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Reviewed July 31, 2026

VA decision review checklist: what to do after a benefits decision

Use this checklist before challenging a VA benefits decision. The correct route depends on the issue, the evidence already considered, the date of the letter, and whether you want review by a higher-level reviewer or a Veterans Law Judge.

Deadlines can affect review rights and effective dates

Start with the deadline printed in the decision letter. Higher-Level Reviews and Board Appeals generally have a one-year deadline, while special deadlines can apply to contested claims and other programs.

1. Separate every issue in the decision

  • List each condition, rating, effective date, dependency issue, or other benefit decision.
  • Record whether VA granted, denied, deferred, or changed the issue.
  • Copy the decision date and the stated reasons.

2. Inventory the evidence VA considered

  • Read the evidence section in the letter.
  • Identify records that VA did not have.
  • Determine whether the disagreement can be explained from the existing record or requires new evidence.

3. Choose one review route for each issue

  • Supplemental Claim: new and relevant evidence or review based on a change in law; VA Form 20-0995, revision May 2024.
  • Higher-Level Review: alleged factual or legal error with no new evidence; VA Form 20-0996, revision March 2024.
  • Board Appeal: review by a Veterans Law Judge; VA Form 10182, revision June 2026.
  • Increased-rating claim: an already service-connected condition has worsened; this is not the same as reviewing a denial.

4. For a Board Appeal, select the docket carefully

  • Direct Review: no new evidence and no hearing.
  • Evidence Submission: submit evidence with the appeal or within 90 days after VA receives it.
  • Hearing: testify before a judge and submit evidence at the hearing or within 90 days afterward.

5. Mark the deadline and submission date

  • Calculate from the date on the decision letter, not from the day you opened it.
  • Allow time for identity verification, representative review, printing, signatures, and delivery.
  • Use the current instructions for the benefit type and filing channel.

6. Prepare the filing package

  • Use the current official form or online tool.
  • List the exact issues and decision dates.
  • Include new evidence only in a route that accepts it.
  • Keep personal identifiers off ordinary email and unapproved upload services.
  • Save the signed form, attachments, confirmation, tracking, or date-stamped copy.

7. Decide whether accredited representation would help

A VA-accredited VSO representative, claims agent, or attorney can review the decision, identify the appropriate lane, and help present the issues. Confirm accreditation through VA rather than relying on advertising.

8. Monitor the review

  • Keep contact information current.
  • Respond to VA requests.
  • Attend scheduled examinations.
  • Read the next decision letter for further review options.
  • If switching lanes, follow VA's current withdrawal and new-request instructions.

Official sources

Related resources