Turn the decision into an issue list
Download or keep the complete decision letter. In your own notes, pair each disputed issue with the reason you disagree and the page or record that supports your concern. Keep granted and denied issues separate so the request is specific.
For example, ‘I disagree with everything’ does not tell a reviewer where to look. ‘The decision says there is no treatment record; my clinic record dated [date] addresses that point’ gives you a concrete question to discuss with an accredited representative. This example is an organizing method, not a prediction of an outcome.
Match the review to the evidence
A Supplemental Claim is the route to consider when you have new and relevant evidence. A Higher-Level Review is based on the record already considered and cannot accept new evidence. A Board Appeal is reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge; its Direct Review, Evidence Submission, and Hearing options have different evidence rules.
The choice depends on your decision and procedural history. Do not attach new medical records to a Higher-Level Review expecting them to be considered as new evidence.
Check eligibility and deadlines before drafting
VA generally requires a Higher-Level Review request within one year of the date on the initial or Supplemental Claim decision letter. It is not available after another Higher-Level Review or a Board Appeal on the same issue. Other review routes have their own rules.
Read the instructions supplied with your decision and the current VA page for your chosen route. An accredited attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative can help you choose. AIVA’s preparation tools do not replace accredited representation or submit a review request for you.
Your next-step checklist
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