When the VA denies a disability claim or assigns a rating lower than expected, veterans have three appeal options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA): Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review (HLR), and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). Each option serves a different purpose depending on whether you have new evidence, believe there was a clear error, or want a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Review your decision letter carefully — Understand why your claim was denied or rated lower than expected; the letter explains the evidence considered and the rationale for the decision
- Choose your appeal lane — Supplemental Claim (new evidence available), Higher-Level Review (believe there was an error, no new evidence), or Board of Veterans' Appeals (want a judge to review)
- Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney — Free representation from DAV, VFW, American Legion, or a VA-accredited attorney can significantly improve appeal outcomes; they can review your C-file and ...
- Gather additional evidence if filing a Supplemental Claim — Obtain new medical records, independent medical opinions (IMOs), nexus letters, or buddy statements that were not part of the original de...
- File the appropriate form within one year:
- Supplemental Claim: VA Form 20-0995
- Higher-Level Review: VA Form 20-0996
- Board Appeal: VA Form 10182 (choose direct review, evidence submission, or hearing docket)
- Attend any scheduled events — HLR may include an informal conference call with a senior reviewer; Board hearing may be in person, by video, or virtual
- Wait for decision — HLR: typically 30-90 days; Supplemental Claim: varies (similar to original claim processing); Board Appeal: 1-4+ years depending on docket and complexity
Common Mistakes
- Missing the one-year deadline
- Submitting new evidence with an HLR
- Not obtaining an Independent Medical Opinion
- Choosing the Board without understanding wait times
- Filing the wrong form
Pro Tips
- You can lane-switch
- HLR informal conferences are valuable
- The Board hearing docket lets you present your case
- Duty to Assist errors trigger remands
- Track your appeal status online