Supplemental Claim Guide
Got Denied? New Evidence Can Change Everything.
📋 A Supplemental Claim lets you reopen a denied claim with new and relevant evidence — no time limit to file, and average processing is ~62 days.
Section 1
📋 What Is a Supplemental Claim?
A Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) is one of three decision review options in the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). It allows you to submit new and relevant evidence that the VA did not previously consider.
✅ When to Use a Supplemental Claim
- You have new evidence the VA hasn't seen
- You can get a new medical opinion or nexus letter
- You found new service records or buddy letters
- Your condition has worsened since the denial
Section 2
🔍 What Counts as "New and Relevant Evidence"?
The VA defines "new" as evidence not previously part of the record, and "relevant" as evidence that tends to prove or disprove the claim.
🩺 New medical diagnosis or updated diagnosis
📝 New nexus letter linking condition to service
👥 Buddy statements from fellow service members
📋 New service records or personnel files
🏥 Updated medical records showing worsening
📊 New DBQ with current severity findings
Pro Tip: A private nexus letter from an independent medical examiner (IME) is often the single most powerful piece of new evidence. It directly addresses the VA's reason for denial.
Section 3
⏱️ Timeline & Processing
📅 Average processing: ~62 days
⏰ No time limit to file (but file within 1 year to preserve effective date)
🔄 Duty to Assist applies — VA must help gather evidence
Effective Date: If you file within 1 year of your denial, your effective date goes back to your original claim date. After 1 year, the effective date is the date you file the Supplemental Claim.
Section 4
📝 How to File a Supplemental Claim
1
Read your denial letter carefully. Identify exactly why the VA denied — missing diagnosis, no nexus, no in-service event, etc.
2
Gather new and relevant evidence that directly addresses the denial reason. A nexus letter, new records, or buddy statements.
3
Complete VA Form 20-0995 — Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim. Available at VA.gov.
4
Submit the form and new evidence via VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
5
Track your claim at VA.gov — the VA will order a new C&P exam if needed.
Section 5
⚖️ Supplemental Claim vs. HLR vs. Board Appeal
| Feature | Supplemental Claim | HLR | Board Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| New evidence? | ✅ Yes — required | ❌ No | ✅ Depends on docket |
| Average time | ~62 days | ~125 days | 365–730 days |
| Duty to Assist | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Depends on docket |
| Hearing? | ❌ No | ☎️ Informal conference | ✅ Optional hearing |
| Best for | New evidence available | VA made an error | Complex cases |
See the full Appeals Guide for a detailed comparison and decision tree.
Section 6
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes. You can file multiple Supplemental Claims as long as you submit new and relevant evidence each time. There is no limit on the number you can file.
A: Possibly. The VA's Duty to Assist applies to Supplemental Claims, meaning the VA may order a new exam if your evidence warrants it. Submitting a private DBQ doesn't guarantee you'll avoid another exam.
A: You can file another Supplemental Claim with additional new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals. You can also switch lanes at any point.
A: No. You cannot have two decision reviews pending for the same issue at the same time. You must choose one lane. However, you can switch lanes after receiving a decision.
A: No, but it can help. A VSO or accredited attorney can review your denial and advise on the strongest new evidence to submit. Find one at our VSO Finder.