VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim) reopens an issue the VA already decided — but only when you bring new and relevant evidence the VA hasn't seen. Under 38 CFR § 3.2501, new and relevant evidence requires the VA to take a fresh look.
When this is the right lane
A Supplemental Claim is the move when your problem was a missing piece of evidence — most often a nexus letter, a new diagnosis, or records that weren't in the file the first time.
"New and relevant"
- •New — evidence the VA didn't already have.
- •Relevant — evidence that tends to prove or disprove something at issue in the claim.
A Supplemental Claim isn't for re-arguing how the VA weighed evidence it already had — that's a Higher-Level Review (20-0996).
The one-year window
File within one year of your decision to protect your original effective date. You can still file a Supplemental Claim after a year — but the effective date may then be tied to the new filing instead of the original.
How to make it count
The whole game is the new evidence. Before you file, get clear on why you were denied, then go get the specific evidence that fills that exact gap.
VA forms mentioned in this guide
Put this to work
Upload your denial letter and see exactly why you were denied — so you know what new evidence your Supplemental Claim needs.
Decision Letter AnalyzerWant free, personalized help?
A VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) helps with your claim at no cost — filing, evidence review, and appeals. Find an accredited representative on VA.gov →
This guide is educational information about the VA claims system — it is not legal or medical advice, and it does not predict or promise any claim outcome. Regulations and procedures change; always verify current requirements at VA.gov. VA Claim Commander is a self-service documentation tool, not a VSO, law firm, or VA-accredited representative.