Playbook

I disagree with a DVA decision

Preserve the time limit, pick VRB rather than a rant, and put the medical table in front of the Board.

When: You have a determination letter you think is wrong. · Half a day to lodge a holding appeal, longer to brief it

Step 1Count the clock on Deadlines, then lodge a holding applicationOpen /deadlines, pick the decision type, enter the date on the letter. Do not use a forum number. If in doubt, send the VRB holding letter this week and supplement later. ART after VRB is 3 calendar months, not 90 days — lodge by the earlier of the notice date and the date you received it.
Step 2Ask for written reasons if they are thinYou need the table, the rating, and why the specialist was not followed.
Step 3Build a one-page comparisonDVA rating | specialist rating | GARP M descriptor | quote from the report. This is the VRB document.
Step 4Lodge with VRBPortal, email, or post. Claim number, decision date, what you want. Attach the comparison and the report.
Step 5Get an advocate on the registerEven if you self-represent, a second pair of eyes on the application is worth it.

Watch-outs

Missing the deadline is the most common unforced error.
CDDA will not substitute for an appeal of the rating itself.
New evidence is useful at VRB. Save the legal theory for ART if you still need it.

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