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Board Appeal (lane 3)
The Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) is the next level above the Regional Office. A Board judge — an attorney, not a rater — reviews your case. Three sublanes, each with very different timelines.
| Sublane | What it means | Avg wait (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Review | No new evidence. No hearing. Judge reviews the record. | ~12 months |
| Evidence Submission | Submit new evidence within 90 days of filing. No hearing. | ~18–24 months |
| Hearing | Virtual or in-person hearing before a Board judge. | ~24+ months |
Strategy
Direct Review is the fastest Board sublane and works well when the record already supports your case but the Regional Office misapplied the law. Reserve Hearing-track Board appeals for cases where you have counsel and the testimony of a witness (you or someone else) is essential.
Form to file: VA Form 10182.
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