What it is
VA Form 20-0996, Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review, asks a more experienced VA adjudicator to take a de novo look at the exact record that was in front of the original rater. The reviewer is looking for a clear error in how the law or facts were applied. They cannot weigh new evidence or order new development, except to fix a duty-to-assist error.
When you use it
Use it when you believe the rater got the existing record wrong, wrong diagnostic code, ignored a favorable C&P finding, miscounted symptoms against the criteria, or missed a presumptive. If you have new evidence, a Supplemental Claim is the right lane instead.
What to gather before you fill it out
- Your decision letter listing the issues you want reviewed
- A short written explanation of the specific error you believe was made
- The page or exam reference in the existing record that supports your position
- A phone number if you want an informal conference
How to submit
File online at VA.gov, by mail to the Janesville Evidence Intake Center, by fax, or in person at a regional office. On the form, you can request an informal conference, a phone call with the higher-level reviewer (or with your representative) to point out errors in the record. No new evidence or testimony can be introduced during that call.
Common pitfalls
- Sending new evidence with this form does not help, the reviewer cannot consider it. File a Supplemental Claim instead.
- The one-year filing window runs from the date on your decision letter. Miss it and your only path back is a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence, and your effective date will not be preserved.
- Only one informal conference is allowed. If you miss the reviewer's call, you do not get a second attempt.
Related forms
VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim), VA Form 10182 (Board Appeal).
Sources
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-0996/, 38 CFR 3.2601