Supplemental Claims Explained
A Supplemental Claim asks VA to readjudicate a previously decided issue based on new and relevant evidence or another permitted basis.
About this guide
Educational information only. Semper Guide is self-directed software, not a VA-accredited representative, law firm, claims agent, VSO, or medical provider. It does not submit claims or guarantee outcomes.
On this page
Quick answer
For disability compensation, a Supplemental Claim commonly uses VA Form 20-0995 or the official online process. Identify each issue and prior decision date, and submit or identify evidence that is both new and relevant. VA will decide whether the evidence warrants readjudication and then decide the merits.
What “new and relevant” meansDetails
- New means the evidence was not previously part of the actual record before agency adjudicators.
- Relevant means it tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue.
- A duplicate record is not new.
- A new document about an already established fact may not be relevant to the denial reason.
- The threshold is not the old “new and material” standard, but evidence still should address the issue.
How to prepareDetails
- Read the prior decision and favorable findings.
- Identify the precise missing or disputed element.
- Select evidence that addresses that element.
- Complete every issue and decision-date field accurately.
- Submit through an official channel and keep the confirmation.
VA’s role in this laneDetails
- VA’s duty to assist applies to Supplemental Claims.
- You may identify relevant records for VA to request.
- A new C&P exam or opinion may be ordered when required.
- The resulting decision provides new review rights.
Common questionsDetails
- Can I file one after a Board decision? — Yes, with new and relevant evidence; a separate 120-day Court deadline also exists.
- Can I submit the same nexus letter again? — A duplicate is not new. A genuinely new opinion should address the unresolved problem.
- Does filing within one year matter? — It can preserve continuous pursuit and potential effective-date treatment.
- Is a changed law enough? — VA identifies change in law as a possible Supplemental Claim basis in certain circumstances.
Avoid evidence dumpingDetails
Explain privately how each new item relates to the prior reason. A hundred unrelated new pages do not become relevant merely because VA has not seen them.