Paste only the reasons-for-decision language you want to review. The text is processed locally in your browser. This tool does not choose an appeal lane, provide legal advice, or guarantee a different outcome.
These are the three review options VA lists for many benefit decisions. Your decision letter and benefit type control your actual deadline and eligibility.
When you have or can identify new and relevant evidence that VA did not previously consider.
Deadline: VA says you may file at any time, but recommends filing within 1 year of the decision letter to help preserve the effective date.
New evidence allowed: Yes
VA Form 20-0995
Official VA guidanceWhen you want a higher-level reviewer to look for an error or difference of opinion using the existing record.
Deadline: Generally within 1 year of the date on the decision letter. Your letter controls the deadline.
New evidence allowed: No
VA Form 20-0996
Official VA guidanceWhen you want a Veterans Law Judge to review the case. Direct Review, Evidence Submission, and Hearing options have different evidence rules.
Deadline: Generally within 1 year of the relevant decision letter; special rules can apply, including contested claims.
New evidence: depends on the Board docket selected
VA Form 10182
Official VA guidanceVA says Higher-Level Reviews and most Board Appeals generally have a 1-year deadline, while a Supplemental Claim can generally be filed later but may affect effective-date protection. Some benefits and contested claims have different deadlines. Read your decision letter.