VA’s Higher-Level Review averages about 125 days for most disability decisions, with informal conferences adding extra time.
If you just got a rating decision you disagree with, the Higher-Level Review lane (HLR) is the fastest way to ask VA for a second look using the same evidence. The clock matters here. You want a clear sense of the typical wait, what can slow it, and the simple moves that keep your review moving. This guide gives you that—up front and without fluff.
VA Higher-Level Review Timeline And What Affects It
VA sets an average goal of four to five months for HLR decisions on benefits that aren’t health-care related. That number comes from official guidance and is the bar you can use to set expectations. Real-world cases can land sooner or later, based on choices you make during the process and the specifics of your claim.
| Review Type | Average VA Goal | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-Level Review (HLR) | ~125 days (4–5 months) | You think VA made an error; no new evidence |
| Supplemental Claim | ~125 days (4–5 months) | You have new and relevant evidence |
| Board Appeal – Direct Review | ~365 days | You want a judge to review with no hearing or new evidence |
What The Average Really Means
The posted average is a pace target, not a guarantee. It reflects nationwide performance across many regional offices. Your timeline can shift with office workload, the number of issues you appealed, and whether a duty-to-assist error turns up and triggers extra development. If an exam is needed to fix that kind of error, expect more weeks on the clock.
Choices That Add Time
An optional informal conference lets you talk by phone with the senior reviewer about errors you see in the prior decision. That call can help in the right case, but it adds scheduling steps. Pick it when you need to point out clear misreads or oversight. Skip it when your written argument says the same thing cleanly.
Other Common Slowdowns
- Multiple issues listed: More issues means more checks, so the file stays open longer.
- Mail-only filing: Mailing VA Form 20-0996 adds transit time and scanning; online filing removes that lag.
- Missed calls or voicemail full: If VA can’t reach you for a scheduled conference, the review proceeds without it.
- Address or phone changes: Mismatched contact details can bounce calls and letters.
How To Estimate Your Own Wait
Use a simple “baseline plus add-ons” approach. Start with 125 days. Then add or subtract based on the path you choose and the complexity of the file.
Baseline + Additions
- Baseline: 125 days for a standard HLR with no conference.
- Informal conference: add 2–8 weeks for scheduling and call completion.
- Duty-to-assist error found: VA closes HLR, reopens for development, then issues a new decision; add several weeks to a few months.
- Heavy caseload period: add a few weeks.
Quick Scenarios
- Single-issue HLR, no conference: many land near four months.
- Two to four issues, conference requested: five to six months is common.
- HLR that uncovers a development error: expect a longer path while VA fixes it, then a fresh decision.
Ways To Keep The Clock Moving
Small moves shave weeks. Here’s a tight checklist that targets the usual friction points.
File Clean And Straight
HLR uses the same record; no new evidence is allowed. Keep the request focused on the prior decision’s errors. List the exact issues, cite the decision date, and attach a short statement that calls out the misread or wrong standard used. Clear issue labeling helps the reviewer route and decide faster.
Be Strategic With The Conference
Ask for the call when your case benefits from real-time clarification of a complex error. Skip it when a written statement covers the point. If you pick the call, choose morning or afternoon on the form, and make sure voicemail works.
Use Online Filing And Status
Online submission for disability compensation avoids mail delays and gives you status access. VA outlines the HLR process and timing on its official pages. You can read the agency’s average-time goal and the conference note on the Higher-Level Reviews page, and see side-by-side timelines for each lane on Choosing a decision review option. Both links are direct to VA resources.
Answer VA Fast
If VA schedules an exam to correct a development error, go. If you get a letter asking for confirmation or contact, respond quickly. Missed touchpoints drag the file.
Keep Contact Details Current
Update your phone and mailing address before filing. If you list a representative, confirm their number is correct and that they’re ready for a conference slot.
What Happens During A Higher-Level Review
A senior adjudicator gives your file a de novo read. That means a fresh look at the same record with no new evidence added. The reviewer can change a decision based on clear error or a difference in judgment. If a duty-to-assist miss appears, HLR closes and VA opens development to fix it. You’ll get a letter showing the next steps and any exam dates.
What You Receive At The End
Expect a written decision explaining the outcome, the issues decided, and what was considered. If any issue stays denied, you can pivot to a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence or seek a Board Appeal. Both follow the one-year window from the date on the HLR decision letter.
Common Missteps And Myths
“I’ll just add more evidence here.”
HLR can’t accept new evidence. If you have new records or a fresh medical opinion, file a Supplemental Claim instead.
“Calling the reviewer will always speed things up.”
The conference is helpful in select cases, but it adds scheduling. Use it when a short call clears up a complex error; skip it when your written statement does the job.
“My timeline matches the internet average.”
Averages guide expectations. Your office’s workload, the number of issues, and any development steps determine the real wait.
Second Table: Delay Triggers And Practical Fixes
| Trigger | How It Adds Time | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Informal conference | Scheduling and callbacks extend the queue | Use only when a short call adds value |
| Duty-to-assist error | HLR closes, new development opens | Attend exams; respond fast to letters |
| Mail submission | Transit, scanning, and routing delays | File online for disability compensation |
| Multiple issues | More review steps per issue | Group issues clearly; label dates |
| Outdated contact info | Missed calls and letters | Verify phone and address before filing |
Step-By-Step: Filing An HLR Without Unneeded Delays
1) Pick The Right Lane
No new evidence? Choose HLR. New and relevant evidence in hand? Choose a Supplemental Claim instead. Want a judge to review with no new evidence? Direct Board review fits that path but takes longer.
2) Prepare Your Issues List
Copy the exact issue labels from your decision letter and include the decision date for each. Keep your list tidy and within the same benefit type.
3) Draft A Tight Statement
In one or two short paragraphs, lay out the error. Cite the misread record, missed regulation, or rating criteria applied the wrong way. Stick to facts, not emotion.
4) Choose Whether To Request A Conference
If a call will clear up a discrete error faster than a page of writing, check the box and pick a time window. Make sure someone answers the number listed.
5) File Online When Possible
Use the HLR online form for disability compensation. It saves mailing time and gives you access to live status updates.
6) Track And Respond
Watch for exam notices or letters. Show up for exams, and reply to any requests without delay. Keep your voicemail open.
When The Clock Runs Long
If you cross the five-month mark with no movement, check your status and confirm contact details. If a conference was requested, call volume and scheduling might be the reason. If the file shows a development action to fix an error, that step must finish before a new decision issues. Patience helps here, but you still control response times and attendance.
After You Get The Decision
Read the reasons and bases for each issue. If you still disagree, you have options inside the one-year window from the HLR decision date. Bring new, relevant evidence and file a Supplemental Claim, or ask the Board for a judge’s review. Pick the lane that fits your goal and your evidence posture.
Clear Next Steps
- Want the fastest second look with no new evidence? File HLR and skip the conference unless a short call helps.
- Have new medical records or a fresh nexus? Use a Supplemental Claim instead.
- Prefer a judge to review the record with no hearing? Direct Board review is slower but fits that goal.
Use the official HLR guidance for form access, timing goals, and the conference policy, then tailor the plan to your case. Clean filing and quick responses keep the meter close to the posted average.