, thank you for watching.”
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
Krystal Lechner
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Krystal Lechner earned her law degree from Indiana University. Her prior experience includes civil litigation and corporate in-house counsel. She joined Woods and Woods in 2018.
