Claim Accuracy Request
The VA introduced a new program in 2021, called the Claim Accuracy Request (CAR), which allows accredited representatives to request an expedited review of a denied claim. The CAR is a form of a Higher Level Review, but is completed in a much faster time. The VA’s goal is to complete CAR appeals within 30 days, as opposed to the current average timeline of 125 days.
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In order for a denied decision to be processed as a CAR claim, it must be filed by an accredited representative. The representative must point out an obvious error of fact of law contained in the original decision. They must be filed within 30 days of the decision, as opposed to the normal 1 year timeline.
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Of the two offices that handle HLR claims, only the Seattle office processes CAR claims. We recommend writing “Claim Accuracy Request: Seattle DROC Only” at the top of VA Form 20-0996, to ensure it is routed to the Seattle office for a faster decision.
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Did the VA say you don’t have a diagnosed disability, when your medical records clearly indicate so? This would be a great opportunity for a CAR claim.
If the VA assigns the wrong effective date, this too would be a great opportunity to correct a wrong decision in a shorter amount of time.