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The VA offers three ways to challenge a decision. File a Supplemental Claim, Form 20-0995, if you have new evidence. Request a Higher-Level Review, Form 20-0996, if you believe the VA made an error using the same evidence. File a Board Appeal, Form 10182, to have a judge review your case.
What happened
You disagree with a decision on your VA claim. When you look for how to appeal, you find three different forms: 20-0995, 20-0996, and 10182. Each form starts a different kind of review. The right form for you depends on your evidence and what kind of review you want.
What usually applies
Each VA appeal form fits a different situation. File a Supplemental Claim, Form 20-0995, if you have new evidence the VA has not seen. Request a Higher-Level Review, Form 20-0996, if you believe the VA made an error using the evidence already in your file. You cannot add new evidence with this option. File a Board Appeal, Form 10182, to have a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals review your case. For a Higher-Level Review or a Board Appeal, you generally have 1 year from the date on your decision letter to file. If you miss that window, your next options depend on your benefit type. The VA aims to decide Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews in about 125 days. Board Appeals on the Direct Review track aim for about 365 days. These are goals, not guarantees. Your own decision letter shows your exact deadline.
“you can choose from 3 decision review options to continue your case: a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board Appeal.”
“File a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence that we didn’t consider before.”
“To file a Supplemental Claim, fill out VA Form 20-0995.”
“Request a Higher-Level Review if you believe there’s an error with the decision on your claim.”
“This reviewer will consider the same evidence as before. They can’t consider any new evidence.”
“To request a Higher-Level Review, fill out VA Form 20-0996.”
“Request a Board Appeal if you want a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your case.”
“You can also request a Board Appeal by filling out VA Form 10182.”
“For Higher-Level Reviews and Board Appeals, the deadline is 1 year from the date on your original decision letter.”
“If you miss the deadline for these review types, your options will depend on the benefit type.”
“For Supplemental Claims:  Our goal is   an average of 125 days (4 to 5 months).”
“For Higher-Level Reviews:  Our goal is an average of 125 days (4 to 5 months).”
“For Board Appeals:  Our goal is to process appeals on the Direct Review docket within an average of 365 days (1 year).”
“An accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you request a decision review.”
“VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000”
What to do
- 1
Check for new evidence
Do you have new evidence, like medical records? The VA has not seen it yet. File a Supplemental Claim, Form 20-0995.
- 2
Look for a mistake instead
Do you think the VA made an error? Use the same evidence already on file. Request a Higher-Level Review, Form 20-0996.
- 3
Want a judge to decide?
Want a judge to decide your case? File a Board Appeal, Form 10182, with the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
- 4
Watch your 1 year deadline
For a Higher-Level Review or a Board Appeal, file within 1 year of your decision letter date. Check your own letter for the exact date.
An accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer can help. They can help you pick a form and file it. If your deadline is close, contact a Veterans Service Officer. You can also call the VA benefits hotline at 800-827-1000.
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- VA.gov (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), Choosing a Decision Review OptionRetrieved 2026-07-16
- VA.gov (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), Decision Reviews and AppealsRetrieved 2026-07-16
Last reviewed 2026-07-16