A higher-level reviewer generally considers the evidence that was in the record when VA issued the prior decision. If you need VA to consider new and relevant evidence, use a Supplemental Claim or an eligible Board Appeal route instead.
Confirm that the review is available
VA states that the request generally must be received within one year from the date on the decision letter for an initial claim or Supplemental Claim. A Higher-Level Review is not available after a prior Higher-Level Review or Board Appeal on the same issue, and special rules apply to contested claims.
Identify the exact error
Read the reasons and evidence in the decision. Note the specific factual or legal error, the issue you want reviewed, and the decision date. A disagreement that depends on a document VA never considered usually points toward a Supplemental Claim rather than Higher-Level Review.
Choose online or paper filing
- Online: VA currently offers online Higher-Level Review for disability compensation decisions.
- Paper: Download the current VA Form 20-0996. The official form page lists a March 2024 revision.
- Other benefit types: Use the current mailing, in-person, or accredited-representative instructions for the benefit involved.
List only issues in the same benefit type
The current VA instructions require the issues and decision dates to be identified. If the disagreements involve different benefit types, separate requests may be required. Use the decision letter and current form instructions rather than copying an address from an old form.
Decide whether to request an informal conference
An informal conference is an optional call with the higher-level reviewer. It is not a hearing and cannot be used to submit new evidence. Use it to identify specific errors. VA allows one informal conference for each Higher-Level Review and warns that requesting one may lengthen processing.
Understand possible outcomes
The reviewer may uphold the prior decision, change it based on a difference of opinion or identified error, or find a duty-to-assist error. If VA identifies a duty-to-assist error, it will take steps to obtain the missing evidence and issue another decision.
After the new decision
If you still disagree, you may be able to file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence or request a Board Appeal. You cannot request another Higher-Level Review of the Higher-Level Review decision on the same issue.