Notice of Disagreement

WHAT IS A NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT?

A notice of disagreement is the form you must file to indicate that you disagree with VA’s rating decision and want to appeal. Many veterans have to file a notice of disagreement because it is quite common that the initial rating decision you receive from VA will be wrong in some way.

Some common errors made by VA include:

A determination that your disability is not service connected
A failure to apply a presumption in your favor (such as the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange or the presumption that certain conditions were caused by Agent Orange)
An incorrect rating for your disability
An incorrect effective date for your disability
A failure to consider or grant Total Disability Individual Unemployability (often known as TDIU or IU)

Are there deadlines for filing a notice of disagreement?

You need to know that there are deadlines for filing a notice of disagreement. Generally, the notice of disagreement must be filed within one year of the rating decision that you wish to appeal.

If you do not file the notice of disagreement prior to the deadline, you probably will lose your right to appeal the decision. This usually causes you to lose eligibility for some benefits and can make it more difficult for you to apply for future benefits.

Must I use VA’s form to file an appeal?

Under changes in VA’s rules, you must now use a Form 21-0958 to file a notice of disagreement. If you do not use the right form, you may lose your right to appeal the decision.

Once you file the notice of disagreement, you will receive an acknowledgement letter from VA. This letter allows you to select VA’s traditional appeal process or the decision review officer (DRO) appeal process.

Can an attorney help me out with my appeal?

A VA accredited attorney can help you file a notice of disagreement and can help you win your appeal. You can also file the notice of disagreement on your own.

If you do decide to hire an attorney to represent you in your appeal of VA’s rating decision, you will usually only pay the attorney if you recover benefits from VA. The attorney’s fees is usually a percentage of the back due benefits that are recovered.

We provide free consultations about veterans disability cases. Many people have questions about how those consultations work. This article provides the answer to that question and tells you how to set the consultation up.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims. He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

I'm so thankful and grateful for all the hard work Jason, Tina and Liz did for me. They went above and beyond to get the best outcome for me. They took the to explain everything that was going on with my case again I'm so thankful grateful and happy with the outcome of my workers comp case.Adrian Adams

First off, I must say thank you again to the office of Perkins Studdard. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication your office has shown to achieve a successful and happy outcome. You have forever changed my family’s life! Also, I wanted to give a special shoutout to Jessica Hyatt for her excellent attitude, advice, and overall professionalism throughout every step of this process. This journey has finally been complete after more than a decade of being denied and almost giving up. However, two of my old coworkers advised me that the office of Perkins Studdard had also successfully helped them achieve their proper rating too. Needless to say, this has been one of my best decisions in life. I can now sleep a little better and stress free knowing I finally got what I deserved all along. Once again, thank you for everything! And shoutout to Travis Studdard, “we did it.” Respectfully, Jonathon FloresJonathon Flores

My family and I are so grateful for Jason Perkins and his team. Jason explains thing's to detail and walks you through every step of your case. I would highly recommend Perkins Studdard for your legal needs. Thank you so much Jason and Tina!Chapin & Lea Anne Warner

The best I know for workers comp attorney'sDenise Williams

Jason really has helped me so much through this hard experience I have went through! And the ladies in the office was wonderful with any and everything I had questions about! I highly recommend using this lawyer office to everyone and Jason Perkins for sure!! Thank y'all for everything and making it easier to get through this long though experience! James HammittJames Hammitt

Thank you so much ! I received excellent representation from the entire Perkins Studdard Law firm, my VA claim was resolved and granted in a timely manner, they were hands on with me during the entire process. I would definitely recommend the firm to any veteran deciding to file a VA claim.Darrell Lynn

I would like to thank the law firm of Perkins-Studdard (Travis) and his team, for performing such an outstanding job, at every possible level, during my recent situation with the VA Disability Claims . From the first time I called and spoke with Mr Studdard with an overview of my situation, until the final settlement was executed (successfully I may add), I always felt that I was in good hands with this firm. Everyone in the office, Jessica, and April were responsive, approachable, knowledgeable, good listeners, and extremely professional. Mr. Studdard was realistic of the circumstances and of the potential difficult process that would lay ahead, should I proceed. I can’t say enough about Travis, and I will always be thankful to him. Travis was committed, and he instilled a real sense of confidence during both the highs and the lows. He ultimately prevailed and the outcome was very much in my favor. Of course, each case is different on its own merits and one can never predict how things ultimately will turn out. All I know is that the settlement far exceeded my expectation. Mr. Studdard has been a blessing to me. I strongly recommend that anyone who would find themselves in a similar legal situation with the VA to contact Law Offices of Perkins Studdard for a consultation. It was a very positive experience given the circumstances. Thank you again, I shall forever be in your debt.Concetta Hogg

Mr. Perkins, I cannot express enough how thankful I am for your exceptional representation. Your hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case have left an indelible mark. Thanks to you, I can now move forward with my life, confident that justice has been served.Esli Roque

Travis and his team have been a blessing for me and my family. They have done an amazing job in helping me navigate the VA appeals process. They kept their eye on the ball all the way through the long, difficult and confusing process. I highly recommend Travis and his team because thanks to their professionalism and know how, I got the benefits I deserve.Daniel patriot

Travis has been a blessing to our family, he left no stone unturned and delivered the "W" for my VA claim. Every bit of my experience with the Perkins Studdard team was respectful and they demonstrated their appreciation for our service as veterans. I highly recommend this Law Firm and truly appreciate their willingness to stand on my behalf.M L

Veterans suffering from neck pain and headache

Does VA Math Ever Help You Get a Higher VA Rating?

How To Get A 60% or Higher VA Heart Disability Rating

Veterans’ Benefits – What is a Remand?

Veterans Benefits for PTSD

Play

What if I have more questions about my VA claim?

I understand you want your VA claim to be done as quickly as possible. But remember the ultimate goal – to win your VA disability compensation claim.

You may eventually get there on your own, but it may be after a series of decisions by the Regional Office and Board of Veterans Appeals. Sometimes claims are appealed and remanded several times, which can cause a claim to drag on for years. If you are interested in avoiding unnecessary delay in your claim and want to do everything you can to maximize your chances of success, it is probably a good idea for you to consult with an accredited veterans disability attorney.

We would be happy to talk to you. If you would like a free consultation with our Perkins Studdard veterans disability attorneys just click here or give us a call to begin the process.

Schedule a time with with a Veterans Benefits Experts

Notice of Disagreement