Automated Decision Support launched in December 2021 and was later expanded to more claims.

In a higher-level review, a more senior official takes another look at the VA’s decision on a veteran’s claim. The share of these reviews sent back to be reconsidered because the VA made an error or the higher-level reviewer disagreed with the decision increased as Automated Decision Support was expanded to more claims.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Appeals Modernization Act metrics report as of September 2026.