We Appeal Final Board Denials to Federal Courts.

A Board denial is a final denial within the VA system and can only be appealed to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (the CAVC). We can represent you before the CAVC and challenge the Board’s denial.

We do not charge clients for representation at the CAVC. The federal government pays your attorneys fees if we are successful in your appeal. A successful appeal to the CAVC is one step in the fight to secure VA benefits. The CAVC does not grant VA benefits. The Court can only “vacate” (erase) the Board’s denial and instruct the Board to make a new decision in your case with specific instructions. This is why our firm is uniquely designed to fight for you at the CAVC and at the VA.

If your CAVC appeal is unsuccessful, we may be able to appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Federal Circuit). Sutton Snipes attorneys have successfully represented veterans and their families when their appeals lost at the CAVC. Our attorneys have argued cases at the Federal Circuit that are now valuable precedent helping all veterans secure benefits.

If the Board denied your claim, contact our office. You must appeal that denial within 120 days. You risk losing your benefits if you do not appeal in time.

Related Guidance

How to file a claim

Testimonials

"Thank you so much Britney and thank you for everything you do for all veterans! It’s so awesome you are out there making things happen for veterans that otherwise would get lost in the system and not get what they deserve."

— Clyde C.

"Attention all Veterans! Meghan is your fire team leader!! She will do an outstanding job of helping you with your VA claim! Meghan did masterful work on my disability claim, all the way to a federal court! She was in their face, until they decided it was better to give in, and offer me better treatment! I recommend Meghan, and her team, knowing she would do the same good work for any Veterans who are having issues with the VA!! Meghan is one of us, and she has got your back! "Hoorah" Meghan!!

— Dennis H.

"Great law firm for VA Disability Claims! The entire Greensboro team was friendly and answered any questions that I had. Any veteran knows it can be frustrating but with Sutton Snipes, they fight the fight for you and always are just a phone call or email away!!!"

— Franklin P.

“At my retirement from the US Army a surgical procedure done earlier on my wrist was rated 0% disability, but over the years the condition of that wrist had deteriorated to a position of constant pain. When I submitted a request for re-evaluation, the VA only considered the scar from the surgery, rather than the actual condition of that joint. Britney Sutton who represented my case successfully before the VA Court of Appeals. I sing the praises of Britney Sutton who so expertly and thoroughly represented my case in this process. I would recommend her, without reservation, to anyone needing this type of assistance.”

— Robert D.

"Sutton Snipes was recommended to me, and I'm glad they were. Though my particular case was complicated, Matt and his team stayed with me the entire time to get the funds I was due for my disability. Hollie W. has been my paralegal from the beginning and she was easy to reach, and always took the time to provide valuable information so that I understood the process. This was particularly important because I live about 2 hours away from their office. Everything was completed easily by phone, mail and email, which made it super convenient. These attorneys are dedicated to veterans, which I truly appreciated."

— Rolanda P.

"Britney Sutton kept us informed throughout the process, what would happen next, and when to expect it. Any time we reached out to Britney with our questions, she always was available to us, which helped to lessen our anxiety, as we had been dealing with this since 2011. Britney has displayed integrity, professionalism, and excellent communication skills, which helped us realize she was putting her best foot forward to prove this case. She has proven to us she is trustworthy, respectful, and truly cares about the person she is helping!"

— Edward S.

"I couldn’t be happier with Sutton Snipes. They took my case on a contingent basis after the VA rejected my application for higher level disability; in other words, I paid no ‘out of pocket’ fees at all for their representation. Matt Wilcut identified an error the VA had made with my case; an error that I certainly would never have noticed on my own. The VA corrected the issue and my higher disability level was approved! I felt the amount charged from my back pay award was very fair, especially considering I would have never gotten anything without their help. Their fee is the best money that I’ve ever spent in my life. How happy am I with Sutton Snipes? So happy that I referred my best friend to Sutton Snipes for their help with his VA claim."

— Greg W.

"I want to thank everyone at Sutton Snipes for all of the advice, confidence, encouragement, and everything that was done to guide me through the VA appeal process which took us on a long journey. Matt and his staff were very professional and patient with me. There were times that I wanted to quit, but Matt convinced me to stay in the fight and we were going to win. And we won “BIG.” I can’t thank Matt and Sutton Snipes enough for all that you guys have done for me."

— James W.

"I would like to thank Matt and his team for what they have done for me in such a short period of time. Not only would I highly recommend them but when I tell my fellow veterans what an incredible job they have done for me they asked for his contact information."

— Vincent D.

“From start to finish, Matt walked us through the appeal process with true expertise. The system is complex and difficult—I know that without his guidance and help, we would never have been able to arrive at a positive outcome for our case. Our family is forever grateful.”