What is RAMP?

RAMP allows Veterans to seek faster resolution of their disagreement with VA’s decision on a disability compensation claim. Opting into RAMP means you can remove your appeal from the old, limited appeals process and enter the new, more efficient review process. In RAMP, you can choose between two new ways to have your disagreement reviewed: as a supplemental claim or via a higher-level review. VA will then provide you with a decision on your disagreement in an average of 125 days.

More on RAMP

Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act

VA Appeals Modernization

RAMP is part of VA’s larger Appeals Modernization Program. On August 23, 2017, the President signed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Appeals Modernization Act) into law, creating a new process that allows VA to improve the delivery of benefits and services to Veterans and their families.The Appeals Modernization Act establishes a new review process for VA claims that is timely, transparent and fair. Although the new Appeals Modernization Act process does not go into effect until February 2019, VA is giving eligible Veterans the opportunity to participate in two of the new review lanes early through RAMP.

Opting into RAMP

Now, any Veteran with an eligible disability compensation appeal may choose to opt into RAMP. To find out if your disability compensation appeal is in an eligible stage you can go to www.vets.gov and use the Appeals Status Tool. There are three ways you can opt into RAMP:

Are you eligible for RAMP?

Veterans who have a disability compensation appeal pending in one of the following legacy appeal stages are able to opt into RAMP:

Notice of Disagreement (NOD)
Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Certified to the Board (sent to the Board but not yet formally placed on its docket)
Remand from the Board to VBA

What If You Disagree with a RAMP Decision?

If you disagree with a decision you received from RAMP, you can choose to have your claim reviewed again either as a higher-level review or as a supplemental claim. Choosing one review option initially does not prevent you from choosing another review option after you’ve received an initial decision in RAMP. For example, if you initially choose the Higher-Level Review Lane and disagree with VA’s decision from that review, you can then choose the Supplemental Claim Lane to add new and relevant evidence to support your claim.Alternatively, you may choose to file an NOD directly to the Board.