Yes, it is entirely appropriate and advisable to call the VA for a status check on your Higher-Level Review (HLR). While the VA does not publish a formal timeline for HLR completion, a three-month wait without contact exceeds typical expectations and warrants inquiry to ensure your claim has not been administratively stalled. You should immediately contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or utilize the "Ask VA" portal to request a status update and confirm they have all necessary documentation. Given your edit that you just received the scheduling call, your HLR is now active; be prepared for your informal conference, where you can directly address the specific errors in the prior decision per **38 CFR 3.2601**. During this conference, you can argue for a revised rating based on the existing record, citing relevant Diagnostic Codes and the criteria in **38 CFR 4.130** for mental disorders if applicable, and you may reference case law like *DeLuca v. Brown* regarding the severity of functional impairment. If the HLR returns an unfavorable decision, your actionable next step is to file a Notice of Disagreement to initiate a Board of Veterans’ Appeals review within one year. **Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes regarding VA processes and is not intended as legal, medical, or official advice; for guidance on your specific claim, please consult an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.**
Need a deeper analysis?
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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