What document must be filed to perfect an appeal after receiving a Statement of the Case (SOC)?

Filing a VA Form 9 is essential for perfecting an appeal after receiving a Statement of the Case (SOC). The VA Form 9 serves as the official appeal form that a veteran must submit to the Board of Veterans' Appeals to express their desire to contest the decision made in the SOC. This form allows the veteran to detail the specific issues they are appealing and can also include arguments and evidence that support their case.

Submitting VA Form 9 is a key step in the appeals process, as it formally initiates the appeal and ensures that the veteran's case is reviewed at the next level, which is crucial for seeking a favorable outcome. The timely filing of this form is necessary to preserve the veteran's rights to appeal and to ensure the appeal is considered on its merits.

The other options listed are related to different processes within the VA system, but none serve the purpose of perfecting an appeal following an SOC. For instance, Form 21-526 is used for applying for disability compensation, Form 21-4138 is a statement in support of a claim, and VA Form 21-0958 is utilized for filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) which precedes the SOC step.