VA Disability Glossary – Key Terms Every Veteran Should Know

Higher-Level Review (HLR)

  • A Higher-Level Review (HLR) is one of the three appeal options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). It allows a veteran to request that a more experienced VA reviewer re-evaluate a decision on their claim without submitting new evidence.

    The review is based solely on the evidence already in the VA’s file at the time of the appealed decision. The goal is to catch legal, factual, or procedural errors that may have led to an incorrect outcome.

    • You believe the VA made a mistake in evaluating your evidence

    • You think the law or rating schedule was misapplied

    • You do not have new evidence yet, or you do not need it, and want a second look at your claims by a senior reviewer

    • You must request an HLR within 1 year of the VA’s decision

    • You cannot submit new evidence with an HLR

    • The review is focused on errors or differences of opinion. The reviewer will determine if an error or a difference in opinion changes the initial decision

    • Typically a faster appeal option than the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) option

    • You can request an optional informal conference—a phone call where you (or your representative) explain the errors you believe were made

    • HLRs are not available for decisions made by previous HLRs or Board appeals

  • Higher-Level Review can result in a quicker decision than other appeal lanes and may correct clear errors without starting the process over. However, because no new evidence is allowed, it is important to ensure the existing record already supports your case.

    A VA-accredited representative can help you determine if HLR is the best option and advocate on your behalf during the informal conference, increasing your chances of a successful outcome. We have attorneys and representatives here at Greene & Marusak who can help you out with this.

    Give us a call at (844) 483-8737

    Check out our YouTube video where we breakdown the Higher-Level Review option: VA Claim Denial: Is the Higher-Level Review Option Right For You?

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