Think the VA Got It Wrong? A Higher-Level Review Can Fix That

Brad Cummings • May 8, 2025

If you’ve ever opened a VA decision and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone. Maybe the rating was too low. Maybe they missed something obvious. Maybe they denied your claim entirely even though you gave them everything they asked for.

We hear it all the time. And when you know the VA made a mistake, you’ve got a powerful option to set the record straight. It’s called a Higher-Level Review. At RMVAP, we’ve helped veterans across the country use this process to correct bad decisions and get the benefits they should’ve received from day one.



What Is a Higher-Level Review?


A Higher-Level Review, or HLR, is a way to appeal a VA decision when you believe it was wrong based on the evidence they already had. You’re not submitting new evidence. You’re asking the VA to have a more experienced reviewer take a fresh look at your file and fix the error.


This is a great option when:


  • The VA ignored key evidence
  • You were denied for reasons that don’t make sense
  • The VA used the wrong rating or applied the law incorrectly
  • A C&P exam was misinterpreted
  • You just know they missed something, and you can prove it using the existing record

How Does It Work?


When you request a Higher-Level Review, your case gets pulled out of the normal system and handed to a more senior VA employee. They look at everything in your file—your claim form, your medical records, your service treatment records, your C&P exams—and determine whether the original reviewer got it right.

You can also request an informal conference, which gives you or your representative a chance to speak directly with the reviewer. You won’t be testifying. It’s not a hearing. But it’s your opportunity to point out where the VA got it wrong and highlight the parts of the record that matter most. We strongly recommend asking for this conference, and we handle it for our clients every time.


What You Can’t Do


You can’t submit new evidence with a Higher-Level Review. If you have documents or medical opinions that weren’t part of your file, then you’ll want to file a Supplemental Claim instead.

The HLR is only for when the VA already had what they needed but made a bad call.



Why RMVAP?


At RMVAP, we’ve handled hundreds of Higher-Level Reviews. We know what mistakes the VA makes most often and how to correct them. We also know how to speak the VA’s language and frame your case in a way that gets results.

When you work with us, we’ll:

  • Review your original claim decision to identify specific errors
  • Prepare a targeted and persuasive HLR request
  • Represent you during the informal conference
  • Track your appeal every step of the way
  • Help you decide what to do next if the VA still gets it wrong

We work with veterans from every branch, in every state, and at every stage of the appeals process. You don’t have to do this alone.



You Deserve a Real Review


If the VA denied your claim or underrated your condition, a Higher-Level Review could be the fastest and most effective way to fix it. But you only have one year from the date of your decision to request it. Don’t wait.

Apply now at  www.rmvap.org
Email us at  clientservices@rmvap.org
Call us at (720) 253 0963



You earned those benefits. Let’s make sure you get them.

Can You Upgrade Your Military Discharge? Yes, and Here's How

By Brad Cummings • May 8, 2025
If you got out of the military with a discharge that’s been holding you back, you’re not alone. We talk to veterans all the time who received General or Other Than Honorable discharges. It’s been costing them jobs, VA benefits, and peace of mind for years. The truth is, you can do something about it. At RMVAP, we’ve helped hundreds of veterans from all branches upgrade their discharges. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force—we’ve seen it all. Some had combat trauma that was never treated. Some got caught in outdated policies. Others made one mistake that’s followed them ever since. Whatever your story is, we can help you tell it.  What’s a Discharge Upgrade? A discharge upgrade is a formal request to change the way your separation from the military is listed. If it’s successful, you could go from Other Than Honorable to General, or General to Honorable. That one change can open the door to VA healthcare, disability pay, housing programs, and more. It’s not an easy process, and it takes time, but it’s possible. And we know what works. You Might Qualify If: You were dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or another mental health issue You experienced military sexual trauma or harassment You were discharged because of your sexual orientation or gender identity You made a mistake under stress, and it doesn’t reflect your whole service You’ve changed since leaving the military and want your record to reflect that What the Process Looks Like When you come to RMVAP, here’s what we do: We help you get your full military records We work with you to write a personal statement that tells your story in your own words We gather support materials like buddy letters, medical records, and evaluations We file the application and stay involved the whole way You don’t need to figure out which board to send it to. If it’s been under fifteen years, we send it to the Discharge Review Board. If it’s been longer, we go to the Board for Correction of Military Records. Either way, we’ll handle it. Why This Matters This isn’t just about getting into the VA system, even though that’s a big part of it. It’s about fixing a record that never told the full story. A discharge upgrade can give you access to health care, financial support, job opportunities, and maybe most important of all, the recognition you’ve earned. You served. Let’s make sure your record shows that. We’re Ready When You Are We’ve helped veterans across the country fix their discharges and get the benefits they were promised. We can help you too. Apply now at www.rmvap.org Email: clientservices@rmvap.org Call: (720) 253 0963 You’ve carried that paperwork long enough. Let’s fix it.

How a Discharge Upgrade Can Get You VA Benefits and Healthcare

By Brad Cummings • May 8, 2025
It’s one of the hardest things we hear from veterans. They walk into a VA hospital, looking for help, and get told they’re not eligible. It doesn’t matter that they were in combat, or that they’ve got PTSD, or that they’re struggling. The discharge says they’re not entitled to benefits, and that’s the end of the conversation. Except it’s not. At RMVAP, we’ve helped hundreds of veterans change that conversation. If your discharge is keeping you from getting care or compensation, a discharge upgrade can open that door. Why the VA Denies Benefits The VA looks at your discharge status when you apply for benefits. If you didn’t get an Honorable discharge, they might deny you access to: Medical care through the VA Monthly disability compensation Home loan benefits or housing programs GI Bill or Vocational Rehab Burial and survivor benefits That one box on your DD-214 can block you from the very help you need. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. What a Discharge Upgrade Unlocks  If you’re approved for a discharge upgrade, here’s what changes: You’ll be able to use VA hospitals and mental health services You’ll be eligible for monthly, tax-free compensation for service-connected conditions You can access VA home loan programs and housing grants You may be able to go back to school using the GI Bill You’ll finally be seen as the veteran you are A Real Example We worked with a former Marine who was discharged after a one-time drug incident. What the paperwork didn’t say was that he had untreated PTSD from combat tours. After we helped him put his story together, his discharge was upgraded. He’s now in therapy, receiving disability payments, and rebuilding his life. None of that would’ve happened if we hadn’t fixed the record first. What We’ll Do for You Review your military and VA records Help you write a statement that explains your full story Collect supporting evidence like buddy letters, medical files, or psychological evaluations File the application and stick with it until there’s a result Once your upgrade is approved, we can also help file your VA claim. That way, you’re not starting over with someone new. You Deserve Access You wore the uniform. You served your country. That should count for something. If your discharge is keeping you from getting the benefits you need, we’re here to help you fix it. We’ve done this for veterans in every branch. Combat vets. MST survivors. People who made mistakes. People who were forgotten. You’re not alone in this. Apply now at www.rmvap.org Email us at clientservices@rmvap.org Call: (720) 253 0963 It’s your record. Let’s set it right.

Denied VA Benefits? Here's How to Appeal and Win

By Brad Cummings • May 8, 2025
Getting a denial from the VA can feel like a punch to the gut. You served your country, and now you're being told you don't qualify for the benefits you need. But here's the thing: a denial isn't the end of the road. You have options, and we're here to help you navigate them. At RMVAP, we've assisted thousands of veterans from every branch in appealing their VA benefit decisions. Whether it's a disability rating that's too low or a complete denial of benefits, we've seen it all and know how to tackle it. Understanding Your Appeal Options The VA's appeals process, revamped under the Appeals Modernization Act, offers three main paths: Supplemental Claim : If you have new and relevant evidence that wasn't considered in your original claim, this is your route. It's about bringing fresh information to the table to support your case. Higher-Level Review : Think the VA made a mistake? This option lets a more experienced reviewer take another look at your claim. No new evidence is allowed, but you can point out errors in the original decision. Board Appeal : Want a Veterans Law Judge to review your case? This path offers three choices: a direct review, submitting new evidence, or requesting a hearing. It's a more formal process but can be effective for complex cases. Why Choose RMVAP? Navigating the VA appeals process can be daunting. That's where we come in. Here's what we offer: Expertise : Our team understands the intricacies of the VA system. We've successfully guided veterans through every appeal option. Personalized Support : We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach accordingly. Nationwide Reach : No matter where you are in the country, we're equipped to assist you. Take the Next Step Don't let a VA denial define your future. With the right support, you can challenge the decision and secure the benefits you've earned. Apply now at www.rmvap.org Email us at clientservices@rmvap.org Call us at (720) 253 0963  Your service mattered. Let's make sure your benefits reflect that.