CUE (Clear and Unmistakable Error)
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
A serious mistake in a past VA decision that, if corrected, would change the outcome. Used to reopen old, final decisions.
Why This Matters
CUE is a high bar to meet. The error must be obvious and undebatable based on the evidence and law at the time of the original decision. If proven, the VA must correct the decision and may owe significant back pay.
Example
The VA denied your claim in 2010, but your service records clearly showed the injury they said wasn't documented. That's potentially CUE - an obvious error that should have resulted in approval.