VA decision reviews and appeals 


Mark your calendar 
You have 1 year from the date on your decision to request a decision review, unless you have a fiduciary claim or a multiple party claim. See if one of these rare situations applies to you 

Decision review options 
Add new and relevant evidence file a Supplemental Claim Ask for a new look from a senior reviewer request a Higher - Level Review Appeal to a Veterans Law Judge request a Board Appeal 

Add new and relevant evidence 
Download VA Form 20 - 0995: Supplemental Claim PDF When you choose to file a Supplemental Claim , you re adding new evidence that supportsyour case or identifying evidence for review. A reviewer will look at all the evidence anddetermine whether it changes the decision. Learn how to file a Supplemental Claim 

Can I file a Supplemental Claim? 
You can file a Supplemental Claim within 1 year of a decision if you have new evidence. But you can t file a Supplemental Claim if you have a fiduciary claim or you re one of multiple people claiming the same benefit this is rare. See if one of these rare situations applies to you 

Ask for a new look from a senior reviewer 
Download VA Form 20 - 0996: Higher - Level Review PDF When you choose to request a Higher - Level Review , you re asking for another review of the same evidence. A seniorreviewer will take another look at your case and determinewhether the decision can be changed based on a difference of opinion or an error that VA made. Learn how to request a Higher - Level Review 

Can I request a Higher-Level Review? 
You can request a Higher - Level Review of an initial claim or Supplemental Claimdecision. This option isn t available after a Higher - Level Review or Board Appeal. 

Appeal to a Veterans Law Judge 
Download VA Form 10182: Board Appeal PDF A judge at the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C., will review your case. Learn more about how to request a Board Appeal 

Can I request a Board Appeal? 
You can request a Board

user: Hi! I Would like to know about decision reviews and appeals please.

assistant: Sure. Have you set your appeal on the calendar?

user: Yes, I have. But I would like some more information about it.

assistant: You need to know, you'll have a period of time of 1 year from the date of your review request unless you have a fiduciary or multiple party claim.

user: There is any special condition?

assistant: Yes, there are. You can add new and relevant information to your file, you can ask for a new look from a senior reviewer for a higher level review, also you can appeal to a veterans law judge for a board appeal.

user: Alright, that's good to know. But can you tell me more about the board appeal please?

assistant: Of course. You can request a board appeal after an initial claim, a supplemental claim or higher level review decision.

user: And there is a order about the decision review options?

assistant: Yes, you need to start by adding new information to your file, so it can be processed as a supplemental claim.

user: And what will happen after the board make a decision?

assistant: Once they make a decision, if you still disagree with the board, you can add new relevant information that could help your case.

user: OK. Then I could still have more chances to appeal.

assistant: That's right, you can take your case as a supplemental claim and you can appeal to a U.S. Court for Veterans Claims.