Do I need to add evidence?
Higher-Level Review (HLR) asks a more senior reviewer to check evidence VA already had. A Supplemental Claim asks VA to consider new and relevant evidence: information it has not considered that helps prove or disprove a point in the claim.
Check HLR when the evidence was already there
Find the decision’s statement that you believe is wrong and the record already in VA’s file that addresses it. Note the document, date, and page. Check whether your decision allows HLR and whether the request is still within its deadline.
Check a Supplemental Claim when you need to add evidence
Write what the new document adds. For example, a new clinician’s explanation may address a question the earlier decision left open. Compare its contents with the denial reason, disputed rating, or benefit start date before submitting it.
Do this next if you are unsure
- Copy the disputed sentence from your decision and its date.
- List the records that address it. Mark each as already submitted or new.
- Use the next-step questions and check the deadline. Bring the letter and list to an accredited representative if both options still seem possible.