Decision Review Playbooks

A denial or lowball rating isn't the end. These playbooks help you pick the right review lane and build a stronger case.

Supplemental Claims let you add new evidence. Higher-Level Reviews catch legal errors without needing new evidence. Each playbook walks through when to use which lane and exactly what to submit.

You've got one year from your decision date to file, so take time to get it right rather than rushing.

Have new evidence? Use the Supplemental Claim playbook to add it and reopen your case.
Think the VA made a mistake? The Higher-Level Review playbook covers informal conferences and error correction.
Track every decision and deadline in the Claim Prep Checklist.

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VA Supplemental Claim: How to File Form 20-0995 After Denial

Denied? File within one year to protect your effective date. Step-by-step VA Form 20-0995 guide with evidence checklist, prep timeline, and deadlines.

How to Request a VA Higher-Level Review

Turn a VA denial into a Higher-Level Review win: dissect your decision letter, prep VA Form 20-0996, script the informal conference, and keep your effective date on target.

All Decision Review Playbooks

Nexus Letter Template

Get your doctor to connect the dots for your supplemental evidence.

Lay Statement Template

Add new witness statements to strengthen your case.

Claim Prep Checklist

Track deadlines and evidence for your review.

Can I file multiple decision reviews at once?

Yes, you can file different review lanes for different contentions. Keep them organized—track each issue separately so evidence goes to the right docket.

When should I go to the Board instead?

Consider the Board if the VA keeps making the same errors or ignoring evidence. It takes longer, but a Veterans Law Judge has more authority to fix complex issues.

File a Claim Playbooks

Step-by-step VA disability claim guides for new claims, secondary conditions, and TDIU. Lock your effective date, build your evidence, and submit a complete packet.

Evidence & Exams Playbooks

C&P exam prep and rating increase guides for VA disability claims. Document worsening symptoms, prepare for exams, and build evidence that supports accurate ratings.

Mental Health Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Stressor statements, therapy documentation, and C&P exam prep.

Respiratory & Sleep Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for sleep apnea and respiratory conditions. CPAP compliance, secondary connections, and pulmonary evidence strategies.

Pain & Mobility Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for back pain, knee conditions, and joint disabilities. Range of motion documentation, flare-up evidence, and orthopedic C&P exam prep.

Neurological Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for TBI, migraines, and neurological conditions. The 10-facet TBI rating system, prostrating headache documentation, and secondary claims.