What is the informal conference in a Higher-Level Review?

Details

• Only the claimant or their representative may request the conference, and only once per HLR.
• VA generally makes two attempts to reach you at the number provided; missed calls can result in the review proceeding without the conference.
• The most useful conferences identify specific findings, specific evidence pages, and the regulation the rater misapplied.
• If the reviewer finds a duty-to-assist error, the issue is returned for correction under 38 CFR § 3.2601(f).