AARP Hearing Center
Veterans and caregivers who receive a denied application to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) may now appeal or request the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to review the decision.
Depending on the date when a decision was issued, there are different processes for filing an appeal. Those who received a decision before Feb. 19, 2019, can file an appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a Veterans law judge to review it. To start the process, fill out this form: Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement) (VA Form 10182).
If appealing a decision made on or after Feb. 19, 2019, there are three options:
- Supplemental claim: VA will consider new, relevant evidence that was not on record when the agency made the first PCAFC decision. To file, complete Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995).
- Higher-level review: An official from the Caregiver Support Program who was not involved in the initial decision will review the original application; no other information will be considered. This process can be started with the form Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996).
- Appeal to the Board: A Veterans law judge on the Board of Veterans’ Appeals will review original decision made by the VHA. Form Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement) (VA Form 10182) is required.
Who is eligible for the PCAFC?
Caregivers of veterans who served during the Vietnam War and earlier and those who were severely injured on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for a monthly payment provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In October 2022 the program is expected to extend to veterans injured between May 7, 1975, and Sept. 10, 2001.
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