Chapter Twenty

If You Disagree with a Rating board Decision

Let us assume you have already submitted information hoping for a favorable rating. And, let us assume you received a less than 100% disability Rating for PTSD. What can you do to try to receive a 100% Disability Rating?

If it has been less than one year since the Rating Board made their decision all you need to do is fill out Form 21-4138 “Statement in Support of Claim” and mail it to the Adjudication Officer at the VA Regional Office where your claim was originally filed.

As you fill out the Form 21-4138 all you need to state is “We are submitting new evidence in support of (Your Name) claim. Please see attached document”. It would be helpful if you send a cover letter detailing what information you are sending. (Remember, third person letter and mail it Certified Return Receipt Requested!)

If you have filed a Notice of Disagreement with the VA, this means you are Appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You can cancel the Notice of Disagreement simply by doing what is outlined in the above paragraph.

Regardless of whether you re-open your claim or go before the Board of Veterans Appeals, you need to have documents and evidence as this booklet has described. If you put together documents and information as outlined by this booklet, you should have no problem in receiving an award for 100% Total Disability for PTSD.

You can find an official explanation of your rights to appeal whcih is Form 4107 in Chapter 31 “Example Form Right To Appeal”.