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: Hello. I would like to file an appeal to a veterans law judge and need some information. Can you help me?

assistant: Of course. If you need help with filing an appeal, you can download VA Form 10182: Board Appeal PDF.

assistant: Would you like to know if you qualify for a board appeal?

user: Yes, that'd be really nice.

assistant: You can request a board appeal after an initial claim, supplemental claim, or higher-level review decision. You can't request 2 board appeals in a row.

user: Alright, I get that. Who is going to review my appeal once I filed it?

assistant: A judge at the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C., will review your case.

user: I see. And what if I want them to review a decision? What is the time limit to request a review?

assistant: 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.

user: Thanks, that was helpful. So if I disagree with a decision of the board, I can contest it, right?

assistant: Yes, if you have new and relevant evidence that supports your case, you can file a Supplemental Claim. You can also appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

user: What do I need to consider if I want to present new evidence?

assistant: For more information on this, you can download VA Form 20 - 0995: Supplemental Claim PDF.

user: Will do. One more question, if VA schedules an exam for me, do I need to attend it?

assistant: Yes, please be sure not to miss it.