What Is This Form?
VA Form 20-0996 is the Decision Review Request for a Higher-Level Review — an appeal lane where a more senior VA claims adjudicator reviews your existing claim file to determine if a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was made in the original decision.
The key distinction: you cannot submit new evidence in a Higher-Level Review. The senior reviewer only considers what was already in your VA file when the original decision was made. If you have new evidence to add, use the Supplemental Claim (20-0995) instead.
💡 Request an informal conference. When you file the 20-0996, you can request a brief phone call with the senior reviewer. Use this opportunity to point out exactly where the original adjudicator went wrong — citing specific evidence or rating criteria. Veterans who request informal conferences often see better outcomes.
Who Needs to File This Form?
- Veterans whose claim was denied and who believe the VA misapplied the law or rating criteria
- Veterans where the rater clearly overlooked strong evidence already in the file
- Veterans where an obvious factual or arithmetic error was made (e.g., wrong combined rating calculation)
- Veterans whose C&P exam results clearly supported a higher rating but weren't given proper weight
- Veterans who want a faster review without introducing new evidence
If you have new medical records, nexus letters, or buddy statements, file a Supplemental Claim (20-0995) instead. If you lose on Higher-Level Review, you can then escalate to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (10182).
What You Need to Fill It Out
- Your original VA rating decision (denial letter or rating decision)
- List of issues (conditions) you're appealing — use exact names from the rating decision
- Veteran identification: name, date of birth, Social Security Number, VA file number
- Decision date for each issue you're appealing
- Whether you want to request an informal conference (strongly recommended)
- Whether you have a representative (VSO, attorney, or claims agent)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Review your rating decision carefully. Look for specific errors: wrong diagnostic code applied, overlooked medical evidence, failure to apply the benefit of the doubt, incorrect combined rating math, or failure to consider secondary conditions.
- Complete Section I: Veteran Identification. Enter your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, VA file number, and mailing address exactly as they appear in VA records.
- Complete Section II: Issues. List each denied or underrated condition. Include the exact issue name from the rating decision and the date of that decision. You can appeal multiple issues on one form.
- Select informal conference preference. Check the box to request an informal conference. This is your chance to speak directly with the senior reviewer about specific errors — take it.
- Indicate representation. Note if you have a VSO, attorney, or accredited claims agent. The VA will contact your representative if applicable.
- Sign and date. Both you and any authorized representative must sign. Unsigned forms will be returned.
- Submit within 1 year. Mail, upload online, or deliver in person. File within 12 months of the rating decision to preserve your original effective date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to submit new evidence. You cannot add new medical records, nexus letters, or other documents in the Higher-Level Review lane. If you have new evidence, switch to the Supplemental Claim (20-0995).
- Missing the 1-year deadline. File within 12 months of the rating decision to preserve continuity of your effective date. After one year, your effective date resets.
- Not requesting an informal conference. The informal conference is one of the most underused options in the VA system. Requesting it costs nothing and gives you a direct line to the senior reviewer.
- Not being specific about the error. "I disagree with the decision" isn't enough. In your informal conference, point to the exact page and paragraph of evidence the rater got wrong, and cite the specific rating criteria.
- Using this lane when Supplemental Claim is better. If you have any new evidence at all — even records the VA failed to obtain — the Supplemental Claim lane is usually a better choice.
Where to Submit
Online (Fastest)
File at VA.gov or use claim.vet's guided Higher-Level Review tool. Online submissions are processed fastest and don't risk mail delays.
By Mail
Mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Use certified mail and retain your tracking number.
In Person
Deliver to your nearest VA Regional Office. Request a date-stamped receipt of everything submitted.
Through a VSO
Free accredited VSO representatives can help identify reviewable errors and prepare a strong written argument to accompany your informal conference request.
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