A VA claim may be appealed from the Board of Veterans' Appeals to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This court is independent of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Only claimants may seek a review by the court; VA may not appeal board decisions. To appeal to the court, the claimant must have filed an appeal with the VA. The notice of appeal must be received by the court with a postmark that is within 120 days after the Board of Veterans' Appeals mails its final decision.