A Higher-Level Review (HLR), requested using VA Form 20-0996, is a claim review conducted by a senior, more experienced adjudicator (the higher-level reviewer) who looks only at the evidence that was of record at the time of the prior decision. Under 38 CFR 3.2601, the higher-level reviewer may not consider new evidence, and the veteran cannot submit new evidence as part of the HLR process itself. However, the regulation does allow for one specific form of contact: the veteran (or their representative) can request an informal conference with the higher-level reviewer. This is a phone call, typically about a certain length, during which the representative or veteran can point out alleged errors in the prior decision, explain the veteran's contentions, or clarify the existing record. It is not a backroom conversation to "get the claim approved"; it is a structured, on-the-record opportunity to discuss the case that either party can request, and the reviewer is still bound by the same law, regulations, and evidence as before.
A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) accredited by VA and properly appointed on a claim (via VA Form 21-22) can request and participate in this informal conference on the veteran's behalf. So there is truth to the idea that a VSO can "speak with" someone reviewing the case, but this is a formal, documented process available to any veteran who requests it, not a special favor or back-channel influence unique to that VSO. No accredited representative can privately lobby a rater outside this process, promise a particular outcome, or bypass the requirement that the decision be based on the evidentiary record and applicable law. If a VSO frames this as a special connection that virtually guarantees approval, that framing is inaccurate, even though the underlying conference mechanism is real.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →Veterans considering an HLR should ask their representative specifically whether they intend to request the informal conference, make sure that request is submitted with the 20-0996 form, and prepare beforehand to clearly identify the specific errors of fact or law in the prior decision, since that is the actual legal standard the higher-level reviewer applies. If new evidence exists, a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) rather than an HLR is the appropriate lane. The concrete next step is to ask the VSO directly whether they plan to request the informal conference under 38 CFR 3.2601 and to get that request confirmed in writing as part of the HLR filing.
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