You must wait for the VA to call you at the phone number you provided on VA Form 20-0996 (Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review); you will not receive a scheduled appointment. The VA’s Higher-Level Review (HLR) process, governed by 38 CFR 3.2601, does not operate on a pre-scheduled conference system. When you request an informal conference, your claim is placed in a queue, and a senior reviewer (the Decision Review Officer or DRO) will call you, typically without advanced notice, during their review of your file. To maximize this opportunity, ensure your contact information is current with the VA, keep your phone readily available during business hours, and be thoroughly prepared to immediately discuss the specific errors in the prior decision, referencing relevant diagnostic codes (e.g., for mental health, cite 38 CFR 4.130, Schedule of Ratings – Mental Disorders) and legal principles like the requirement for adequate reasons and bases from *Gilbert v. Derwinski*. Actionable next steps include: preparing a concise bullet-point list of the clear and unmistakable errors (CUEs) or procedural violations you intend to argue, having your code sheet and rating decision handy during the call, and if you miss the call, promptly contacting the VA’s 1-800 number to update your file and request another attempt. **Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes regarding VA procedures and is not intended as legal, medical, or official claims advice; for such guidance, consult an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.**
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