The short answer
Read the letter first and find the exact reason. If VA just needs a missing document, send it to your existing application. If your situation changed, you can reapply. If you think VA got the decision wrong, you can ask for a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board appeal.
What kind of problem do you have?
"CHAMPVA denied me" can mean four different things, and each has a different fix.
- VA needs more information. That isn't a final decision. Send what they asked for.
- VA decided you don't meet an eligibility rule. That's an eligibility decision you can challenge.
- Your situation changed after an earlier denial. You may be able to reapply.
- A medical claim or preauthorization was denied. That's a different process entirely. More here: Why CHAMPVA claims are denied or delayed.
Check the facts VA used
Compare the reason in the letter with your actual situation. The rules are in 38 CFR 17.271. Common things to check:
- The Veteran's status. Did VA use the right rating, permanent and total status, or cause of death?
- Your relationship. Did VA have proof of the marriage, birth, adoption, or stepchild relationship?
- TRICARE. Does DEERS show you as TRICARE-eligible? If that's wrong, see What to do if CHAMPVA is denied because DEERS shows TRICARE.
- Medicare. If you're eligible for Medicare, do you have Parts A and B?
- Child status. Age, school enrollment, marriage, or a helpless child rating.
- Caregiver coverage. Primary Family Caregivers can't have other health coverage.
If VA simply didn't have a document you have, that's usually the fastest fix.
If information is missing, send it
VA's after-you-apply page says you can add missing documents to your existing application online, by mail, or by fax. Don't start a new application just to send a document, and don't file an appeal over a request for more information.
If your situation changed, reapply
VA says that if you weren't eligible before but are now, you can submit a new application. For example, the Veteran's rating may have become permanent and total, or you may no longer be eligible for TRICARE. More here: How to apply for CHAMPVA online.
If VA got it wrong, ask for a review
If VA made an actual decision and you think it's wrong, there are three options. VA describes them on its family member care reviews and appeals page.
| Option | Use it when | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | You have new and relevant evidence VA didn't consider | VA Form 20-0995 |
| Higher-Level Review | You think VA made a mistake based on the evidence it already had | VA Form 20-0996 |
| Board appeal | You want a Veterans Law Judge to review it | VA Form 10182 |
Each option has its own rules and deadlines, so check the decision letter and the guides here: Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Review, Board appeals, and Appeal deadlines.
Keep a record
Keep the decision letter, copies of everything you send, and notes on any calls, including the date and who you spoke with. If you need help, see Getting help with a CHAMPVA dispute.