Appeals & hearing prep
Find your next step after a VA decision.
Keep your decision letter beside you. Answer a few questions about what VA decided, when it decided, and whether you need to add evidence. You will get a checklist, the form to check, and VA’s filing instructions. Read the options below if you want help understanding them first.
Your decision-review options
Read about the review options.
Expand an option to read more, or answer the decision questions to find a next step. Check the instructions and deadlines in your notice with VA or an accredited representative.
Read how each review works
Know what the conversation will look like.
At an HLR informal conference, you explain errors to a senior reviewer using evidence VA already had. At a Board hearing, you promise to tell the truth, explain your appeal, and answer a judge’s questions. Both are optional; check which one your review allows.
Appeal a decision
Claims related to toxic exposure
Explain what happened in your own words
Build the evidence
Keep your decision and records together.
Find the decision date, any earlier review of the same issue, and the records you want VA to consider. Use those details to answer the next questions and get your checklist.