How to File a VA Supplemental Claim

What is a Supplemental Claim?

A Supplemental Claim is one of three options available to veterans who disagree with a VA rating decision, established under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). It allows you to resubmit a previously denied or underrated claim by providing new and relevant evidence that the VA hasn’t reviewed before.

Think of it this way: the VA made a decision based on the evidence they had. A Supplemental Claim says, “Here’s evidence you didn’t see before — please look again.”

This is different from a Higher Level Review, where a senior reviewer re-examines the same evidence, and a Board of Veterans Appeals, where a Veterans Law Judge reviews your case.

When to file a Supplemental Claim

A Supplemental Claim is your best option when:

• Your claim was denied and you have additional medical evidence to submit
• You received a lower rating than expected and have documentation showing greater severity
• You have a nexus letter connecting your condition to service that wasn’t part of the original claim
• You obtained buddy statements or service records you didn’t previously include
• You’ve been diagnosed with a new related condition since the original decision

A Supplemental Claim is not the right choice when:

• You believe the VA misapplied the rating criteria to existing evidence — file a Higher Level Review instead
• You have no new evidence to submit
• Your case is complex and would benefit from a hearing — consider a Board appeal

What qualifies as “new and relevant evidence”

Under 38 CFR § 3.2501, the evidence must be both new (not previously submitted to or considered by the VA) and relevant (tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue in the claim).

Examples of strong new evidence

• Nexus letter — A medical opinion from a qualified provider stating your condition is “at least as likely as not” related to military service. This is often the single most impactful piece of evidence.
• Updated medical records — Records showing worsening symptoms, new diagnoses, or treatment history
• Private medical evaluation — An independent medical exam that provides more detailed findings than the C&P exam
• Buddy statements — Written accounts from fellow service members, family, or coworkers describing your condition and its impact
• Service records — Personnel records, deployment orders, or unit histories you didn’t previously submit
• VA treatment records — If you’ve been treated at the VA since your last decision and those records support your claim

What does NOT count

• A letter simply disagreeing with the decision
• Evidence the VA already considered
• A duplicate of records already in your file
• General medical literature without connection to your specific case

Step-by-step filing process

Step 1: Review your decision letter

Your VA decision letter explains exactly why your claim was denied or rated lower. Look for the specific reasons:

• “No current diagnosis” — You need medical evidence of a current condition
• “No nexus to service” — You need a medical opinion linking the condition to service
• “No in-service event” — You need evidence the condition occurred during or was caused by service
• Rating lower than expected — You need evidence showing your condition is more severe

Understanding the denial reason tells you exactly what evidence to gather.

Step 2: Gather new and relevant evidence

Based on the denial reason, obtain the specific evidence needed:

• For a missing nexus: Get a nexus letter from a qualified medical provider (your treating physician, a specialist, or a private examiner)
• For insufficient severity: Get current medical records documenting your symptoms at their worst, or a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) filled out by your doctor
• For missing service connection: Obtain buddy statements, service records, or deployment documentation

Step 3: Complete VA Form 20-0995

Download VA Form 20-0995, “Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim.” You can complete this form:

• Online at VA.gov
• By mail by downloading the form and sending it to the appropriate VA regional office
• In person at your local VA Regional Office
• Through a VSO — A Veterans Service Organization representative can help complete and file the form

On the form, you’ll need to:

1. Identify the condition(s) you’re contesting
2. Indicate what new evidence you’re submitting or want the VA to obtain
3. Check the box for a new C&P exam if you want one (recommended in most cases)

Step 4: Submit your evidence

Attach all new evidence with your form. If you’re waiting on records (such as VA treatment records you’ve asked the VA to obtain), note this on the form. The VA will help gather records from federal facilities.

Pro tip: Don’t rely on the VA to get private medical records. Obtain and submit these yourself to avoid delays.

Step 5: Attend your C&P exam (if scheduled)

The VA may schedule a new Compensation & Pension exam to evaluate your condition with the new evidence. This is actually a good sign — it means they’re taking a fresh look.

Prepare for this exam the same way you would for an initial claim. Read our full C&P exam preparation guide for detailed tips.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

The VA will review all evidence — both old and new — and issue a new decision. You’ll receive a decision letter in the mail and can track progress on VA.gov.

Timeline expectations

These timelines vary based on VA workload, complexity of your claim, and whether a C&P exam is required.

Preserving your effective date

If you file a Supplemental Claim within one year of your original decision, and it’s granted, the VA will use the original effective date. This means you’ll receive back pay to the date of your original claim (or Intent to File).

If you file after one year, the effective date will be the date you filed the Supplemental Claim. This is why it’s important to act within that one-year window.

Tips for success

1. Get a strong nexus letter

A nexus letter from a qualified medical provider is often the difference between approval and denial. The letter should:

• State the provider’s qualifications
• Review your medical history and service records
• Provide a clear opinion using the “at least as likely as not” standard
• Explain the medical reasoning behind the opinion

2. Address the specific denial reason

Don’t just submit more evidence — submit evidence that directly addresses why you were denied. If the VA said “no nexus,” submit a nexus letter. If they said “condition not severe enough,” submit current medical records showing severity.

3. Request a new C&P exam

If your original C&P exam was inadequate or didn’t capture your condition accurately, request a new one. Check the appropriate box on Form 20-0995.

4. Work with a VSO

A Veterans Service Organization representative can review your denial, help identify what evidence you need, and ensure your Supplemental Claim is complete. This service is free. Find an accredited representative at VA.gov.

5. Document everything

Keep copies of everything you submit. Track dates, form numbers, and confirmation numbers. If the VA loses something (it happens), you’ll have your own records.

What if your Supplemental Claim is denied?

If your Supplemental Claim is denied, you still have options:

• File another Supplemental Claim with different new evidence
• Request a Higher Level Review if you believe the reviewer made an error
• Appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals for review by a Veterans Law Judge

You can switch between these lanes at any time. Many veterans eventually succeed by persistently pursuing their claims through multiple pathways.

Use our VA disability calculator to understand how an approved claim would affect your combined rating and monthly payment.

Key forms and resources

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.