IMPORTANT: Please read the instructions carefully to help you complete this form. Some parts of this form contain notes or specific instructions for completing that section. Filling out this form completely and accurately will decrease the amount of time it takes to process your Higher-Level Review request.
VAForm20-0996 is the official request for a Higher-Level Review under the VA disability appeal process. Veterans may file the form as a decision review request to seek a more senior review of a denied claim.
If you’ve received a decision from the VA about your disability benefits, you must fill out VA Form 20-0996 to request a higher-level review. This form is not a new application, but it does require you to resubmit any evidence that was submitted with your original application.
Use this form to request a Higher-Level review of the decision you received by the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the evidence of record at the time VA issued of the prior decision.
Use this form to request a HIGHER-LEVEL REVIEW of the decision you received. A HIGHER-LEVEL REVIEW is a new review of an issue(s) previously decided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on the evidence of record at the time VA issued notice of the prior decision.
It's not for submitting new evidence; it's for finding errors in the original decision. This guide will walk you through exactly what this form is, when to use it, and how to fill it out to give your appeal the best possible chance of success.
Use this form to request a Higher-Level Review of a decision you received. A Higher-Level Review is a new review of an issue(s) previously decided by VA based on the evidence of record at the time of the prior decision. For more information call us toll-free at 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711) or contact us online through ASK VA: https://ask.va.gov/.
Access VA Form 20-0996 fillable online, to request a higher-level review of VA decisions. Quickly submit your appeal in the easy-to-use digital format.
Filling out the VA Form 20-0996 online is a straightforward process that allows users to request a Higher-Level Review of previously decided issues by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help users complete the form accurately and efficiently.
If you disagree with a VA decision, you or your accredited representative can request a new review of your case by a higher-level reviewer. The reviewer will determine whether an error or a difference of opinion changes the decision.
