VA Appeals Process Explained: Higher Level Review vs. Supplemental Claim

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the VA appeals process. In this video, we will focus on two types of appeal: higher level review and supplemental claim. If you are a veteran who has been denied benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you have the right to appeal their decision. This can be a daunting and confusing process, but it is important to understand your options in order to receive the benefits you deserve.

These are two commonly used options for veterans looking to challenge the VA's decision on their claim.

What is Higher Level Review?

Higher level review is a faster option for appealing a denial from the VA compared to traditional appeals. It is a review of the same evidence that was initially used to make the decision on your claim, but by a more senior VA official.

How Does Higher Level Review Work?

If you choose to pursue higher level review, your case will be reviewed by a senior reviewer who has not been involved in the initial decision on your claim. They will look at all the evidence and make a new decision based on that information.

One thing to keep in mind is that you cannot submit any new evidence or arguments during this process. The decision will solely be based on the existing evidence.

What is Supplemental Claim?

Supplemental claim, also known as "reopen", allows veterans to submit new and relevant evidence for their claim after being denied by the VA. This evidence can include new medical records, service records, or any other information that was not previously available.

How Does Supplemental Claim Work?

If you choose to submit a supplemental claim, your case will be reviewed by a different decision maker at the VA. This reviewer will look at all the new evidence and make a decision based on that information.
It is important to note that this process may take longer than higher level review as it involves submitting and reviewing new evidence.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Deciding between higher level review and supplemental claim will depend on your specific situation. Here are some factors to consider:

If you do not have any new evidence to support your claim, higher level review may be the better option as it is a faster process.

If you have new evidence that could strengthen your claim, supplemental claim may be the better choice as it allows for the submission of this evidence.

In conclusion, higher level review and supplemental claim are two options available to veterans looking to appeal a denial from the VA. It is important to carefully consider which option is best for your situation before moving forward with the appeals process. We hope this guide has provided valuable information and clarity on these two types of appeals. Remember, never give up fighting for the benefits you deserve! So, keep exploring and learning about different VA appeals processes so you can make informed decisions about your own case. Good luck! Keep fighting for what you deserve!

🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[CombatCraig]

It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Veterans Benefits!
SUPERCHARGE your VA CLAIM!

[ZonaJim]

I filed an appeal (higher level review) on June 15th 2022. It's now been 23-1/2 months. So much for the 125 day target.

[KLO]

Did the HLR in April last year, error was found last year in July. Now waiting on the VA to decide the outcome after giving the doctors the information that was in my file they didn’t give them the first time and getting a decision that my injury and disability WAS Service Connected….. of course they are going to drag it out because it should put me in the Hundo Club!

[Theeorie]

"We don't want to be dragging this stuff out til we're dead" 🤣🤣🤣

[lovelove-erlq]

Great Topic, Waiting on my decision from BVA 2024.2 remands waiting final decision.

[charleshill]

What a freaking nightmare...im at the beginning of filing what i think should be 100% ptsd. This look daunting

[Dee-fgnx]

Nobody talks about this. What if they ignore your evidence in the higher level review? What lane do you take after that?

[geilkindmachen]

Never EVER got a decision letter! Only a denial letter! After filing for nearly 10 years I gave up. So much for being able to file any appeal or whatever against them if not told you could do that! Angry yes! Combat vet YES! 😡Getting an attorney now, YES!

[donclayton]

Still waiting for my claims letter from 18 months ago or longer. And 10 years for a claim that a judge ruled was service connected

[AllDefiAreRugs]

Craig, what is considered an existing symptom, diagnosis, etc.? Within the last few years? If there hasn't been a complaint in the last year, yet there's nothing that says I got better or anything, just that I didn't go into the clinic recently, why would they deny my claim quoting the C&P: "It says you have a diagnosis but based on records and images, it doesn't appear you have a chronic situation but rather acute" and yet the diagnosis SAYS chronic from both outside and inside the VA as well as while in-service! They "concede" to TERA due to my MOS under favorable findings, yet deny me from filing it as TERA due to the C&P's words? Do I wait for my c-file before asking for an HLR? Should I do the informal conference?

Btw, your audio is messed...coming from left speaker only.

[carlsmith]

I just did an HLR on the 7th of August 2024. Now, I am being scheduled for 3 more QTC exams. The letter that I received after the higher level review was a duty to assist stating that medical information was not looked at. What's up with this?

[nickusmp]

September 2021 filed a HLR. May 2024, still waiting for it to be sent to a veterans appeal Judge. Fucking joke of an organization.

[cnn-ie]

Hello, I just got 100% P&T, I still have 3 claims awaiting for decisions, 1 still awaiting for P&C exam, 2 HLR. Should I go ahead with them or should I cancel the 2 HLR and the up coming P&C exam? Thank you.

[chrisgriff]

Are supplemental claims processed/decided quicker than a normally submitted claim? My last claim was decided in about 4 months but it was just a normal claim.

[xnavcb]

Hill and ponton refused my decision letter based on the fact that I'm not going to be 100% unable to work..dropped your name..very disappointed . I got sold into a ponzy

[jimragsdale]

Have all evidence plus nexus… appealed to judge. Going on 14 months with one, 10 on th other and still waiting to get it assigned to a judge

[briancomerford]

Applied for increase for hearing loss and hole in eardrum. Both denied. I was recently diagnosed w/Meniere's Disease and included a doctor letter stating diagnosis and symptoms in my claim request. VA denied my increase claim. What did I miss?

[masonmanson]

What about if you filed a FDC for secondary with private medical evidence, Lay statement, IMO/nexus and the Va totally disregard my private Medical evidence and Cfile which would have my STR and past DBQs. Those items were missing from my decision letter. Under VA law it states that Va is required to make reasonable effort to obtain medical evidence to help the claimant and under Va law it also states that before a decision is made the Va has to review all the evidence including private medical evidence and STR and DBQs and lay statements and nexus. So would this be a HLR issue or supplemental issues bc they failed to gather the evidence that was missing from the decision letter evidence section to make the appropriate rating decision???

[BilKen]

Have both HLR & SR running Bene tab changed...says requested Atty Fee letter...hmm?

[jessiearagon]

If i am awarded 20% and I submit a HLR, will they stop or continue paying 20% during the process?