🪖 Common Reasons VA Claims Are Denied — and How to Appeal

Even strong VA claims can be denied if paperwork, evidence, or service links are incomplete.
Understanding why claims get rejected—and how to file a focused appeal—can turn a denial into approval and ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned.

📞 Need help appealing your VA asbestos claim? Call 800.291.0963 today for free assistance.

🎖️ Step 1: Why VA Claims Are Denied

The VA denies thousands of claims each year for avoidable reasons.
Most denials fall into these key categories:

⚠️ 1. Missing or incomplete evidence

Medical records don’t clearly confirm a diagnosis.
Pathology reports or imaging results are missing.
Exposure history lacks details tying asbestos to service.

⚠️ 2. No clear service connection

The VA couldn’t link your disease to military asbestos exposure.
The nexus letter from your doctor was vague or missing.
Exposure was not well documented in service records.

⚠️ 3. Administrative or technical errors

Incorrect or outdated VA forms.
Missed submission deadlines or unsigned documents.
Failure to respond to VA evidence requests in time.

⚠️ 4. Preexisting or non-service conditions

The VA claims your illness came from civilian work after service.
Lack of proof showing exposure occurred during active duty.

💡 Most VA denials can be reversed once missing evidence or medical opinions are added.

🩺 Step 2: Review Your Denial Letter Carefully

Your VA decision letter explains why your claim was denied and what evidence was missing.

Look for these details:

📄 The exact reason for denial.
📅 The date of the decision (appeal deadlines depend on this).
📁 What evidence the VA reviewed—and what they didn’t.

🧠 Understanding the reason for denial helps you choose the best appeal path.

🧾 Step 3: Know Your Appeal Options

Under the VA’s modernized appeal system, you have three main options:

🔁 1. Supplemental Claim

Submit new or relevant evidence such as:

Updated medical reports or pathology findings.
New nexus letters linking your diagnosis to service.
Additional exposure records or buddy statements.

💡 Use VA Form 20-0995 (Decision Review Request — Supplemental Claim).

⚖️ 2. Higher-Level Review

Ask a senior VA reviewer to re-examine your case without adding new evidence.
This is ideal if you believe your original claim was misinterpreted or mishandled.

💼 Use VA Form 20-0996 (Decision Review Request — Higher-Level Review).

🪪 3. Board Appeal

Take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, where a Veterans Law Judge reviews it.
This route allows you to submit new evidence or request a hearing.

📝 Use VA Form 10182 (Decision Review Request — Board Appeal).

🧩 Step 4: Strengthen Your Evidence Before Refiling

Before you appeal, fill the gaps that caused your denial.

Include:

🩺 A clear nexus letter from your doctor stating your asbestos exposure caused your illness.
🧫 Pathology and imaging reports proving mesothelioma or lung cancer.
⚓ Service records identifying asbestos sources (ship logs, bases, job titles).
📸 Buddy statements verifying exposure conditions.

📈 Adding strong new evidence often turns a denied claim into a successful one.

🗓️ Step 5: Mind the Deadlines

You typically have one year from the date on your decision letter to appeal.

Supplemental and Higher-Level Reviews must be filed within 12 months.
Board Appeals should also be submitted within 1 year, unless new evidence arises later.

🕐 Missing deadlines means starting the entire process over.

🧠 Step 6: Work with Accredited VA Professionals

Navigating appeals alone can be overwhelming.
A VA-accredited attorney or claims agent can help you:

Identify missing evidence.
Draft nexus letters and medical summaries.
Complete and file appeal forms correctly.
Represent you through the review or hearing process.

💬 Veterans who work with accredited advocates often win appeals faster.

📞 Where to Get Help

If your VA mesothelioma or asbestos claim was denied, don’t give up.
Our experienced advocates can review your decision letter, identify errors, and help you file an appeal that gets results.

👉 Call 800.291.0963 today for free, step-by-step help with your VA appeal.

🧾 Summary

Most VA claim denials happen because of missing evidence, unclear medical links, or incomplete paperwork.
Appeals are your chance to correct those issues and secure the benefits you deserve.

A denial isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of your path to approval.
📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for expert help with your VA asbestos claim appeal.