VA Form 20-0996
Higher-Level Review
Ask a senior reviewer to look at your claim again. No new evidence allowed. Must file within 1 year.
Higher-Level Review
In Plain English
Ask a senior reviewer to look at your claim again. No new evidence allowed. Must file within 1 year.
Requests a senior VA reviewer to re-examine your existing claim based on the same evidence.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to file 20-0996
Important Deadline
Must file within 1 year of your VA decision date. If you miss this deadline, you'll need to file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence instead.
When to use this form
When you believe the VA made an error in applying the law or policy to your evidence. No new evidence can be submitted with this form.
Required
- ✓Copy of your VA decision letter
Identifies the specific decision you are contesting.
You'll need to provide
- ✓The decision you are contesting
- ✓Whether you want an informal conference (phone call with the reviewer)
- ✓Your representative information (if using a VSO or attorney)
- ✕Submitting new evidence — HLR only reviews existing evidence
- ✕Missing the 1-year deadline from your decision date
- ✕Not requesting an informal conference — this is your chance to explain your case directly
- ✕Filing an HLR when you actually have new evidence (use Supplemental Claim instead)
Mail to
Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Do NOT submit new evidence with this form — HLR only reviews what the VA already has. If you have new evidence, file a Supplemental Claim instead.
Pro Tip
Always request the informal conference. It's a phone call where you can explain exactly why you think the decision was wrong. This is often where claims get overturned.
Which Form Do I Need?
Both challenge a VA decision. Which appeal path do I choose?
Supplemental Claim
Use this when
- •You have new evidence the VA has never seen (nexus letter, new diagnosis, buddy statements)
- •There is no deadline — you can file a Supplemental Claim at any time
Higher-Level Review
Use this when
- •You believe the VA misapplied the law or made a clear error — but you have no new evidence
- •Must file within 1 year of the decision date
Our recommendation
If you have any new evidence at all, use Supplemental Claim (20-0995). If the decision was clearly wrong based on evidence already in your file, use Higher-Level Review (20-0996).
Continue Your Research
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