Step 1: Don't panic, and don't wait
In most cases you have one year from the date of the decision to request a Higher-Level Review, file a Supplemental Claim, or appeal to the Board. Acting within that year generally preserves your original effective date, which can mean months or years of back pay.
Step 2: Read the decision letter, especially "reasons for decision"
VA's letter lists the evidence considered and explains why each issue was denied. Look for phrases like:
- "No evidence of a current diagnosis": VA didn't find a diagnosis in the record
- "No in-service event": VA didn't find the injury, event, or exposure in your records
- "Not at least as likely as not related": no favorable medical link (nexus), or the C&P examiner gave a negative opinion
- "Failed to report for examination": a missed C&P exam
Step 3: Find the real reason
Request your C&P exam report and, ideally, your full claims file (C-file). Negative exam opinions often rest on incomplete history or misread records. Those errors are what reviews are built on.
We'll read it with you and recommend the best next step, free.
Step 4: Choose your review lane
| Option | Best when | New evidence? |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) | VA made a clear error or overlooked evidence already in the file | No |
| Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) | You can add new and relevant evidence, such as a nexus letter, records, or buddy statements | Yes |
| Board Appeal (VA Form 10182) | You want a Veterans Law Judge to decide, on the direct, evidence, or hearing docket | Depends on docket |
After a Board decision, you may appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims within 120 days. For a deeper comparison, read HLR vs. Supplemental Claim vs. Board Appeal.
Step 5: Protect your effective date
If you stay in the review system continuously (filing your next review within one year of each decision), VA generally keeps the effective date of your original claim. Missing the deadline usually means starting over with a later date.
Step 6: Get help, and know the fee rules
Accredited representatives can charge for help after VA's initial decision. Our fee is 20% of past-due benefits, and you only pay if we win. Read more on our fees page or denials & appeals page.
Sources
VA: Decision review options · VA: Supplemental Claims · VA: Higher-Level Review · VA: Board appeals
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 2026.