Which decision review option is right for me?
If you have new evidence
File a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence that we didn’t consider before. We can help you gather any new evidence you identify (such as medical records) to support your claim.
A reviewer will decide if this new evidence changes the decision.
To file a Supplemental Claim, fill out VA Form 20-0995.
Get VA Form 20-0995 to download
Learn more about Supplemental Claims and how to file
Note: You can also submit new evidence with certain types of Board Appeals. Keep reading on this page to learn about Board Appeals.
If you believe there’s an error in your case—and you don’t have new evidence
Request a Higher-Level Review if you believe there’s an error with the decision on your claim. You can’t submit any new evidence.
A senior reviewer will review your decision again. This reviewer will consider the same evidence that you already submitted.
Note: You can request an optional, one-time, informal conference with a senior reviewer to identify specific errors in the case. If you request an informal conference, this may delay the review.
To request a Higher-Level Review, fill out VA Form 20-0996.
Get VA Form 20-0996 to download
Learn more about Higher-Level Reviews and how to request a review
For disability compensation claims, you can also request a Higher-Level Review online.
Request a Higher-Level Review online
If you want the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your case
Request a Board Appeal if you want a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your case.
When you fill out the form, you’ll need to request the type of review you want from the Board:
- Direct review, if you don’t want to submit evidence or have a hearing
- Evidence submission, if you want to submit additional evidence without a hearing
- Hearing, if you want to have a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge (with or without new evidence)
You can request a Board Appeal online right now.
Request a Board Appeal online
You can also request a Board Appeal by filling out VA Form 10182.
Get VA Form 10182 to download
Learn more about Board Appeals and how to request a review
What if I miss the deadline to request a review?
For Higher-Level Reviews and Board Appeals, the deadline is 1 year from the date on your original decision letter.
If you miss the deadline for these review types, your only option is a Supplemental Claim. You’ll need to submit new and relevant evidence with your claim.
How long does a decision review take?
Supplemental Claim
Our goal is an average of 125 days (4 to 5 months).
Higher-Level Review
Our goal is an average of 125 days (4 to 5 months).
Board Appeal
Our goal is an average of 365 days (1 year) for a direct review. The average is longer for an evidence submission or a hearing.
What if I disagree with your decision review?
You can request another review.
After a Supplemental Claim
You may request another Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board Appeal.
After a Higher-Level Review
You may request a Supplemental Claim or a Board Appeal.
After a Board Appeal
You may request a Supplemental Claim or appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.