What must a Veteran do to request a de novo review after filing a timely NOD?

To request a de novo review after filing a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD), the Veteran must explicitly state their request for a de novo review at the time of submission of the NOD or within 60 days from the date of the notice of the decision they are disagreeing with. This timeframe is crucial because it establishes the window in which the Veteran can assert their request for a fresh evaluation of their claim by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The de novo review process allows the VA to reevaluate the decision without being bound by the previous findings or conclusions. This is especially important for Veterans who believe the original decision was made in error or who have additional evidence to support their claim. By clearly articulating this request within the specified timeframe, Veterans ensure that they have the opportunity to have their case heard anew, which may lead to a more favorable outcome.

The importance of the timing and method of requesting this review cannot be overstated, as failing to make the request or doing so after the 60-day window has closed can forfeit the Veteran's right to a de novo review.