Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post 10

Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017

Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP)

What is RAMP?

• Launched in November 2017, the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) provides Veterans the opportunity to use the new review process in the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. The Act, otherwise known as the Appeals Modernization Act, was signed into law on Aug. 23, 2017.

• RAMP aims to provide eligible Veterans with resolution to their appealed claims as early as possible.

• RAMP will run through February 2019. At that point, The Appeals Modernization Act will be fully implemented.

• VA will process RAMP elections as long as necessary to resolve legacy appeals.

  How does RAMP work with VA’s Appeals Modernization Plan?

• The Appeals Modernization Act established a new review process for VA claims. This process is fast, transparent, and fair. It allows for improved benefits and services to you and your family.

• Through RAMP, you can receive a review of your claim decision much faster. You will have the option to use the “Higher-Level Review” or “Supplemental Claim” lane outlined in the new law.

  Which Review Lane is Right for You?

  Supplemental Claim Lane

• Select this option if you have additional evidence to present. The evidence should be new and relevant to your claim. We aim to complete these claims in an average of 125 days.

• We will help you gather evidence to support your claim.

• We will review any new and relevant evidence since your claim decision.

• If you still disagree with your decision, you can submit another supplemental claim with new evidence, or you can request review in the Higher-level Review Lane. An election for further review must be made within one year of the date of your decision.

• We aim to complete these claims in an average of 125 days.

  Higher-Level Review Lane

• Select this option if you have no additional evidence, but believe there was an error in your initial decision. We aim to complete these claims in an average of 125 days.

• A higher-level review consists of an entirely new review of your claim, by a more senior claims adjudicator.

• The reviewer will only consider evidence that VA has at the time you opt-in. You will not be able to add new evidence during this process. Your representative will also not be able to add new evidence.

• We cannot assist you in developing additional evidence. If the reviewer discovers an error in the prior decision, your claim will return to initial decision makers to correct the error.

• You can request a one-time phone call with the reviewer to identify specific errors in your case. Your representative can also request this call. However, this call may cause some delay in processing.

• If you still disagree with your decision, and have additional evidence that you would like to submit, you can use the Supplemental Claim Lane after you receive a decision in the Higher-level Review Lane. An election for further review must be made within one year of the date of your decision. However, you will not have immediate access to the Higher-level Review after receiving a decision in this lane.

  Who is eligible for RAMP?

  As of April 2018, any Veteran with a pending disability compensation appeal in the stages listed below can opt into RAMP. Complete the opt-in form online on the Appeals Modernization webpage, or turn in a paper form.

  You are eligible if you have a pending disability compensation appeal in one of the following legacy appeal stages:

• Notice of Disagreement (NOD)

• Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans’ Appeals

• Certified to the Board, but not yet activated for a Board decision

• Remand from the board to VBA

  Advantages of RAMP

• Early participation in the new review process

• Potentially faster decisions and earlier resolutions

• Multiple review options

  • Supplemental Claim Lane

  • Higher-level Review Lane

  • Appeal to the Board after October 2018

• The same potential effective date for benefits, regardless of review option

• The option to ask for a quick look at a VA decision by a more senior claims reviewer

• A new requirement for clear and convincing evidence to change any findings favorable to Veterans in a VA decision

  If you have questions about RAMP, talk with your VSO about whether RAMP is right for you.