VA has internal quality review processes designed to catch errors in rating decisions before they become final and to monitor the accuracy of the claims process. The Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) program randomly samples completed claims to assess the accuracy of rating decisions across all regional offices. These reviews check whether the correct rating criteria were applied, whether the evidence was properly evaluated, whether the duty to assist was fulfilled, and whether the decision was properly documented. If a quality review identifies an error in your claim, VA may correct it even before you file an appeal. Errors in your favor result in increased benefits with retroactive payments. Errors against you may result in proposed reductions, but the standard protections against reductions still apply. VA also conducts special focused reviews when systemic problems are identified. For example, if a particular type of claim is found to have a high error rate, VA may review similar claims nationwide. If you believe your claim was decided incorrectly, you have the right to appeal regardless of whether quality review catches the error. Do not rely on VA internal review processes to correct mistakes in your specific case. File your appeal within the applicable deadline to protect your rights.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).