VA Form 0220: Appellate Rights After Reconsideration Denial – If the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) denied your motion for reconsideration of a prior decision, VA Form 0220 explains your remaining options to seek further review. This official notice outlines your appellate rights to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC or Court).
Veterans facing a denied motion for reconsideration often feel frustrated and uncertain about next steps. This guide breaks down VA Form 0220 in plain language, including deadlines, filing requirements, and important considerations for U.S. veterans.
What Is VA Form 0220?
VA Form 0220, titled “Your Appellate Rights Relating to our Denial of your Motion for Reconsideration,” is a one-page notice sent by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals when it denies a veteran’s request to reconsider a prior Board decision.
The form informs recipients that the BVA has denied their motion and details two primary paths forward:
- Appealing the original Board decision to the Court.
- Appealing the denial of the motion for reconsideration itself (under limited circumstances).
Download the latest VA Form 0220 here:
Download VA Form 0220 PDF (Revised March 2015).
When Is VA Form 0220 Sent?
This form accompanies a letter notifying you that the Board denied your motion for reconsideration. It applies specifically after a BVA decision where you previously requested reconsideration.
Motions for reconsideration are typically based on obvious errors of fact or law in the original Board decision or newly discovered service records. Note that there is generally no strict time limit for filing the initial motion itself, but timing affects your appeal rights to the Court.
Your Options After Denial of a Motion for Reconsideration
According to VA Form 0220, if you disagree with the outcome, you have these main choices:
- Appeal the underlying Board decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
- Appeal the denial of the motion for reconsideration — but only under specific conditions (you must have filed a timely appeal of the original Board decision).
Doing nothing is also an option if you accept the decision.
120-Day Deadline to Appeal to the Court
You generally have 120 days from the date the original Board decision was mailed to file a Notice of Appeal with the Court.
Key timing rules from VA Form 0220:
- If you filed your motion for reconsideration within the initial 120-day window, you receive an additional 120 days from the date of the denial letter to file your Notice of Appeal.
- For multiple motions, the extension applies only if each was filed timely.
- Active duty service may provide additional time (up to 90 days after termination in certain cases).
Important: It is your responsibility to meet the deadline, even if you have a representative. File directly with the Court, not the Board or another VA office.
How to File a Notice of Appeal to the CAVC?
Send your Notice of Appeal to:
Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
625 Indiana Avenue, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004-2950
You can obtain detailed filing instructions, forms, and fee information (including waiver requests for financial hardship) directly from the Court’s website.
Official Court Resources:
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (check for current details).
When Can You Appeal the Denial of the Motion Itself?
You may appeal the Board’s denial of your reconsideration motion to the Court only if you previously filed a timely appeal of the underlying Board decision.
This limitation is based on case law such as Engelke v. Gober. Always consult the specific details in your denial letter and consider professional advice.
Representation Before the Court
You can represent yourself, but many veterans choose accredited attorneys, claims agents, or Veterans Service Organizations. The Court provides a directory of practitioners and information on free pro bono services through the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program.
Pro Bono Resources:
Additional Tips for Veterans
- Keep Records: Note all mailing dates from BVA decisions and letters.
- Seek Help Early: Deadlines are strict. Contact an accredited representative or veterans service organization promptly.
- Understand the Broader Appeals Process: VA Form 0220 is specific to post-reconsideration scenarios. For general Board appeals, review related forms like VA Form 4597.
- Track Your Claim: Use VA’s online tools to monitor status.
Common Questions About VA Form 0220
Can I file a motion for reconsideration at any time?
There is no time limit for filing the motion itself with the Board, but it impacts Court appeal deadlines.
What if I’m still on active duty?
Special tolling rules may extend your filing period.
Is there a filing fee for the Court?
Yes, but waivers are available for hardship.
For the most current information, always refer to official VA and Court sources, as processes can evolve.
Download VA Form 0220:
Official VA Form 0220 PDF
Veterans seeking personalized guidance should consult a VA-accredited attorney, VSO, or the Court’s resources. This article provides general information based on official VA Form 0220 and is not legal advice.
Last updated information reflects current VA resources as of 2026.