VA Decision Reviews: Your Three Options
Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals — explained side by side.
Last updated August 2026. Source: VA.gov
You Have Three Options After a VA Decision
If you disagree with a VA decision, you have one year to choose a review lane. You can only use one lane at a time per issue, but after each new decision, you can choose again.
The VA schedules it automatically after you file a claim
It is free to you
It can be in-person at a VA facility or with a contracted provider, or by telehealth
The examiner writes a report for the VA rater — you do not get a copy automatically
The Three Lanes at a Glance
Supplemental Claim — new and relevant evidence allowed; typical timeline 4–5 months. Higher-Level Review — no new evidence; typical timeline 4–5 months. Board Appeal — evidence depends on the option; typical timeline 1–7+ years. All three lanes have a one-year deadline from the decision.
Supplemental Claim
File a Supplemental Claim when you have new and relevant evidence that was not in your original claim file. The evidence must be new or not previously considered by the VA.
Higher-Level Review (HLR)
Request a Higher-Level Review when you believe the VA made an error in its decision, but you do not have new evidence. A senior VA reviewer re-examines your case.
Board Appeal
File a Board Appeal to have your case reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. This is the most formal option and takes the longest.
The VA schedules it automatically after you file a claim
It is free to you
It can be in-person at a VA facility or with a contracted provider, or by telehealth
The examiner writes a report for the VA rater — you do not get a copy automatically