How this page works
Choose your VA rating decision as a PDF or a photo. The file is read on your device, in this browser tab. It is not uploaded, nothing from it is saved, and no part of it is sent to analytics. Close the tab and it is gone.
How to read the reasons section
A rating decision is written to be filed, not to be read, but it follows a pattern. A list of decisions comes first, one per issue, each marked granted, denied, or deferred. Further in, a section called reasons for decision gives VA’s explanation for each issue. By law, a denial notice has to identify the elements that were not satisfied (38 U.S.C. 5104(b)).
This page finds each issue, looks for the explanation under it, and sorts it into a small set of reasons: no current diagnosis, no event or injury in service, no link between the two, granted at a lower rating than claimed, deferred, or granted. Letters word things in many ways, so when the wording is unclear or fits more than one reason, the page says so and shows VA’s sentence as written for you to read and choose.
What evidence each reason usually calls for
VA.gov lists three things a service-connection claim has to show: a current condition, an event or injury in service, and a link between them. A denial usually says which one VA found missing. A missing diagnosis is usually answered by medical records and a clinician’s diagnosis. A missing event is usually answered by service records and lay statements. A missing link is usually answered by a medical opinion. A rating lower than claimed is usually answered by new exam findings measured against the rating criteria. That describes what each kind of evidence is for. It does not predict what will happen to any claim.
VA’s three decision review options
VA describes three ways to ask for another look at a decision. A Supplemental Claim is for new and relevant evidence VA did not have before (38 CFR 3.2501). A Higher-Level Review is a fresh look at the same record by a more experienced reviewer, with no new evidence (38 CFR 3.2601). A Board appeal goes to a Veterans Law Judge, with a choice of a review of the existing record, adding evidence, or a hearing (38 CFR 20.202). For one issue, only one can be pending at a time (38 CFR 3.2500(b)). Which one fits depends on the issue and the evidence. An accredited Veterans Service Organization representative can go over the letter with you at no charge.
The one-year date
For a Higher-Level Review or a Board appeal, the time limit is one year from the date VA issued notice of the decision (38 CFR 3.2500(a)). The Board treats the date on the letter as the mailing date (38 CFR 20.203(b)). A Supplemental Claim can be filed at any time, but filing within the year keeps the original effective date, which can affect back pay. After a year, the effective date is generally no earlier than the new claim (38 CFR 3.2500(h)). VA.gov notes that some benefit types have shorter limits, and a contested claim has 60 days. Your letter states the limit that applies to you. This page counts one calendar year from the date you confirm and can add that day to your calendar.
A worked example
Say a letter dated October 17, 2025 lists two issues. For the left knee, VA wrote that the service treatment records do not show a complaint or treatment in service. This page files that under no event or injury in service, quotes the sentence, and notes that service records and lay statements are the kind of evidence that speaks to it. For tinnitus, VA granted 10 percent and wrote that it is the maximum for tinnitus, so it shows as granted. Both carry the same one-year date, October 17, 2026. Whether to request a review, and which kind, is the veteran’s decision.