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

History of the CAVC

The CAVC was established by the Veterans’ Judicial Review Act, signed into law by President Reagan in November 1988.

Prior to the establishment of the CAVC, veterans did not have a court of law where they might appeal decisions made on their veteran benefits. This meant a decision from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) was the final decision on a veteran’s claim. This changed when the CAVC was established.

What is the CAVC’s jurisdiction?

The CAVC has exclusive jurisdiction to provide judicial review of final decisions by the Board. You must have a decision from the Board to appeal to the CAVC. Unlike the Board, an entity within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the CAVC is a federal appellate court that is part of the United States judiciary, not VA.

The laws creating and establishing the CAVC are codified in chapter 78 of title 38 of the United States Code.

How many Judges sit on the CAVC?

The CAVC has seven permanent, active Judges, with two additional Judges as part of a temporary provision. Generally, Judges are appointed to the Court for fifteen-year terms.

The CAVC’s primary office is located in Washington, D.C. However, the CAVC is authorized to sit anywhere in the United States as they have done so before.