VA Higher-Level Review: Correct Claim Errors FAST with VA Form 20-0996 Step by Step Guide

Denied VA claim or spotted errors in your VA decision letter? In this video, Craig from Royal Rock Counseling and Consulting walks you step-by-step through filing a VA Higher-Level Review (HLR) using VA Form 20-0996. Learn what an HLR is, how it compares to a supplemental claim, when to request an informal conference, and exactly how to complete the form to avoid delays or denials.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

✅ What a VA Higher-Level Review is & why it’s faster than a supplemental claim
✅ When to use HLR vs. supplemental claims or BVA appeals
✅ Key deadlines to protect your effective date (1-year rule!)
✅ How to request an informal conference or submit a written statement
✅ Tips to avoid common mistakes and delays

Timestamps/Key Moments

00:00 – Intro: Helping veterans win their VA claims and appeals
00:26 – Why filing a Higher-Level Review (HLR) matters after a VA denial
01:01 – HLR vs. Supplemental Claim: Key differences you must know
02:12 – What is a VA Higher-Level Review and who reviews it?
03:46 – What you can and cannot submit for HLR (no new evidence!)
05:05 – Critical deadlines and avoiding missed effective dates
07:18 – Choosing the correct VA office and benefit type for HLR
08:53 – Informal conferences vs. written statements: Which is better?
10:41 – Common mistakes veterans make with HLR submissions
11:52 – How to complete VA Form 20-0996 step-by-step
19:17 – Correctly listing issues, dates, and specific disagreements
22:19 – Example of a well-crafted disagreement statement
23:43 – Recap: Key HLR trade-offs, pros, and cons
25:40 – Tips to avoid delays and ensure VA processes your claim quickly
26:33 – Call-to-action: Free PDF guides and personal help options

References:
Higher-Level-Review Form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba...

#higherlevelreview #vaclaims #veteransbenefits #veterans #vadisability #disabilitycompensation #veteransupport

✉ Need affordable, personal help? Email Craig directly at craigc@royalrockllc.com

📌 Free PDF Playbooks – I’ve created 17 strategic VA Claim Playbooks (C&P Exams, Building Evidence, Claims Over 55, and more). To get your free guide: Comment the name of the PDF you want (e.g., “C&P”) and I’ll reply with the link!

VA Claims Over 55 → OVER 55
VA Claim Evidence → EVIDENCE
VA Due Process → DUE PROCESS
VA Decision Letter → DECISION
Submitting Your VA Claim → SUBMIT
Filing your Claim the Right Way → FILE
Narrative Lay Statement → NARRATIVE
Descriptive Lay Statement → DESCRIPTIVE
Historical Lay Statement → HISTORICAL
Buddy Statement → BUDDY
Before vs After Technique → CONTRAST
Functional Impact Statement → FUNCTIONAL
Persuasive Writing Style → PERSUASIVE
VA Disability Claims 101→ CLAIMS 101
VA C&P Exams → C&P
VA Rating Decision Breakdown → RATING
VA Math Explained → VA MATH

📌 Connect with Me
🌐 LinkedIn: / craig-carlton-3066b8357
📧 Email: craigc@royalrockllc.com
📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
🎙 Book Me for Speaking/Training: craigc@royalrockllc.com

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📌 Disclaimer: Content is for educational purposes only and not intended as legal, clinical, or medical advice. No therapist-client relationship is established. Royal Rock Counseling and Consulting LLC is not a VA-accredited agent, attorney, or VSO, and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We do not prepare, present, or prosecute VA claims, but may provide administrative guidance and referrals to qualified professionals.