Presently, VR&E offers numerous forms of review for veterans seeking to challenge an adverse decision about their claim. These are called Decision Review Request options. Each option requires a separate and unique form form.
VR&E is supposed to provide you with 30 days advanced notice before an adverse decision is effectuated. You can provide new and relevant evidence in an effort to avoid the adverse decision. After that point, you can request one of three decision review request options. Two stay at the Regional Office level called a Higher-Level Review (HLR) and Supplemental Claim Review (SCR). The third is a Formal Appeal (aka Notice of Disagreement). If you file an HLR, you have an option to have the same Regional Office conduct the review or seek review by the alternate Regional Office. You can also request an informal conference. You cannot submit new and relevant evidence with an HLR. If you file an SCR, you need to provide new and relevant evidence to receive consideration of a prior denied claim or prior denied HLR or prior denied Formal Appeal. So long as you file the next Decision Review Request within one year from the date on the prior decision, you should be able to maintain the effective date of your original claim. The downside of an SCR is that it will usually be reviewed by the VRC who issued the prior denial. If you file a Formal Appeal, you have three options. Option 1 is to seek a review of only the evidence in the record. Option 2 is to provide only additional evidence within 90 days of submitting the notice of disagreement. Option 3 is to receive a hearing where you present additional evidence within 90 days after the hearing. These are covered in greater detail within the second half of the Voc Rehab Survival Guide.