VA Appeals

VA Form 20-0996

Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review

Asks a senior reviewer at the VA to take a fresh look at a recent denial — same evidence, new pair of eyes. Limited window: file within 1 year of decision.

Who files
Veterans recently denied who believe VA misapplied the law or facts in their case.
Next step
Often paired with a 15-minute informal conference (you can request one).
Download from VA.gov Find a CVSO who can help file
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related VA Appeals forms

About this form catalog

This is part of a 22-form catalog covering disability claims, appeals, representation, education benefits, healthcare, housing, pension, and records access — maintained by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund. Every entry includes the official VA download URL, plain-English description, who-files-it, and next-step routing to free claims help (CVSOs and VSOs). Free to use under CC-BY 4.0. Browse all forms → · Find a free CVSO →