What To Expect With The VA Higher Level Review Timeline

In 2024 alone, the Veterans Benefits Administration completed over 2.5 million disability compensation and pension claims for veterans. However, if you’ve received a decision on your VA disability claim and think it might be incorrect, you might be eligible to file for a Higher-Level Review. This gives veterans a chance to have their case reevaluated by a more senior claims adjudicator. 

Before you jump into the process, it is important to have an idea of the VA Higher-Level Review timeline. It can have an impact on access to much-needed benefits. Understanding the review structure, what happens during the process, how long it typically takes, and what happens after the decision is critical to navigating the VA disability appeal process effectively.

What Is a VA Higher Level Review?

Dealing with the VA can sometimes mean jumping through hoops. If you’ve received a decision on your disability claim that you don’t agree with, there are a number of avenues you can take. A VA Higher Level Review is the first stop, though. This review option is available to veterans who disagree with a VA decision regarding their claim. Rather than submitting new evidence or escalating the issue to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, veterans are able to get a second review of the existing claim. Here is what sets it apart from a regular review.

• The review is conducted by a more experienced employee at the VA (a senior adjudicator). 
• A High Level Review has the goal of correcting errors that may have been overlooked or misapplied the first time around. 
• You are not able to introduce new documentation during the Higher Level Review process.
• You have the option to request a phone call with the reviewer to explain what you believe the error or oversight to be. 

With that information out of the way, we can get into when you might submit a request for a Higher Level Review, the timeline for the review, and the inner workings of the process. 

When Should You Request a Higher Level Review?

A Higher-Level Review should be requested when you believe the VA made an error in the original decision, and you do not have new or additional evidence to support your claim. It is appropriate in cases where the initial denial or rating was based on an incorrect application of the law or a failure to consider evidence that was already submitted. 

Veterans must request a Higher-Level Review within one year of the date on their VA decision letter. Importantly, you cannot request a second Higher-Level Review of the same decision once a review has already been completed. If a claim has been escalated to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, you are also no longer eligible for a Higher-Level Review on that specific issue. The form required to request this process is VA Form 20-0996.

Understanding the VA Higher Level Review Timeline

Officially, the VA aims to complete Higher-Level Reviews within 125 days, or roughly four to five months. However, this is a goal rather than a guarantee. In practice, many veterans experience longer wait times, often ranging between six to eight months. Several factors contribute to these extended timeframes, including workload levels at regional offices, staffing shortages, and the complexity of individual cases. If you request an informal conference, this can also delay the decision, as it requires scheduling and coordination.

The process generally involves the following stages:

• Submission of VA Form 20-0996 and VA’s intake of your request
• Optional scheduling of an informal conference with a senior reviewer
• A complete reevaluation of your claim record using the existing evidence
• Final decision mailed to the veteran and posted to their VA.gov account
  

Most veterans find that the entire process takes between 180 and 240 days under current operating conditions.

What to Expect During the Higher Level Review Process

Once your request is submitted and accepted, your claim enters a queue for reassessment. A senior reviewer, usually someone with more experience than the original adjudicator, takes another look at all the evidence that was available at the time of the initial decision. If you selected the option for an informal conference, you or your representative will receive a call to explain the errors you believe were made in the previous review. This conference does not include a two-way discussion or new evidence submission; it simply allows you to highlight specific issues or facts that might have been overlooked.

The outcomes from a Higher-Level Review may include:

• A grant of benefits, either partial or full.
• Identification of a duty-to-assist error that triggers further claim development.
• A denial of the appeal leaves you with options to pursue a Supplemental Claim or Board Appeal.
  

After the decision is finalized, it is sent by mail and reflected in your online VA.gov account.

Factors That Can Affect Your Review Timeline

As mentioned above, some veterans have reported that their Higher Level Reviews took 180 days, and even as many as 240 days. There are several factors that can impact how long the review takes. 

One of the most influential factors is whether or not you opt for an informal conference. Opting for a conference does give you the opportunity to point out errors directly, which can be beneficial. At the same time, there is limited personnel at the VA. So, scheduling an informal conference can actually extend the amount of time your review takes. 

On top of that, the workload at your regional VA office will have an effect on how long it takes to process your review. Some offices are dealing with staffing shortages. High claim volumes can also make your claim take longer. Lastly, if your claim is complex, it might take longer than others. If your claim involves multiple disabilities or complicated medical records, you might need to have a more detailed review. All of this can have an impact on the Higher Level Review timeline.

A breakdown of average VA processing times across all appeal lanes can be found at VA Claims Insider, which provides updates based on reported user experience and feedback.

How to Track the Status of Your Higher Level Review

Veterans can track the progress of their Higher-Level Review through their VA.gov account. Once logged in, the status of your claim will typically be listed under “Disability” or “Decision Reviews and Appeals.” Status updates may include phrases such as:

• “A higher-level reviewer is taking a new look at your case.”
• “We are correcting an error.”
• “We made a decision.”
• “Your Higher-Level Review was closed.”
  

You can also call the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 for updates. Keeping your contact information up to date is important to ensure you don’t miss any phone calls or correspondence from the VA.

What Happens After a Higher Level Review Decision?

Once a decision is made, you will receive a letter explaining the outcome. If the reviewer finds that the initial decision was incorrect, your benefits may be granted or adjusted. If the reviewer identifies a legal or procedural error, such as a failure to assist in gathering evidence, the case may be sent back to the VA for further development. If the decision is upheld and you still disagree, you have other appeal options. You can file a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence, or you can request a Board Appeal to have your case reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge. Both of these options must be initiated within one year of receiving your Higher-Level Review decision.

How to Speed Up VA Higher Level Review

Four to five months, or even longer in some cases, seems like an incredibly long time when you are awaiting a decision regarding benefits. If you want to speed things up, there are a few practical ways to help yourself avoid unnecessary delays in the process. 

Avoiding the informal conference can shave several weeks off your wait time, particularly if your concerns can be adequately communicated in writing. When filing VA Form 20-0996, include a well-organized statement outlining your arguments and referencing specific documents in your claim file. Ensure that your contact information is current, as missed phone calls from the VA can cause further delays. Submitting a Fully Developed Claim during your initial application can also prevent the need for additional development, making your case easier and faster to review later if needed.

Here are a few more helpful tips to minimize delays:

• Submit detailed written arguments instead of requesting an informal conference.
• Ensure your VA contact information is up to date.
• Respond to any VA communications or follow-up instructions immediately.
  

What Happens After Higher Level Review VA

Although it can take time, once your Higher Level Review is complete, you will receive a formal decision from the Veterans Administration. There can be a number of different outcomes from this. Your claim may be granted, in full or in part. Other possibilities are that your claim is remanded for further development or denied entirely. If it turns out that your claim is granted, the VA will start processing your benefits, which can take a few months to over a year. A remanded claim will push the VA to collect more evidence or take corrective actions before it issues a new decision. 

If your claim is denied, there are still options. You can file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence or make an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. While these options are available, each one comes along with its own timeline and requirements. Take the time to learn about each option and which will suit your situation best. 

At Allveteran.com, we seek to help veterans connect with resources that may make all the difference. To find out your disability rating, take our free medical evidence screening today!