DRO (Decision Review Officer)
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
A senior VA employee who can review your claim and potentially grant a higher rating without you having to go through a formal appeal.
Why This Matters
Before the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) in 2019, DRO reviews were a common way to challenge decisions. Under the new system, Higher-Level Reviews serve a similar function with senior reviewers examining decisions.
Example
After receiving a denial, a veteran could request a DRO review where a more experienced VA employee would take a fresh look at the evidence.