Supplemental Claim
Add new and relevant evidence the VA didn’t have before, or request review when the law has changed.
- VA helps gather the evidence you identify.
- "New” = not in your file; "Relevant” = tends to prove or disprove the issue.
Request a decision review
Higher-Level Review
A senior reviewer takes a fresh (de novo) look at the decision. No new evidence is allowed.
- Optional informal conference to flag factual or legal errors.
- If VA finds a duty-to-assist error, they’ll correct it and re-decide.
Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
A Veterans Law Judge reviews your case. Choose your path:
- Direct Review – judge reviews the record as-is (no new evidence, no hearing).
- Evidence Submission – send additional evidence without a hearing.
- Hearing – meet with a judge and add evidence at or within 90 days after the hearing.
Clinical Appeal (health care decisions)
Ask VA to review a decision your VA care team made about treatment or access to care.
Caregiver decisions
Disagree with a decision under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers?
Contested claims
If multiple people claim a benefit payable to only one party, different rules apply.
Insurance claims
Options to review life-insurance claim decisions.
Fiduciary claims
How to request review for decisions about fiduciary matters.
Manage your decision reviews and appeals
Check status online
Sign in to track a benefit-decision review or legacy appeal status.
Status tool doesn’t show health care decision reviews or appeals.
Legacy VA appeals (before Feb 19, 2019)
Learn how the legacy process works and what to expect if your Notice of Disagreement was filed under the old system.
More information and resources
Get accredited help
Find a VSO, accredited attorney, or claims agent to guide you.
Which option is right for you?
Compare Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal paths.
FAQs about decision reviews
Answers to common questions about timelines, evidence, and outcomes.
After you request a review
What happens next and how to prepare.
Debts and repayment
Check debt status for disability, pension, or education benefits and see repayment options.
About the AMA law
How the Appeals Modernization Act improves the claims and appeals process.
Message or call VA
Phone numbers
- MyVA411 (main info): 800-698-2411
- VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000
- Health benefits hotline: 877-222-8387
- Telecommunications Relay Services (TTY): 711
Numbers from VA’s Decision Reviews page. Availability may vary by program.
Local help (VACCC)
Prefer hands-on help? Our Veteran Service Officers can represent you and help choose the right path.
