Can a veteran request a higher level review after a VBA decision?

A veteran generally cannot request a higher-level review after a VBA decision if they have not pursued the appropriate channels established by the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. Under this act, veterans have specific options available following a decision from the VA, including requesting a higher-level review, but this must be done within a specified time frame and under certain conditions.

The higher-level review option allows veterans to have their claim re-evaluated without having to submit new evidence, and it is important for veterans to understand that this decision needs to be made within a certain time frame after the decision is rendered. If a veteran misses this opportunity and does not file for the review within the allowed period (typically one year from the decision), they lose the ability to seek a higher-level review.

Thus, the assertion that a veteran can always request a higher-level review is not accurate given the constraints of the process. Veterans need to act within designated time frames and understand the specific requirements of their situation to properly navigate the appeals process.