Higher-Level Review Informal Conferences
An HLR informal conference is an optional one-time call to identify factual or legal errors in the prior decision based on the existing record; it is not a hearing and no new evidence is allowed.
About this guide
Educational information only. Semper Guide is self-directed software, not a VA-accredited representative, law firm, claims agent, VSO, or medical provider. It does not submit claims or guarantee outcomes.
On this page
Quick answer
Request the conference as part of the Higher-Level Review. During the call, the veteran or representative points the reviewer to errors and existing evidence. VA states that requesting a conference may lengthen processing and that the reviewer will make two contact attempts before proceeding without it.
Good conference topicsDetails
- A favorable record or finding the decision overlooked.
- An incorrect service date, diagnosis, or factual premise.
- Application of the wrong diagnostic code or regulatory standard.
- Failure to address an expressly raised theory already in the record.
- A pre-decisional duty-to-assist failure.
What not to presentDetails
- A new medical opinion or treatment record.
- New testimony offered to establish a fact not previously in the record.
- A general retelling of the entire claim without identifying error.
- An argument based on a record created after the prior decision.
- Personal attacks on the examiner or adjudicator.
Prepare a one-page outlineDetails
- Issue and decision date.
- Two or three specific errors.
- Location of existing evidence in the record.
- The rule or rating criterion involved.
- The correction requested.
- Reliable phone, time zone, representative, and scheduling information.
Common questionsDetails
- Is it recorded testimony? — No. VA describes it as an informal, non-hearing conference.
- Can I have more than one? — VA states one conference per HLR.
- What if I miss the calls? — After two unsuccessful attempts, VA may decide without the conference.
- Should I always request one? — No. It is useful when oral clarification of identified record-based errors adds value.
Keep it within the closed recordDetails
If you realize the issue requires new evidence, do not try to smuggle it into the call. Consider the procedural options available for evidence submission.