Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (AMA)

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA) gives Veterans and other claimants more choice and control for how to handle a disagreement with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits decision and we want to ensure accredited representatives are knowledgeable and have resources to help their clients understand the AMA decision review options. 

Below you will find links for the following products to use in discussing the AMA decision review options with Veterans and other claimants:

• AMA Brochure: This tri-fold document provides a detailed overview of AMA. It is a great tool to use to review the three decision review options with a Veteran, or provided in printed, PDF, or link format for the Veteran to read.
• AMA Infographic: This is a simple one-page document that visually depicts the lane choices of higher-level review, supplemental claim, and Board review options utilizing a car lane metaphor. The infographic is a great visual for talking about AMA with Veterans.
• AMA Poster: The AMA poster provides awareness of appeals modernization. It can aid a discussion on AMA and includes a QR code for the VA.gov appeals modernization website.
• The Appeals Modernization video (YouTube) is a 3-minute video depicting a car choosing off-ramps as a metaphor to the three AMA options. It can be shown to Veterans to help them gain a  general understanding of the modernized decision review process.
• The Appeals Modernization PSA video (YouTube) is a 1-minute showing three Veterans discussing how VA appeals modernization speeds up the process and provides choice and control. It is great introduction to AMA and can be used in conjunction with other materials.
• SOC/SSOC Opt-In Fact Sheet: The fact sheet provides information, eligibility, and timelines for Veterans interested in opting into the modernized system. The fact sheet can be used to discuss opting in and shared with Veterans who may be eligible.
• The Appeals Modernization Act Opting In video (YouTube) is a short video detailing how Veterans can opt-in to the modernized decision review process.
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