Higher-Level Review — HLR
One of three VA appeals lanes introduced by the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) in 2019, in which a more senior VA claims processor reviews the original.
Official source: va.gov
A Higher-Level Review (HLR) is one of three ways to appeal a decision from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you disagree with it. It's best to choose an HLR if you think the VA made a mistake based on the information they already had in your file. A more experienced VA claims worker will look at your case again from the beginning. They won't look at any new evidence that wasn't submitted before. If you have new evidence, you should file a Supplemental Claim instead.
During an HLR, you can ask for an informal conference. This is a phone call with the senior reviewer to talk about your case and explain why you think the original decision was wrong. The reviewer can agree with your request, deny it, or send it back for more work if they find a mistake. It typically takes about 4 to 5 months for the VA to make a decision on an HLR. Remember, you can't add new evidence yourself during an HLR, so be sure all the details you want the reviewer to see are already part of your original claim file.
In real life
- A veteran believes the VA made a mistake when they denied their disability claim, so they ask for a higher-level review.
- Someone thinks the VA did not correctly apply the rules to their case, and they want a more experienced person to look at it.
- A person feels the VA made a clear error in their decision and chooses a higher-level review to have it checked again.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Higher-Level Review
What is Higher-Level Review?+
One of three VA appeals lanes introduced by the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) in 2019, in which a more senior VA claims processor reviews the original decision for clear errors — no new evidence is submitted. HLR is best when you believe the VA misread the evidence already in your file.
Who qualifies for Higher-Level Review?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for Higher-Level Review?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what VA benefits you may have missed, or talk with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Source: va.gov