Its been over 3 months since I submitted my request for an informal HLR.

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.**