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How to file a Supplemental Claim

AMA Appeal Lane 1 — submit new and relevant evidence. Average decision: ~61 days. Use VA Form 20-0995.

What counts as "new and relevant" evidence

Evidence is new if it wasn't in VA's file before. It is relevant if it tends to prove or disprove a material fact. The bar is low. Examples that qualify:

• A new nexus letter from a private physician
• A new buddy statement from a service member who witnessed the in-service event
• A spouse statement describing ongoing symptoms
• New medical records showing the condition's progression
• A private DBQ that contradicts an inadequate C&P exam
• A new diagnosis you didn't have before
• Service records you found that weren't in your STRs
• A new presumption (e.g., PACT Act expansion) now covering your condition

Before you file — request your C-File

Step by step

1. Re-read your rating decision carefully. Identify which conditions were denied and the specific reason for each denial. See reading your rating decision.
2. Gather your new evidence. One Supplemental Claim can include multiple new pieces of evidence for multiple denied conditions.
3. Download VA Form 20-0995 or file online.
4. Complete the form:
   • List EACH issue you're appealing (each denied condition or under-rated condition).
   • For each issue, identify what new and relevant evidence you're submitting.
   • Attach the new evidence.
5. File:
   • Online at va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim ↗
   • By mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
   • Through a VSO or accredited attorney
6. VA's "duty to assist" applies — they must help develop additional evidence if needed. You may be ordered to another C&P exam.
7. Average decision: ~61 days.

What goes in the narrative

The form has space for narrative. Use it to explicitly tell VA:

• Which finding you disagree with in the prior decision.
• What new evidence you're submitting and what it proves.
• Why the new evidence should change the outcome.
• Cite the Benefit of the Doubt doctrine (38 USC § 5107(b)) explicitly if the evidence is close.

One Supplemental Claim per round of evidence

Each Supplemental Claim is a discrete review. If you get denied again, you can file ANOTHER Supplemental Claim with even newer evidence. There's no limit. But each starts the 1-year deadline clock fresh from its decision date.