# BRD-256 — The low-score category does not apply to an identity appeal

> The LOW_SCORE appeal category is valid only for an external vetting appeal, never for an identity-status appeal.

- **Rule ID:** BRD-256
- **Layer:** Brand (`BRAND`)
- **Checks:** `appeal.appeal_categories`
- **Severity:** BLOCKING — Breaking this rule gets the submission rejected outright.
- **When it bites:** Gates approval — get this wrong and registration is refused
- **How it is detected:** Deterministic (settled in code from the submitted values)
- **Fix type:** Fix the field — a better value in the form clears it
- **Required by:** TCR
- **Applies:** Applies to every 10DLC registration.
- **Canonical URL:** https://ekas.io/rules/10dlc/brand/brd-256/

## Why this rule exists

Identity and score are decided by different processes, so an identity appeal filed under LOW_SCORE reaches a reviewer who cannot act on it and is refused. It is an easy mistake because a failed identity check and a poor score both present to the user as "the brand did not pass", and LOW_SCORE is the category that sounds like it covers both.

## How to fix it

For an identity appeal, choose the category naming the field in dispute — business name, address or contact. Keep LOW_SCORE for appealing the result of an external vet. Done when the category matches which of the two decisions is being contested.

## Example of a compliant value

```text
appeal_categories: ["BUSINESS_NAME"] on an identity appeal — LOW_SCORE only on a vetting appeal
```

## Provider rejection codes

| Provider | Code | Resubmission allowed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TCR | `559` | yes |