If your VA disability claim was denied or rated too low, don’t give up—this is unfortunately a common part of the process, but there are clear paths forward. Two of the main options for challenging a decision are filing a Supplemental Claim or requesting a Higher-Level Review (HLR). Each has different rules, timelines, and best-use scenarios. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right strategy for your appeal.
What Is a Supplemental Claim?
A Supplemental Claim is your opportunity to submit new and relevant evidence that wasn’t previously considered. This path is ideal if you have something fresh to add to your case—like a new doctor’s report, a medical nexus letter, buddy statements, or updated service records.
The VA is required to review the new evidence and reconsider your claim. It’s not just a rehash of your original submission—it gives you a chance to fill in the gaps that led to your denial.
When to File a Supplemental Claim:
You have additional medical documentation.
You’ve obtained new service records.
You’ve had a condition worsen and now meet a higher rating threshold.
You were denied for lack of a nexus and now have a medical opinion linking your condition to service.
What Is a Higher-Level Review (HLR)?
A Higher-Level Review is a request for a senior VA adjudicator to re-review your existing claim without considering new evidence. This process focuses on identifying errors or misinterpretations in your original decision. You can even request an informal conference to explain your case to the reviewer by phone.
The HLR process is often quicker than a Supplemental Claim but has a higher bar—you must prove that the VA got it wrong based on the evidence already in the file.
When to Choose an HLR:
You believe the VA missed evidence already in your file.
The VA misapplied the law or rating criteria.
Your C&P exam clearly supports a higher rating or service connection.
You don’t have new evidence but want a more experienced adjudicator to take another look.
Key Differences at a Glance:
New Evidence Allowed? Only with a Supplemental Claim.
Who Reviews It? A different reviewer at the same level for Supplemental Claims; a more senior reviewer for HLR.
Informal Conference? Only available in HLR.
Processing Time? Both are typically resolved within 4–6 months, but timelines can vary.
Why This Matters for Veterans
Choosing the right appeal option can significantly affect the outcome and timeline of your claim. Filing a Supplemental Claim when you have strong new evidence can increase your odds dramatically. But if you believe the VA already had what it needed to make a correct decision and just got it wrong, an HLR may be the better route.
How Veterans Valor Can Help
At Veterans Valor, we don’t just assist you with filling out forms—we work with you to strategize. We review your past decisions, analyze what’s missing or misinterpreted, and guide you toward the appeal that offers the best chance of success. Whether that’s building strong new evidence for a Supplemental Claim or crafting a tight legal argument for an HLR, we’ve got your back.
Final Thoughts
Appealing a VA decision isn’t about fighting harder—it’s about fighting smarter. Let us help you choose the right path and make the strongest case possible to get the benefits you earned through your service.
