HLR, supplemental, or the Board. Pick one.

Recut from VA.gov decision reviews. One lane at a time. Free. Read the C-file first so you are not guessing which door matches the paper they already have.

1. 1 · New evidence

   Supplemental claim

   Form 20-0995

   You have something VA did not have — a DBQ, a buddy statement, a private record, a PACT presumption that landed after the last decision.

   This is not ‘ask again louder.’ It is new and relevant evidence. If you send the same PDF they already rated, you will get the same answer. Deadline is generally one year from the decision for the earliest effective date rules — confirm on VA.gov.

   Official Supplemental claim page

2. 2 · Same file

   Higher-Level Review

   Form 20-0996

   You think the rater missed the law or the record that was already in the C-file. A more senior reviewer looks. You cannot add new evidence.

   If you have a new MRI, this is the wrong lane. If the code sheet ignored a diagnosis that was already in the exam, this is the lane. You can request an informal conference. Still free. Still not a mill.

   Official Higher-Level Review page

3. 3 · A judge

   Board appeal

   Form 10182

   A Veterans Law Judge. Direct review, evidence submission, or a hearing. Slower. Still free.

   Direct review uses the file as it sat. Evidence submission gives you a window to add. A hearing is you (or an accredited rep) in front of the judge. Pick the docket on purpose. Do not pick it because a Facebook ad said ‘Board is faster.’

   Official Board appeal page