VA Form 20-0998: Your Right to Seek Review of Our Decision

VA Form 20-0998: Your Right to Seek Review of Our Decision – If you received a VA benefits decision letter and disagree with any part of it, VA Form 20-0998 explains your rights and the three available options to request a review. This document is typically included with your decision notice and serves as your official guide under the modernized VA appeals system (Appeals Modernization Act or AMA).

Note: The form you received is likely the April 2024 version. It applies to VA decisions dated on or after February 19, 2019.

What Is VA Form 20-0998?

VA Form 20-0998, officially titled “Your Right to Seek Review of Our Decision,” is an informational notice — not a form you complete to file a request. It outlines your legal rights and details the three decision review options when you disagree with a VA decision on benefits such as disability compensation, pension, or other claims.

The current version (April 2024) replaced older notice forms (including the 4107 series) and clearly explains the modernized process.

Direct download (as provided):

Official VA page with download:
VA Form 20-0998 – Your Right to Seek Review of Our Decision

Why This Form Matters: Protect Your Earliest Effective Date

For most VA benefits, you generally have one year from the date on your decision notice to request a review. Filing within this window helps preserve the earliest possible effective date if benefits are granted or increased. Missing this deadline can result in a later effective date even if you ultimately win.

You can select different review options for different issues in the same decision, but you generally cannot request review of the same issue using more than one option at the same time.

The Three Decision Review Options Explained

VA provides three distinct paths when you disagree with a decision. Choosing the right one depends on your situation — especially whether you have new evidence.

Option 1: Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995)

File a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered. A VA reviewer will determine whether this evidence changes the prior decision.

New evidence can include recent medical records, buddy/lay statements, or private treatment records.
You can identify evidence for VA to help obtain (using VA Form 21-4142 where appropriate).
This option works well for claims involving new diagnoses, worsened conditions, or changes in law (such as presumptive conditions under the PACT Act).
Average processing time is often faster than other options for many claims.

Option 2: Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996)

Request a Higher-Level Review if you believe there was an error in the prior decision or a difference of opinion, but you do not have new evidence to submit.

An experienced senior claims adjudicator reviews the same evidence of record.
You may request an optional informal conference (a phone discussion) to point out specific errors.
No new evidence is accepted with this option.
Good choice when you want a fresh look at the existing record without adding more documents.
Average processing goal: approximately 125 days for many non-health care benefits.

Option 3: Board Appeal (VA Form 10182)

Appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for review by a Veterans Law Judge.

You must complete VA Form 10182 (Decision Review Request: Board Appeal).
You choose a docket: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or Hearing with a Veterans Law Judge.
This option provides a full de novo review and is often chosen when previous reviews were unfavorable or when you want a formal hearing.
Processing times are generally longer (often a year or more depending on docket and backlog).

How to Choose the Right Review Option?

Use this quick guide:

You have new and relevant evidence → Start with a Supplemental Claim.
You see a clear error in how VA applied the facts or law, and have no new evidence → Request a Higher-Level Review (consider the informal conference).
You want a Veterans Law Judge to review your case (with or without a hearing or new evidence) → File a Board Appeal.

For personalized guidance, contact an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or attorney. These representatives are free or low-cost and highly recommended.

Helpful resource: Choosing a Decision Review Option

How to Submit Your Review Request?

Submission methods vary by option and benefit type:

Online — Preferred for many disability compensation claims via your VA.gov account.
By mail — Send the completed form and supporting documents to the address listed on the form or VA.gov (e.g., Claims Intake Center in Janesville, WI for many compensation claims).
In person — At a VA regional office (for non-health care benefit claims in many cases).

Always keep copies of everything you submit and note the date.

Practical Tips for Success

Act within the one-year window from your decision notice date.
Clearly list every issue you disagree with and the specific decision date.
For Supplemental Claims, submit strong, relevant new evidence — quality matters more than quantity.
For Higher-Level Review, prepare clear written points or request the informal conference if you want to explain your position verbally.
Work with an accredited representative early — they can help identify the strongest option and avoid common pitfalls.
Check your claim or appeal status anytime at va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status
Keep records of all communications with VA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting new evidence with a Higher-Level Review request (it will not be considered and may delay your case).
Missing the one-year deadline from the decision notice.
Failing to specify all issues you want reviewed.
Attempting to use multiple review options simultaneously for the same issue.
Assuming you can easily switch options later without consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file more than one type of review at the same time?
No. You generally cannot request review of the same issue using more than one option simultaneously. You can, however, choose different options for different issues in the same decision.

What happens if VA finds a duty-to-assist error during a Higher-Level Review?
VA will correct the error, gather any missing evidence, and issue a new decision.

Can I submit new evidence later if I choose a Higher-Level Review first?
If you later want to submit new evidence, you will typically need to file a Supplemental Claim or Board Appeal instead.

How long do I have to appeal after a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim decision?
You generally have one year from the new decision notice to request further review (Board Appeal or another option).

Where can I get free help with my review request?
Contact an accredited VSO (such as DAV, American Legion, VFW, or state veterans service office), a VA-accredited claims agent, or attorney. Start at va.gov or your local VA regional office.

This guide is based on current official VA information as of 2026. VA processes and forms can be updated, so always verify the latest details directly on va.gov or consult an accredited representative for advice specific to your claim. The information here is for educational purposes and does not replace official VA guidance or personalized legal/claims assistance.

Primary sources: va.gov decision review pages and the April 2024 VA Form 20-0998.