Decision Review Request: Higher Level Review (VA Form 20-0996)

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-55) made substantial adjustments to VA’s benefits claims and appeals system. Among other changes, the legislation requires that claimants have access to a new three lane decision review process. As a part of the implementation of Pub. L. 115-55, VA created an entirely new higher-level review process, along with the appropriate form for requesting a higher-level review. Information is requested by this form to formalize a request for higher-level review on a decision rendered by VA. Authority is found in Pub. L. 115-55, and proposed 38 C.F.R. § 3.2601. In addition, VA created an entirely new supplemental claim process, along with the appropriate form for submitting a supplemental claim. Information is requested by this form to formalize a request for a supplemental claim on a decision rendered by VA. Authority is found in Pub. L. 115-55, and proposed 38 C.F.R. § 3.2501. In order to effectuate the new law, VBA is requesting creation of two new information collections and assignment of a new OMB Control Number for the following forms: VA Form 20-0996, Request for Higher-Level Review, and VA Form 20-0995, Supplemental Claim Application.

The latest form for Decision Review Request: Higher Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) expires 2022-02-28 and can be found here.