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VA Higher-Level Review Form: Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review
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VA Form 20-0996 in short
VA Form 20-0996 asks for a Higher-Level Review, a new look at a VA decision by a more senior reviewer. The reviewer uses only the evidence VA had when it issued the decision, so you cannot add new evidence. It is one of three decision review options, with the Supplemental Claim and the Board Appeal.
| Issued by | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Rev. March 2024 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | The veteran or claimant who got the decision, or their accredited representative. A health care provider asking for review of a VA payment decision files as the claimant. |
| Who receives it | The VA office that handles the benefit type, as shown on your decision letter. |
| Where to send it | Online only for disability compensation claims, VA says. For other benefits, mail it to the office for the benefit type. VA lists, for example: disability compensation to Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547; pension and survivor benefits to Claims Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547; education to PO Box 5215; life insurance to Attention: Insurance Center, PO Box 5209, Janesville, WI 53547. Check va.gov/decision-reviews/higher-level-review for health care and other addresses. VA says you can also bring it to a VA regional office for claims not related to health care. |
| Deadline | The form says VA must receive it within one year of the date VA gave notice of the decision. To move a legacy appeal into this system, the form says to submit it within 60 days of the Statement of the Case or Supplemental Statement of the Case. |
| Fee | No VA filing fee. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF |
What changed
The MAR 2024 edition supersedes the SEP 2022 edition, as printed on the form. VA did not publish a list of changes.
How to fill out VA Form 20-0996, line by line
| Section I, items 1 to 8 | Veteran's identification Name, Social Security number, VA file number, date of birth, VA insurance policy number if any, address, phone and email. Mark the box under item 6 if you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. |
| Section II, items 9 to 14 | Claimant, if not the veteran Complete only if the claimant is someone else, such as a surviving spouse or a health care provider. |
| Section III, item 15 | Benefit type Select only one. If you disagree with decisions for more than one benefit type, you complete a separate form for each. |
| Section IV, items 16A and 16B | Optional informal conference Check 16A to ask for a call with the reviewer to point out errors of fact or law. Then pick who VA should contact and whether morning or afternoon. |
| Section IV, items 17A to 17C | Representative's contact Needed if you want VA to call your representative. VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a must be on file or included. |
| Section V, items 18A and 18B | Issues and decision dates List each issue you disagree with, taken from your decision letter, and the date of that decision. Both are required. Only issues listed are reviewed. |
| Sections VI and VII, items 19 and 20 | Signature The veteran or claimant signs 19A and dates 19B. An authorized representative can sign Section VII instead if a valid appointment is on file. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending new evidence. A Higher-Level Review does not consider evidence received after the decision notice; choose a Supplemental Claim instead.
- Mixing benefit types on one form, such as compensation and life insurance. Each benefit type needs its own form.
- Missing the one-year window from the decision notice date.
- Leaving issues or decision dates out of item 18. Only the issues you list are reviewed.
- Requesting a Higher-Level Review of a Higher-Level Review or a Board decision. The form says that is not allowed.
- Asking VA to call your representative without a VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a on file.
- Signing in pencil. The instructions say forms signed in pencil may be returned.
Questions about VA Form 20-0996
How long do I have to file VA Form 20-0996?
The form says VA must receive it within one year of the date VA provided notice of the decision.
Can I submit new evidence with a Higher-Level Review?
No. VA says you cannot submit new evidence. If you have new and relevant evidence, VA points you to a Supplemental Claim or a Board Appeal.
What is an informal conference?
VA describes it as an optional call with the higher-level reviewer where you or your representative point out factual or legal errors. You can have only one per review, and it may slow the decision.
Can I file a Higher-Level Review online?
VA says online requests are accepted only for disability compensation claims. Other benefit types are filed by mail, in person or with an accredited representative.
Can I ask for the review at a different VA office?
The form says you may ask for the same or a different office, but some issue types are handled at only one office.
What does the homelessness box do?
The instructions tell you to mark it if you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For other reasons to ask for priority, the form points to VA Form 20-10207.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.