A Higher-Level Review (HLR) is one of three lanes under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), filed on VA Form 20-0996 within one year of a rating decision. Unlike a Supplemental Claim, an HLR does not allow you to submit new evidence. A senior reviewer looks only at the evidence that was already in the file at the time of the decision being reviewed and determines whether the original decision was correct based on the law and facts as they existed then, including whether the rating activity properly weighed lay statements, medical opinions, and other evidence already of record. If the reviewer finds a clear error, such as improperly discounting a lay statement or misapplying the rating criteria, they can revise the decision favorably.
Requesting an informal conference with the higher-level reviewer is optional but often worthwhile. It is a phone conversation, not a hearing, where you or your representative can explain why you believe the prior decision misapplied the evidence or the regulations. The reviewer cannot consider new evidence during the conference, but they can clarify how existing evidence should have been weighed and can identify rater error. If they agree, they may grant an increase directly from the record without ordering a new Compensation and Pension exam, though they retain the authority to request a new exam or medical opinion if they believe the file is insufficient to decide the issue.
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 →Outcomes vary. Some HLRs result in no change if the reviewer agrees with the original rating, some result in a new exam being ordered, and some result in a favorable decision based purely on correcting how existing evidence was applied. The choice between HLR and Supplemental Claim matters: if you have new evidence not previously considered, such as a dated letter or new medical opinion, a Supplemental Claim is usually the better lane, since HLR reviewers are barred from considering evidence that was not already of record.
If you believe your last rating decision misjudged evidence already in your file, particularly lay or employer statements that were not addressed, request an HLR with an informal conference, and be ready to explain specifically which pieces of existing evidence were mishandled or ignored.
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