What is a VA Supplemental Claim and how does it work?

Last Updated: 8/11/2026

A Supplemental Claim is a way for you to ask the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take another look at a decision it has already made on your disability claim.

This option is used when there is new information that was not included when your claim was first reviewed. Instead of starting over with a brand-new application, a Supplemental Claim builds on your existing case.

What makes it different from other review options is that it depends on new evidence being added. The VA doesn’t just recheck the same file. It considers additional information that could change the outcome of your claim.

When is a Supplemental Claim a good choice?

A Supplemental Claim is often used when you receive a decision that doesn’t fully reflect your situation.

This might include:

A denial of benefits.
A disability rating that feels too low.
A decision made without all the important evidence.

In some cases, your claim may have been approved, but the rating doesn’t match the severity of your condition. In others, new documentation may come to light after the decision, such as medical records, test results or service-related evidence that wasn’t included before.

A Supplemental Claim gives you a way to have that new information reviewed.

What does “new and relevant evidence” mean?

A VA Supplemental Claim depends on something the VA calls “new and relevant evidence.” These two words have specific meaning in the review process.

“New” means the information was not part of your claim file when the VA made its original decision.
“Relevant” means the information has a clear connection to your claim and could help explain or change the outcome.

This type of evidence often includes updated medical records, doctor opinions, service treatment records, personnel records or new test results.

In many cases, this information helps fill in gaps from the original claim or provides a clearer picture of how your condition affects you.

How is a VA Supplemental Claim prepared and submitted?

A Supplemental Claim is typically submitted using VA Form 20-0995. This form tells the VA that you want a previously decided issue reviewed again.

The form also connects your new evidence to the earlier decision. This step is important because the VA needs to understand exactly what part of your claim the new information relates to.

Supporting documents are usually submitted along with the form. These may include medical records, doctor statements or other evidence tied to your condition. The goal is to clearly show how the new information relates to the original decision.

VA-accredited representatives like Allsup Veterans Appeals (AVA) can help you gather the necessary documentation to submit a strong VA Supplemental Claim.

What happens after a Supplemental Claim is submitted to the VA?

Once your claim is submitted, the VA reviews your new evidence along with everything already in your file. The key question during this review is whether the new information changes the original decision.

After the review is complete, the VA issues a new decision. A few different outcomes are possible:

Your original decision may stay the same.
Your disability rating may increase.
Benefits that were previously denied may be granted.

You’ll receive an updated decision that reflects how the VA evaluated your claim with the new evidence included.

How does the Supplemental Claim process compare to other VA review options?

A Supplemental Claim is different from other VA review options because it allows you to provide new evidence.

With a Higher-Level Review, the VA looks at the same evidence that was already submitted. No new information is added, only the original decision is reviewed for accuracy.

An appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is more formal. A judge reviews your case and may consider legal arguments along with the evidence.

A VA Supplemental Claim focuses on strengthening your claim with additional information, rather than reexamining the same record or moving into a formal appeal setting.

Allsup Veterans Appeals will take you through your appeal options and help you choose which works best for your unique situation.

Why is strong documentation so important?

The strength of your documentation can make a meaningful difference in how your claim is reviewed.

If important records are missing, the VA may not have enough information to change its earlier decision. On the other hand, a more complete file can provide a clearer picture of your condition.

This includes details about how your condition began, how it has progressed and how it affects your daily life. When new evidence adds clarity and fills in gaps, it can help the VA better understand your situation during the review process.

What role can expert representation play in a Supplemental Claim?

Because a VA Supplemental Claim is built around evidence, how that evidence is developed and presented can play an important role.

For that reason, you may choose to work with VA-accredited representatives like AVA.

Our VA-accredited Claims Agents, some of whom are veterans, understand the VA process and know how to develop a well-documented Supplemental Claim that is likely to succeed. We can help you organize medical and service records, identify missing information and connect evidence directly to your claim.

Veterans who use a paid disability representative like AVA generally see their annual average benefits nearly double compared to those who appeal on their own.