VA Decision Review and Appeals Resources
General information about VA decision-review options and where to find accredited assistance.
If you disagree with a VA benefits decision, several review options may be available. The appropriate option depends on the specific decision, procedural history, evidence, deadlines, and individual circumstances.
This page provides general educational information and links to official resources. Field Grade Advisory Group does not review individual decisions, recommend an appeal pathway, evaluate claim evidence, or prepare decision-review filings.
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF VA REVIEW OPTIONS
VA identifies three principal decision-review options for many benefit decisions.
Supplemental Claim
A Supplemental Claim generally allows a claimant to present or identify new and relevant evidence or request review under certain changes in law.
Field Grade Advisory Group does not determine whether evidence is new and relevant or advise whether a Supplemental Claim is appropriate.
Higher-Level Review
A Higher-Level Review generally asks a more senior VA reviewer to reconsider a decision using the existing record. New evidence generally cannot be submitted through this review option.
Field Grade Advisory Group does not review decisions for errors, prepare conference arguments, or advise whether Higher-Level Review is appropriate.
Board Appeal
A Board Appeal generally asks a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review a decision. Different Board review options may involve different procedures concerning evidence and hearings.
Field Grade Advisory Group does not recommend a Board review option, prepare appeal documents, or assist with hearings.
Program requirements and procedures can change. Always consult current VA information and the instructions in your decision letter.
OFFICIAL VA RESOURCES
For current information about Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals, visit VA’s official decision-review website.
For help with a specific VA decision, claim, or appeal, locate a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, claims agent, or attorney.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE NOTICE
VA decision-review and appeal deadlines may apply. Your decision letter should identify available options and applicable time limits.
Field Grade Advisory Group does not calculate or monitor filing deadlines. Review your decision promptly and contact VA or a VA-accredited representative if you need assistance.
SERVICE BOUNDARIES
- Field Grade Advisory Group does not:
• Review the merits of a VA decision, claim, or appeal
• Interpret a decision for the purpose of challenging it
• Determine whether VA made a factual, legal, or procedural error
• Recommend a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal
• Evaluate service connection, disability ratings, or effective dates
• Analyze allegations of Clear and Unmistakable Error
• Evaluate medical or lay evidence for a claim
• Identify evidence needed to obtain or increase benefits
• Recommend DBQs, medical opinions, or supporting statements
• Prepare decision-review forms, arguments, briefs, or hearing materials
• Monitor claim or appeal deadlines
• Prepare, present, or prosecute VA benefits claims
• Represent clients before the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Guarantee decisions, ratings, effective dates, benefits, or other outcomes
INDEPENDENCE AND ACCREDITATION NOTICE
Field Grade Advisory Group is an independent, veteran-focused healthcare consulting and educational firm led and managed by Brooke Hossfeld. The firm is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Field Grade Advisory Group is not a VA-accredited representative and does not prepare, present, or prosecute claims for VA benefits. Information on this page is general education and does not constitute legal representation, medical advice, eligibility advice, or claim-specific guidance.
For assistance with a particular VA decision, claim, or appeal, contact VA or a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, claims agent, or attorney.