Quick Answer: A Supplemental Claim is one of three appeal lanes under the Appeals Modernization Act. If the VA denied your claim or rated you too low, you can file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence to get a fresh review — without losing your original effective date if filed within one year of the decision.
What Is a Supplemental Claim?
Under 38 CFR § 19.5, a Supplemental Claim is a request for VA reconsideration based on new and relevant evidence that was not included in or considered during the original claim. “New” means it was not previously part of the record. “Relevant” means it could reasonably be expected to substantiate or refute a necessary element of the claim.
Why File a Supplemental Claim Instead of a Higher-Level Review?
Use a Supplemental Claim when you have new evidence — medical records, nexus letters, buddy statements, or new imaging — that wasn’t part of your original claim. Use a Higher-Level Review when you believe the VA made a clear error of fact or law with the existing evidence, and you don’t have new evidence to add. Supplemental Claims are almost always the stronger path because new medical evidence is the most powerful tool to reverse a denial.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Supplemental Claim
- Identify why you were denied. Read the Reasons and Bases section of your rating decision. The VA must tell you specifically why each claim was denied — use that information to target your new evidence exactly.
- Gather new and relevant evidence. For a service connection denial: get a nexus letter, additional medical records, or buddy statements. For a rating percentage dispute: get updated medical records or an IMO documenting greater severity.
- Complete VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim form). List each condition you are requesting reconsideration for and identify the new evidence you are submitting.
- Submit the form with your new evidence. You can submit online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
- Track your claim status at VA.gov under “Check Your Claim Status.”
The One-Year Rule: Protect Your Effective Date
If you file a Supplemental Claim within one year of your original rating decision, the VA will use your original claim date as your effective date if the Supplemental Claim is granted. This means you could receive back pay back to your original filing date. Waiting beyond one year resets your effective date to the Supplemental Claim filing date.
Work with an accredited VSO to build the strongest possible Supplemental Claim. This service is provided free under federal law and California SB 694 — you should never pay an unaccredited company for this type of assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Supplemental Claim take?
The VA aims to decide Supplemental Claims within 125 days. In practice, processing times vary by region and claim complexity. You can track your claim at VA.gov.
Can I file a Supplemental Claim more than once?
Yes. There is no limit on Supplemental Claims as long as each submission includes new and relevant evidence. The VA must make a new decision on each Supplemental Claim filed with qualifying evidence.