Start a Quiz

Case search

VA case law includes decisions that interpret how VA rules should be applied.

These decisions do not create the law like Congress does, but they explain how the law works in real situations, which is incredibly powerful.

This may be helpful in denials, appeals, correcting secondary conditions, or other situations where you need evidence that supports the VA previously saw.

Search case law for

Click to add common legal terms:

Service connection Rating increase Secondary to Nexus Aggravation TDIU Effective date CUE Benefit of the doubt 38 CFR
Enter a disability or condition above to find relevant legal resources.
United
States
Board of Veterans
BVA Decisions
Board of Veterans' Appeals

Search decisions from the Board of Veterans' Appeals via USA.gov. BVA decisions can be cited as persuasive authority and show how the VA interprets regulations.

Search BVA Decisions
CAVC
CAVC Opinions
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Search published opinions from the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. CAVC decisions are binding precedent on the VA and BVA.

Search CAVC Opinions
◆
Google scholar
Case Law Search

Search case law across all federal courts including CAVC, Federal Circuit appeals, and related veterans law cases.

Search Google Scholar
LII
Cornell LII
Legal Information Institute

Search Cornell's Legal Information Institute for 38 CFR regulations, U.S. Code, and legal encyclopedias related to veterans law.

Search Cornell LII
VLL
Veterans Law Library
Encyclopedic Resource

Search the Veterans Law Library for encyclopedic articles, case summaries, and practical guidance on veterans benefits law.

Search Veterans Law Library
JUSTIA
Justia
Free Case Law

Search Justia's free database of federal court opinions, including Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decisions.

Search Justia

Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)

Reviews VA claim decisions when veterans appeal Issues thousands of decisions per year. Applies VA regulations (like CFR 38)

Important:

  • These are based on real cases. BUT they are not binding precedent
  • They are still very useful for patterns and insights

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)

Federal court reviewing BVA decisions
Issues published legal opinions

These ARE:

Binding precedent on the VA
Used to define how rules must be applied

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Reviews CAVC decisions (higher-level appeals)
Handles major legal interpretations

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Reviews CAVC decisions (higher-level appeals)
Handles major legal interpretations