The HLR Process Explained — How to Appeal a VA Disability Decision Without Starting Over

Introduction

You finally get a decision on your VA claim—and it’s not what you were hoping for. Maybe the VA denied a condition you know is related to your service. Maybe they gave you a lower rating than you expected. The good news? You don’t have to start from scratch.

Enter the Higher-Level Review (HLR).

HLR is one of the fastest, most powerful tools veterans have for challenging VA decisions without filing a new claim. It’s not a do-over—it’s a chance to have a more experienced VA rater take a second look, based on the evidence already in your file.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how the HLR process works, when to use it, and how to increase your chances of a better outcome.

What Is a Higher-Level Review?

The Higher-Level Review is one of three main appeal options under the VA’s modernized claims and appeals system(AMA). It allows you to ask the VA to take another look at a previous decision without submitting any new evidence.

Instead of a claims processor, your case is reviewed by a senior VA rater—someone with more training and experience.

Think of HLR as asking for a second opinion from someone higher up the ladder.

This makes it ideal when:

• The VA misunderstood your evidence

• You believe the law was applied incorrectly

• You submitted everything correctly the first time

When Should You Choose HLR?

You can request an HLR after receiving:

• A decision on an original claim

• A decision on a supplemental claim

• A previous HLR decision (in some cases)

It’s best used when your evidence is solid—but you think the VA missed something, misinterpreted your records, or used the wrong diagnostic code.

Important: You cannot submit new evidence during an HLR. If you have new medical records or a nexus letter, a Supplemental Claim may be better.

Pros and Cons of the HLR Option

How to File a Higher-Level Review

Filing is straightforward, but strategy matters. Here’s how to do it right:

✅ Step 1: Complete VA Form 20-0996

This is the official HLR request form. You can download it here or fill it out online via your VA.gov account.

On the form, you’ll:

• Select which part(s) of your decision you want reviewed

• Indicate whether you want an informal conference (more on this below)

• Confirm that you’re not submitting new evidence

Tip: Be specific about which condition or rating you’re challenging. Don’t ask for review of everything unless it’s necessary.

✅ Step 2: Request an Informal Conference (Optional but Recommended)

An informal conference gives you a chance to speak directly with the senior reviewer (by phone) before they make a decision. During the call, you can:

• Explain why you believe the decision was wrong

• Point out evidence already in your file that supports your case

• Highlight any legal or factual errors

While you can’t present new evidence, you can guide the reviewer to things they might have missed.

Scheduling may take a few weeks, but many veterans report better outcomes after an informal conference.

✅ Step 3: Submit Your Request

You can file:

• Online through VA.gov

• By mail to the appropriate VA regional office

• Through a VSO, accredited attorney, or claims agent

After submission, you’ll receive confirmation and be able to track your case through your VA.gov dashboard.

What Happens After You File?

Here’s the general timeline:

1. Confirmation and intake (1–2 weeks)

2. Informal conference scheduled (if requested)

3. Reviewer evaluates file (1–2 months)

4. Decision issued and uploaded to VA.gov

Most Higher-Level Reviews are completed within 30 to 90 days, though complex cases may take longer.

Once complete, you’ll receive a new decision letter explaining:

• Whether any decisions were changed

• Why the original decision was upheld or corrected

• What your new rating is, if applicable

When HLR Works Best

HLR is especially useful in the following situations:

🔹 Incorrect Diagnostic Code

You were rated under the wrong code, leading to a lower percentage than you deserve. A senior reviewer may recognize and correct this.

🔹 Overlooked Evidence

You submitted records that clearly supported your claim, but the VA decision didn’t reference them. An HLR reviewer may catch what the first missed.

🔹 Denial Based on Mistaken Facts

The VA claims you didn’t attend your C&P exam—but you did. Or they state there’s no diagnosis—but it’s in your file. These factual errors are fixable through HLR.

When NOT to Use HLR

Don’t use HLR if you have new evidence to submit. The VA won’t consider it, and you’ll miss your chance to use a Supplemental Claim, which allows fresh documentation.

Also avoid HLR if:

• You’re seeking a more formal review with testimony or legal representation (opt for a Board Appeal instead)

• You’ve waited more than a year since your last decision

What If HLR Doesn’t Go Your Way?

You still have options:

• File a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence

• File a Board Appeal to have your case reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge

• Combine strategies, depending on the conditions and outcomes

And remember—HLR is non-destructive. If it doesn’t work, you haven’t lost your ability to pursue other paths.

Final Thoughts

The Higher-Level Review process offers veterans a smart, streamlined way to challenge VA decisions—without starting over or waiting years. When used strategically, it can fix mistakes, improve ratings, and accelerate your path to fair compensation.

So if you’re staring at a decision that feels wrong, don’t give up. Use HLR to ask for the second look you deserve—because sometimes the only difference between denied and approved is having the right person take another look.