Section I: Veteran
Items 1 to 8: name, Social Security number, VA file number, date of birth, VA insurance policy number, current mailing address, phone and email. A check box under Item 6 is for someone experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
20-0996
Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review
- Agency
- VA
- Revision
- March 2024
- Fillable fields
- 119
- Pages
- 5
- Official source
- VA form page
- Checked
- October 20, 2026
VA Form 20-0996, Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review
VA Form 20-0996, Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review, is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs form for asking for a new review of an issue VA has already decided. The form says the review is based on the evidence of record at the time VA issued notice of the prior decision, and that the Higher-Level Reviewer will not consider evidence received after that notification date.
Each form covers one benefit type. It asks for the veteran's and claimant's details, the benefit type, whether you want an optional informal conference, and each issue of disagreement with the date of VA's decision notification letter. The form says it is to be received by VA within one year of the date VA provided notice of the decision.
The March 2024 edition has 5 pages: 2 pages of instructions, then the form. You can fill it out free in your browser on this page and download the result without an account.
What's on VA Form 20-0996
Section II: Claimant
Items 9 to 14 ask for the claimant's name, Social Security number, date of birth, mailing address, phone and email, when the claimant is not the veteran.
Section III: Benefit type
Item 15 takes one box only. The form says a Veterans Health Administration decision, including one on reimbursement for medical expenses or non-VA emergency care, is marked as Veterans Health Administration.
Section IV: Optional informal conference
Item 16A requests a conference with the Higher-Level Reviewer to identify errors of fact or law. Item 16B picks whom VA contacts and, by phone, morning or afternoon hours, and Item 17 gives a representative's name, phone and email.
Section V: Issues for review
Item 18A lists each issue of disagreement and Item 18B the date of VA's decision notification letter, both marked required. Only issues for the benefit type in Item 15 can be listed, and extra pages can be attached.
Sections VI and VII: Signatures
Items 19A and 19B are the veteran's or claimant's signature and date. Items 20A to 20C are for a VA authorized representative signing instead.
How to file VA Form 20-0996
- 1
Read your decision notice
The form says to refer to your decision notification letter for the issues VA decided. The same letter names the VA office or processing center that receives the request.
- 2
Fill in Sections I to III
Enter the veteran's details, the claimant's details if different, and one benefit type. The form says VA may return the form if it is incomplete.
- 3
Decide on the informal conference
Check Item 16A only to request one. The form says a written statement can be sent instead, and that requesting a conference may delay the decision.
- 4
List the issues and dates
Enter each issue in Item 18A and the date of VA's most recent decision on it in Item 18B. Attached pages carry your name and file number.
- 5
Sign it in ink
Sign and date Items 19A and 19B. The form recommends not signing in pencil, as forms signed in pencil may be returned. An alternate signer includes VA Form 21-0972.
- 6
Send it and keep a copy
Send it to the local VA office or processing center on your decision notification letter, or use VA's online tool. The form says to keep a copy of all completed forms and materials.
Why fill Form 20-0996 on indox
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- Works on a phone, tablet or computer
Where to send it, timing and help
Where to send it
The form says to submit it to the local VA office or processing center identified on your decision notification letter. Mailing addresses are listed at www.va.gov/decision-reviews/higher-level-review/.
Online
The VA page says you can apply online instead of filling out and sending the paper form.
Timing
The form says it is to be received by VA "within one year of the date VA provided notice of our decision." Opting in from an SOC or SSOC is within 60 days from the date of the SOC or SSOC.
Same or different office
The form says the review can be requested at the same or a different office within the agency of original jurisdiction, but some issue types are processed at only one VA office.
Priority processing
The homelessness box is under Item 6. For other reasons, the form says VA Form 20-10207, Priority Processing Request, can be filed with this form.
Getting help
An accredited representative, such as an attorney, claims agent or Veterans Service Organization, can assist. VA also helps at 1-800-827-1000.
Related forms
Who uses VA Form 20-0996?
The form says a Higher-Level Review may not be requested for the review of a Higher-Level Review decision or a Board of Veterans' Appeals decision.
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Questions about Form 20-0996
Can I add new evidence to a Higher-Level Review?
No. The form says the Higher-Level Reviewer will not consider any evidence received after the notification date of the prior decision. It points to www.va.gov/decision-reviews/ for review options that allow VA to consider new evidence.
What is the informal conference?
An optional conference with the Higher-Level Reviewer to identify errors of fact or law in the decision. The form says VA holds only one, makes two attempts to schedule it, and issues a decision if it cannot reach you or your representative.
How long do I have to file VA Form 20-0996?
The form says it is to be received by VA within one year of the date VA provided notice of the decision. For issues in a legacy Statement of the Case or Supplemental Statement of the Case, it says within 60 days from that document's date.
Can I ask for a Higher-Level Review of a Board decision?
No. The form says a Higher-Level Review may not be requested for the review of a Higher-Level Review decision or a Board of Veterans' Appeals decision.
Can I include more than one benefit type?
No. The form says a separate VA Form 20-0996 is completed for each benefit type, and only issues for the benefit type selected in Item 15 can be listed.
Can I file a Higher-Level Review online?
Yes. The VA page says you can apply online instead of filling out and sending the paper form.