Higher-Level Reviews
If you disagree with VA’s decision, you or your representative can request a new review of your case by a senior reviewer. The reviewer will determine whether the decision can be changed based on a difference of opinion or an error.
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Can I request a Higher-Level Review?
You can request a Higher-Level Review of an initial claim or Supplemental Claim decision. You have 1 year from the date on your decision letter to request a Higher-Level Review.
This option isn’t available after a previous Higher-Level Review or Board Appeal on the same claim. It’s also not available if you have a contested claim (this is rare). Learn more about contested claims
What should I expect if I request a call with a senior reviewer?
If you request an informal conference with a senior reviewer, they’ll call the phone number that you or your representative provided on the Higher-Level Review form to schedule a time to discuss your case with you. During the call, you and/or your representative can talk about why you think the decision should be changed and identify errors, but you can’t submit new evidence.
Note: The senior reviewer will try to reach you or your representative by phone, and if no one answers, they’ll leave a voicemail. If the senior reviewer is unable to leave a message or make contact after 2 attempts, they’ll proceed with their review and issue a decision.
How do I request a Higher-Level Review?
For disability compensation claims, you can request a Higher-Level Review online right now.
Note: For other types of claims, you’ll need to request a Higher-Level Review either by mail or in person.
Other ways to request a Higher-Level Review
By mail
Fill out the Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996).
Get VA Form 20-0996 to download
Send the completed form to the benefit office that matches the benefit type you selected on the form.
Compensation
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
What should I know before requesting a Higher-Level Review?
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You can’t submit any evidence.
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You and/or your representative can talk with the reviewer on the phone (called an “informal conference”). You can tell them why you think the decision should be changed and identify errors. If you want an informal conference, you’ll need to choose that option when you apply for a Higher-Level Review.
If you’re applying for a Higher-Level Review online, you can request an informal conference in step 3 of the application process.
If you’re applying for a Higher-Level Review by mail or in person, you can request an informal conference by marking the circle in item 16A on VA Form 20-0996.
Learn more about requesting a Higher-Level Review -
You’re allowed only 1 informal conference for each Higher-Level Review. Make sure you have enough time to talk with the reviewer to explain any errors in your case.
How long does it take VA to make a decision?
Our goal for completing Higher-Level Reviews is an average of 125 days.
Note: If you request an informal conference, it may take us longer to complete your Higher-Level Review. If there are any errors you’d like to point out, consider submitting a written statement with your application instead. This will help us make a decision as quickly as possible.
Pension/Survivors benefits
If you live in AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, MN, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY, Mexico, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: St. Paul Pension Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
If you live in CT, DE, FL, GA, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA, WV, DC, Puerto Rico, or Canada
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: Philadelphia Pension Center
PO Box 5206
Janesville, WI 53547-5206
If you live in AL, AR, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, OH, TN, or WI
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: Milwaukee Pension Center
PO Box 5192
Janesville, WI 53547-5192
National Cemetery Administration
Please refer to your
decision for instructions
on how to submit the
form.
Education
Please refer to your
decision for instructions
on how to submit the
form.
Veterans Health Administration
Please refer to your
decision for instructions
on how to submit the
form.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Please refer to your
decision for instructions
on how to submit the
form.
Insurance
Please refer to your
decision for instructions
on how to submit the
form.
Loan guaranty
Please refer to your
decision for instructions
on how to submit the
form.
In person
Fill out the Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996).
Get VA Form 20-0996 to download
Bring your completed form to a VA regional office near you.
Find your nearest VA regional office
You can also ask a regional benefit office for a copy of this form to fill out. Or you can call the VA toll-free hotline at 800-827-1000 to request a form. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
Helpful information for filling out your form
Keep reading for help completing certain sections of the Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996).
Section III: Select a benefit type
The most common benefit type is compensation, but if you’re unsure, check your VA decision. You can’t select multiple benefit types. You have to complete a separate form for each type.
Section IV: Request an optional call (informal conference) with the reviewer
Note: You and/or your representative can talk with the reviewer on the phone. You can tell them why you think the decision should be changed and identify errors.
To schedule an informal conference, you’ll need to select one contact preference. Choose either a morning or afternoon time frame. And choose whether you want us to call you or your representative. If you’d like us to call your representative, please fill in their name and phone number.
Section VI: List the issue(s) you want reviewed
You’ll need to list the issue(s) you disagree with and the VA decision date for each. You can include all or just some of the issues VA has decided, but they must all be within the same benefit type.
Note: You can’t submit any evidence.
What if I have new and relevant evidence?
If you have evidence to submit, please select another decision review option.
Learn more about the decision review options
What happens next?
Find out what happens after you request a decision review
You don’t need to do anything while you wait, unless VA sends you a letter asking for more information. If VA schedules exams for you, be sure not to miss them.
If you’ve filed a request for a Higher-Level Review, we may randomly select you to receive an email with a short, optional survey. If selected, you’ll get a survey about one week after we receive your initial claim. You’ll get a second survey about one week after you receive your decision notification letter. You aren’t required to fill out either survey, but your feedback will help us improve the decision review process. It takes about 3 minutes to answer the questions. Please review your VA.gov profile to make sure we have your most recent email address.
What if I need help?
A Veterans Service Organization or VA-accredited attorney or agent can help you request a decision review.
Get help requesting a decision review
What if I have more questions?
Get answers to frequently asked questions about decision reviews.
Go to FAQs
What if I get a Higher-Level Review decision that I don’t agree with?
You can then file for a Board Appeal, which means your case gets reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge. You also have the option to file a Supplemental Claim if you have additional evidence you want to submit for review.