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Board of Veterans' Appeals

<!doctype html> <html lang="en"> <head> <!-- START: META DATA --> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="author" content="Madhu Reddy" /> <meta name="dcterms.subject" content="Board of Veterans' Appeals" /> <meta name="keywords" content="Board of Veterans' Appeals, appeals, board" /> <meta name="description" content="Board of Veterans' Appeals" /> <meta name="dcterms.created" content="20091211" /> <meta name="dcterms.dateAccepted" content="20250129" /> <meta name="dcterms.type" content="Homepage" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" /> <!-- END: Meta tags for Twitter cards --> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <!-- END: META DATA --> <title>Board of Veterans' Appeals</title> <style type="text/css" media="screen,print"> @import url(/BVA/styles/site-styles.css); </style> <!-- Bootstrap --> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/images/favicon.ico" media="all" rel="shortcut icon" type="image/x-icon"> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/bootstrap.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/layout.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"><!-- Different Stylesheet for the Homepage --> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/accessibleMegaMenu.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/health.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/slider.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/slide-menu-custom.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/tabs.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/modal.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="https://cdn.eo.va.gov/vendor/fa5/current/css/all.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"/> <!-- HTML5 Shim and Respond.js IE8 support of HTML5 elements and media queries --> <!-- WARNING: Respond.js doesn't work if you view the page via file:// --> <!--[if lt IE 9]> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/html5shiv.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/respond.min.js"></script> <![endif]--> <!--[if IE]> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/ie9all.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <![endif]--> <!--[if IE 8]> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/ie8.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <![endif]--> <!--[if IE 7]> <link href="/va_files/2014/responsive/styles/ie7.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <![endif]--> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/jquery-1-10-2.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/swipe-min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/scrollable.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/left-nav.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/tabs-library.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/tabs-accord.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/accessible2.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/custom.js"></script> <script src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/externalLinks.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script async type="text/javascript" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=VA&yt=1&pga4=G-Y8BBTRX2M1" id="_fed_an_ua_tag"></script> <style type="text/css">.brand-consolidation-deprecated { display: none !important; 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************************************** START MAIN NAVIGATION ********************************************* --> <!-- main navigation --> <nav id="main-nav" class="main-nav"> <div id="menu-btn" class="menu-btn"> <div class="rt-menu"><span>More VA</span></div> </div> <!-- # navigation --> <div id="nav-wrap"> <b id="close-nav"></b> <div class="menu-btn" id="menu-btn-close"> <div class="rt-menu"><span>More VA</span></div> </div> <div id="nav-container" class="nav-container-close"> <ol class="accessible-megamenu"> <li class="accessible-megamenu-top-nav-item"> <!-- Begin Heathcare Dropdown --> <span class="mega-hdr-text"> <a href="https://www.va.gov/health" aria-haspopup="true">Health</a></span> <div class="cols-1 firstcol accessible-megamenu-panel"> <ol> <li class="accessible-megamenu-panel-group"> <ol> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/">Health Care Information</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/topics/">A-Z Health Topic Finder</a></li> <li><a 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href="https://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/burial_flags.asp">Burial Flags</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/">Burial Allowance</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> </div> </li> <!-- EndBurials and Memorials Dropdown --> <li class="accessible-megamenu-top-nav-item"> <!-- Begin About VA --> <span class="mega-hdr-text"><a href="https://www.va.gov/landing2_about.htm" aria-haspopup="true">About VA</a></span> <div class="cols-2 fifthtolast accessible-megamenu-panel"> <ol> <li class="accessible-megamenu-panel-group"> <span class="mega-hdr-sub-text"><span class="panelheader">Inside VA</span></span> <ol class="accessible-megamenu-lvl3"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/bios/secva.asp">Secretary of VA</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/bios/">Executive Biographies</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/landing_organizations.htm">Organizations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/about_va/vahistory.asp">History</a></li> </ol> </li> <li 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>Congressional Affairs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/jobs/">Jobs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp">Benefits Booklet</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/vetdata/">Data &amp; Statistics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/data/">VA Open Data</a></li> <li><a href="https://mobile.va.gov/appstore/"> VA App Store</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nrd.gov/">National Resource Directory</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/ogc/recognizedvsos.asp">Veteran Service Organizations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/accountability/">Office of Accountability &amp; Whistleblower Protection</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/transparency/">Transparency</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> </div> </li><!-- End Resources --> <li class="accessible-megamenu-top-nav-item"> <span class="mega-hdr-text"><a href="https://www.va.gov/landing2_media_room.htm" aria-haspopup="true">Media Room</a></span> <div class="cols-3 thirdtolast accessible-megamenu-panel"> <ol> <li class="accessible-megamenu-panel-group"> <span class="mega-hdr-sub-text"><span class="panelheader">Inside the Media Room</span></span> <ol class="accessible-megamenu-lvl3"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/">Public Affairs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/">News Releases</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/speeches/">Speeches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DeptVetAffairs">Videos</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/">Publications</a></li> </ol> </li> <li class="accessible-megamenu-panel-group"> <span class="mega-hdr-sub-text"><span class="panelheader">National Observances</span></span> <ol class="accessible-megamenu-lvl3"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/">Veterans Day</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/">Memorial Day</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate_americas_freedoms.asp">Celebrating America&#39;s Freedoms</a></li> </ol> </li> <li class="accessible-megamenu-panel-group"> <span class="mega-hdr-sub-text"><span class="panelheader">Special Events</span></span> <ol class="accessible-megamenu-lvl3"> <li><a href="https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/">Adaptive Sports Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/">Creative Arts Festival</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/national-veterans-golden-age-games/">Golden Age Games</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/national-veterans-summer-sports-clinic/">Summer Sports Clinic</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.veteransgolfclinic.org/">Training - Exposure - Experience (TEE) Tournament</a></li> <li><a href="https://wheelchairgames.org/">Wheelchair Games</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wintersportsclinic.org/">Winter Sports Clinic</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> </div> </li> <li class="accessible-megamenu-top-nav-item"><!-- Begin Locations --> <span class="mega-hdr-text"><a href="https://www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm" aria-haspopup="true">Locations</a></span> <div class="cols-1 secondtolast accessible-megamenu-panel" > <ol> <li class="accessible-megamenu-panel-group"> <ol> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=1&amp;isFlash=0">Hospitals &amp; Clinics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp?isFlash=0">Vet Centers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=3&amp;isFlash=0">Regional Benefits Offices</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/contact_rlc_info.asp">Regional Loan Centers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=4&amp;isFlash=0">Cemetery Locations</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> </div> </li><!-- End Locations --> <li class="accessible-megamenu-top-nav-item last"><!-- Begin Contact Us --> <span class="mega-hdr-text"><a href="https://www.va.gov/contact-us/" 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} #footer-alert { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left:0; z-index:1; width: 100%; height: 60px; background-color: #f1f1f1; } #footer-alert p { margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 700; color: #004795; } #footer-alert p a { color: #004795; } .va-banner-body > p > i { display: none; } @media (min-width: 480px) { .va-banner-body > p > i { display: inline-block; background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 50%; margin: 0.4rem; padding: 0.8em; } #footer-alert p { margin: 5px auto; font-size: 1.2em; } } </style> <script> $(function() { document.getElementById("sub-footer").style.marginBottom = "60px"; var alertMsg = "<div id=\"footer-alert\"><div class=\"va-banner-body\" role=\"banner\"><p><i class=\"fas fa-bullhorn icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&nbsp;</i><a href=\"https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits\" title=\"PACT Act and your VA benefits\">Learn what the PACT Act means for your VA benefits <i class=\"fas fa-angle-double-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></i><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>"; $("body").append(alertMsg); }); </script> <!-- End PACT ACT Banner Code --> </div> </div> <!-- Right Container --> <div class="col-md-9"> <div class="fill"> <div id="mainContentWrapper1"> <a id="content-wrapper"></a> <!-- For Skip Nav --> <!-- **************************** START BREADCRUMBS *********************************** --> <div id="breadCrumbPath"> <a href="http://www.va.gov/">VA</a> &raquo; Board of Veterans' Appeals </div> <!-- **************************** END BREADCRUMBS ************************************* --> <!-- **************************** START PAGE TITLE ************************************ --> <h1>Board of Veterans' Appeals</h1> <!-- **************************** END PAGE TITLE ************************************** --> </div> <!--End main content wrapper --> <!-- # slider --> <div id="healthslider" class="slider2 slider"> <a class="prev"><img src="/va_files/2014/responsive/images/slider/images/arrow-left.png" title="previous slide" alt="previous slide"/></a> <div id="slider-controls"> <a href="#" id="pause"><img width="20" height="20" id="pause1" alt="Pause1" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/images/slider/bt_pause_s2.png"></a> <a href="#" id="play"><img width="20" height="20" id="play1" alt="Play1" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/images/slider/bt_play_s2.png"></a> </div> <div class="scrollable"> <div class="items"> <!-- SLIDE 1 --> <div class="slide"> <a href="javascript:void(0);" tabindex="-1"> <img src="/images/slider04.jpg" alt="Appeals adjudicated and pending | FY 2019- FY 2023"/> </a> <div class="slider-info"> <h3>Five year workload trend</h3> <p>What options do Veterans and appellants have to reduce the time they have to wait for a decision?</p> <p><a aria-label="View the decision wait time information" href="/decision-wait-times.asp">View the facts &raquo;</a></p> </div> </div> <!--end SLIDE 1--> <!-- SLIDE 2 --> <div class="slide"> <a href="javascript:void(0);" tabindex="-1"> <img src="/images/slider02.jpg" alt="Virtual tele-hearing welcome screen"/> </a> <div class="slider-info"> <h3>Virtual tele-hearings</h3> <p>Interested in a virtual hearing at the Board?</p> <p><a aria-label="Learn how to request a virtual hearing for a board appeal" href="https://www.va.gov/resources/requesting-a-virtual-hearing-for-a-board-appeal/">Learn how to request one &raquo;</a></p> </div> </div> <!--end SLIDE 2--> <!-- SLIDE 3 --> <div class="slide"> <a href="javascript:void(0);" tabindex="-1"> <img src="/images/slider01.jpg" alt="Cheryl Mason, Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals"/> </a> <div class="slider-info"> <h3>Board of Veterans Appeals - Board hearing overview</h3> <p>What happens during a Board Hearing?</p> <p><a aria-label="View the YouTube video" rel="noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=UDI3C_ytJt8" target="_blank">View the video &raquo;</a></p> </div> </div> <!--end SLIDE 3--> <!-- SLIDE 4 --> <div class="slide"> <a href="javascript:void(0);" tabindex="-1"> <img src="/images/slider03.jpg" alt="News"/> </a> <div class="slider-info"> <h3>News from the Board</h3> <p>Get the latest news from the Board.</p> <p><a aria-label="View the lastest BVA news" rel="noopener" href="/news/index.asp" target="_blank">See what&rsquo;s new &raquo;</a></p> </div> </div> <!--end SLIDE 4--> </div> </div> <a class="next"><img src="/va_files/2014/responsive/images/slider/images/arrow-right.png" title="next slide" alt="next slide"/></a> <!-- # slider thumbnail --> <div class="slider-thumbnails"> <div class="thumbnails-wrap"> <a class="" href="" target="_self" tabindex="-1"> <span>Five year workload trend </span> </a> <a class="" href="" target="_self" tabindex="-1"> <span>Virtual tele-hearings</span> </a> <a class="" href="" target="_self" tabindex="-1"> <span>Board of Veterans Appeals - Board hearing overview</span> </a> <a class="" href="" target="_self" tabindex="-1"> <span>News from the Board</span> </a> </div> </div> <!-- / slider thumbnail --> </div> <!-- // slider --> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <span style="position:absolute;"><a id="main-content">&nbsp;</a></span> <div id="homeinnerContent"> <div class="panel panel-primary"> <div class="panel-heading fontLarge fontBold">Who and What is the Board of Veterans&rsquo; Appeals?</div> <div class="panel-body"> <p><img alt="Gavel" class="imgrt" height="93" src="/images/icon-gavel.png" width="200" />On July 28, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Board of Veterans&rsquo; Appeals (Board) by Executive Order 6230, Veterans Regulation No. 2(a). The Board was delegated the authority to render the final decisions on appeal for the Administrator (now Secretary) and was directly responsible to the Administrator (Secretary). The Board was charged &ldquo;to provide every possible assistance&rdquo; to claimants and to take final action that would &ldquo;be fair to the Veteran as well as the Government.&rdquo; The Board continues to meet this charge. <a aria-label="Learn more about the Board" href="/about/index.asp">Learn more &raquo;</a></p> </div> </div> <a name="two"></a> <div class="panel panel-primary"> <div class="panel-heading fontXlarge fontBold">Appeals</div> <div class="panel-body"> <h2><img alt="Help icon" class="imgrt" height="199" src="/images/icon-help.png" width="200" />How do I file an appeal?</h2> <p>If you are dissatisfied or disagree with a VA decision, you have the right to file an appeal with the Board of Veterans&rsquo; Appeals. The Board will review the evidence presented and issue a decision.</p> <p><a aria-label="Learn more about filing an appeal with the board" href="https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/board-appeal/">Learn more about the appeals process</a> or <a aria-label="Request a Board appeal" href="https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/board-appeal/request-board-appeal-form-10182/introduction">start your appeal on line</a></p> <h2>How do I find the status of my appeal?</h2> <p>You can find the status of your appeal from the &ldquo;<a aria-label="Find your appeal status" href="https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/">Check your claim or appeal status</a>&rdquo; web page then following the guidance listed there. You can also call <a aria-label="Call to get the status of your appeal" href="tel:18008271000">1-800-827-1000</a>.</p> <h2>When will your appeal be decided?</h2> <p>As a general matter, the Board is required by law to review appeals in docket order. However, the Board may advance an appeal on the docket (AOD) if the appellant demonstrates unusual hardship such as serious illness, severe financial hardship, or other sufficient cause. Additional information on AOD status is located under <a aria-label="Access our customer service" href="/customerservice.asp">Customer Service</a>.</p> <h2>Why does my appeal at the Board of Veterans&rsquo; Appeals (Board) take so long, and what is the Board doing about it?</h2> <p>The Board understands that many Veterans and appellants have been waiting a long time for a decision. We acknowledge that this wait can be very frustrating and want to explain why getting a Board decision can take a long time, and what options Veterans and appellants have to reduce the time they have to wait for a decision. The Board <a aria-label="Learn more about appeals metrics" href="/decision-wait-times.asp">decision wait times page</a> is available with additional details.</p> <h2>Who is my hearing coordinator?</h2> <p>If Veterans, appellants, representatives or Regional Offices have questions about their hearings, the <a aria-label="Find your hearing coordinator" href="https://www.va.gov/resources/hearing-coordinators-for-the-board-of-veterans-appeals/">Hearing Coordinator List</a> provides the hearing team coordinator points of contact.</p> </div> </div> <a name="three"></a> <div class="panel panel-primary"> <div class="panel-heading fontXlarge fontBold">What is the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA)</div> <div class="panel-body"> <p>In 2017 the <abbr title="Appeals Modernization Act">AMA</abbr> was passed and took effect in February 2019. <abbr title="Appeals Modernization Act">AMA</abbr> created a new decision review process allowing Veterans to choose from three lanes to determine the path their appeal will follow. The three lanes to choose from are supplemental claim, higher-level review, and appealing to the Board of Veterans&rsquo; Appeals.</p> <h2>Resources</h2> <ul class="outside" style="padding-left: 16px;"> <li>View the Board&rsquo;s &ldquo;What can Veterans do if they don&rsquo;t agree with their initial claim decision&rdquo; <a aria-label="View or download the What can Veterans do if the don't agree with their initial claim decision factsheet" href="/docs/Intial_Claim_Decision_Received_Options.pdf" download="">factsheet</a> (PDF, 1 page) for more information.</li> <!-- <li>View the <a href="/docs/Board_Decision_Status.pdf" download aria-label="View or download the BVA decisions status metrics">BVA Decisions status metrics</a> (PDF, 3 pages) for fiscal years 2022 and 2021</li>--> <li><a aria-label="View the New VA appeals status tool provides tracking and transparency for Veterans on VAntage Point" href="https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/46761/new-va-appeals-status-tool-provides-tracking-transparency-veterans/">New VA appeals status tool provides tracking and transparency for Veterans</a></li> <li><a aria-label="View the appeals status video on YouTube" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Akgcvhp48">Appeals status video</a></li> <li><a aria-label="View the VA, U.S. Digital Service launch new web tool to help Veterans track their benefits appeals on VAntage Point" href="https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/46720/va-u-s-digital-service-launch-new-web-tool-help-veterans-track-benefits-appeals/">VA, U.S. Digital Service launch new web tool to help Veterans track their benefits appeals</a></li> <li><a aria-label="View or download VA form 4107" href="https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-4597/">Your rights to appeal our decision</a></li> </ul> <h2>What happens after you receive your initial claim decision?</h2> <p align="center"><img alt="Claim Decision Tree - See description below" class="imgrt" height="333" src="/images/icon-decision-tree.png" width="480" /></p> <p><strong>Initial Claim decision received.</strong> Do you agree with your initial decision?</p> <h3>Yes?</h3> <p><strong>You are done!</strong> Please visit the <a aria-label="Visit VA.gov" href="https://www.va.gov/">VA website</a> to see what benefits and services you may receive.</p> <h3>No? Choose one of three options:</h3> <ul class="outside spacedList" style="padding-left: 16px;"> <li><strong>Supplemental Claim</strong>&mdash;Add or identify new evidence relevant to your claim and a reviewer will look at all evidence and decide if it changes the decision; or</li> <li><strong>Higher-Level Review</strong>&mdash;A senior reviewer will review the evidence already in your file to see if the decision should be changed; or</li> <li><strong>Appeal to the Board of Veterans&rsquo; Appeals</strong>&mdash;Next Steps&hellip;Choose one of three options: <ul style="padding-left: 24px;"> <li><strong>Direct Review</strong>&mdash;A judge will review your appeal. No hearing and no new evidence submitted; or</li> <li><strong>Evidence Submission</strong>&mdash;You have additional evidence to submit and must do so within 90 days of filing your appeal. A judge reviews with no hearing; or</li> <li><strong>Hearing with a Veterans Law Judge</strong>&mdash;You will have a hearing and can submit new or additional evidence in support of your appeal.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="panel panel-primary"> <div class="panel-heading fontLarge fontBold">Additional Resources</div> <div class="panel-body"> <ul class="outside" style="padding-left: 16px;"> <li><a aria-label="Read the New VA Appeals Status Tool Provides Tracking and Transparency for Veterans new article" href="https://news.va.gov/46761/new-va-appeals-status-tool-provides-tracking-transparency-veterans/">New VA Appeals Status Tool Provides Tracking and Transparency for Veterans</a></li> <li><a aria-label="View the Appeals Status video" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Akgcvhp48">VA Appeals Status Tool Video</a></li> <li><a aria-label="View the VA Appeals Status Tool Press Release news article" href="https://news.va.gov/46720/va-u-s-digital-service-launch-new-web-tool-help-veterans-track-benefits-appeals/">VA Appeals Status Tool Press Release</a></li> <li><a aria-label="Find your appeals status on VA.gov" href="https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/">Appeals Status on VA.gov</a></li> <li><a aria-label="View or download VA form 4107" href="https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-4597/">Your Rights to Appeal our Decision</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><!-- end home inner content --> </div><!-- end home content wrapper --> <!-- ***************************** END PAGE CONTENT **************************************** --> <!-- ***************************** BEGIN RIGHT CONTENT **************************************** --> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="fill"> <div id="rightContent"> <div id="tier4RightContent"> <div id="innerRightContent"> <!-- ****************** SITE SPECFIC NAVIGATION ********************** --> <div class="widget clearfix"> <div 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