HLR- website down? Saying can’t load issues for 4 days

The technical error preventing you from loading issues for your Higher-Level Review (HLR) is a known VA.gov system issue, not a procedural deficiency in your claim; your established effective date remains protected by your prior Intent to File (ITF) per 38 CFR 3.155(b), which holds the date of a claim for one year. To proceed, you have two actionable options: first, you can manually add your issues as the prompt suggests, meticulously listing each condition and contention from your ITF and ensuring you select "Higher-Level Review" as the type of review, which is a legally valid submission under the principle that a claim is complete when it indicates an intent to apply for benefits (see *Buchanan v. Nicholson*). Second, and often more reliable, you can file your HLR via the VA Form 20-0996 directly, either by mailing it to the evidence intake center or having a VSO submit it electronically, which creates a clear audit trail. Simultaneously, you must preserve evidence of the website error: take screenshots with timestamps and file a formal technical report via the VA.gov "Contact Us" link to document the problem, as this may be relevant if any future dispute arises regarding submission timeliness. Continue to monitor your claim status via the VA's 1-800 number (1-800-827-1000) for confirmation of receipt, as the online portal may lag. **Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes to assist in understanding VA processes and is not intended as legal or medical advice; for personal guidance on your claim, please consult an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.**