A Complete Guide to Filing VA Form 20-0995: Supplemental Claim

VA Form 20-0995: Complete Guide to Filing a Supplemental Claim

VA Form 20-0995, the Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim, is the form you use when you disagree with a VA decision and have new evidence to support your case . You must submit this form with new and relevant evidence that VA did not previously consider. If filed within one year of your decision, it preserves your original effective date for back pay purposes . The VA’s goal for processing Supplemental Claims is 125 days .

Quick Facts

What Is VA Form 20-0995?

VA Form 20-0995 is the official form used to request a Supplemental Claim under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). It is one of three decision review options available to Veterans who disagree with a VA decision .

What it is: The Supplemental Claim is a new review of a previously decided issue, based on the submission of new and relevant evidence <span class=””>. It replaces what was formerly called a “reopened claim” in the old legacy system .

Who qualifies: Any Veteran, service member, surviving spouse, or dependent who received a VA decision and disagrees with it can file . You must have new and relevant evidence to submit or identify.

Why it matters: Filing a Supplemental Claim within one year of a VA decision preserves your original effective date. This can mean thousands of dollars in back pay if your claim is granted . Without filing within the one-year window, you may lose entitlement to earlier benefits.

What to do next: Gather your new evidence, complete VA Form 20-0995, and submit it through the online portal, by mail, or with assistance from an accredited representative .

When to Use VA Form 20-0995

You Received a Denial on a Disability Compensation Claim

If VA denied your claim for service connection, increased rating, or other benefits, and you have new evidence, use Form 20-0995 to continue your case .

You Want to Reopen a Previously Denied Claim

A Supplemental Claim is the only way to reopen a claim that has been finally denied . This applies when you have not appealed within the one-year timeframe and your decision is final.

You Need to Add New Evidence After a Decision

If you submitted a claim and received a decision, you cannot simply “add” evidence afterward. You must file a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995 to have that new evidence considered .

You Have a Claim That Was Remanded by the Board

If the Board of Veterans Appeals remanded your case and you have new evidence, you can use a Supplemental Claim to submit it before the remand is processed .

What Is “New and Relevant” Evidence?

Understanding the “new and relevant” standard is critical. The VA defines this as evidence that meets two requirements <span class=””>:

New: The VA has not previously considered this evidence. It cannot be a duplicate of information you or the VA already had .

Relevant: The evidence tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue in your claim. It must directly address the reason(s) VA denied your claim .

Examples of New and Relevant Evidence

Important note: Under the AMA, the standard for “new and relevant” is lower than the previous legacy standard of “new and material” . This makes it easier for Veterans to get their claims reviewed.

How to File VA Form 20-0995

Option 1: File Online (Recommended)

The fastest and most efficient method is filing online through VA.gov. You can file a Supplemental Claim online only for disability compensation claims .

Steps:

1. Log in to your VA.gov account.

2. Navigate to the decision review section.

3. Select “File a Supplemental Claim.”

4. Complete the form and upload your new evidence.

5. Submit and save your confirmation.

Option 2: Mail the Paper Form

If you prefer to file by mail, you can complete the PDF version of VA Form 20-0995 and send it to the VA.

Mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444 

Fax:
844-531-7818 (domestic) or 248-524-4260 (international) 

Option 3: Work With an Accredited Representative

You can get free assistance from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. They can help you gather evidence, complete the form, and track your claim <span class=””>.

Find a representative: Search the VA’s accreditation database at VA.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation .

What to Include on VA Form 20-0995

Section I: Claimant Identification

Provide the Veteran’s identifying information including name, Social Security number, VA file number, date of birth, and contact information .

Section II: Benefit Type

Check only one box for the type of benefit you are seeking. If you have multiple benefit types (e.g., disability compensation and pension), you must file a separate Form 20-0995 for each .

Section III: Issues for Supplemental Claim

List each specific issue you want VA to review. This includes disabilities, benefits like Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). Include the date of VA’s decision notice for each issue .

Section IV: New and Relevant Evidence

Identify and describe all new evidence you are submitting or want VA to obtain. You must either attach the evidence or identify it so VA can assist in gathering it .

Section V: Sign and Date

Certify that your statements are true and correct to the best of your knowledge. Sign and date the form .

Processing Times and What to Expect

The VA’s goal for completing Supplemental Claims that are not related to health care benefits is 125 days (approximately 4 to 5 months) . This is a goal, not a guarantee—some claims may take longer.

What happens after you file:

1. VA acknowledges receipt of your form.

2. A reviewer examines your new evidence.

3. The reviewer decides whether the new evidence changes the prior decision.

4. You receive a new decision letter with the outcome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing Without New Evidence

A Supplemental Claim requires new and relevant evidence. If you file without it, VA must inform you and give you 60 days to submit the evidence .

Not Listing All Issues Separately

You must list each issue separately on the form. If you leave an issue out, you may lose the opportunity to preserve its effective date <span class=””>.

Missing the One-Year Deadline

Filing within one year of the decision preserves your original effective date. After one year, your decision becomes final, and you cannot claim the earlier effective date <span class=””>.

Confusing Evidence for VA Records

VA records (from VAMCs and MTFs) do not require a release. However, private medical records require VA Form 21-4142 authorization. Listing a private facility on Form 20-0995 is not enough—you must also complete the release forms .

Choosing the Wrong Review Option

If you do not have new evidence, consider a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) instead. If you want a hearing with a judge, consider a Board Appeal (VA Form 10182) .

Decision Review Options Comparison

What Happens If Your Supplemental Claim Is Denied

If VA denies your Supplemental Claim, you have options:

1. File another Supplemental Claim if you have additional new and relevant evidence .

2. Request a Higher-Level Review using VA Form 20-0996 .

3. Appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals using VA Form 10182 .

4. Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims<span class=””> .

The PACT Act and Supplemental Claims

The PACT Act expanded eligibility for many Veterans exposed to toxic substances. If your claim was denied before the PACT Act, you may now qualify due to new presumptive conditions. A Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995 with new evidence may be the appropriate path to revisit your claim .

Common Questions

1. What is VA Form 20-0995 used for?

VA Form 20-0995 is used to request a Supplemental Claim when you disagree with a VA decision and want to submit new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered .

2. Can I file VA Form 20-0995 online?

Yes, you can file a Supplemental Claim online through VA.gov for disability compensation claims. Other benefit types require the paper form <span class=””>.

3. What is the time limit for filing a Supplemental Claim?

There is no absolute time limit—you can file a Supplemental Claim anytime. However, filing within one year of the decision preserves your original effective date for back pay purposes .

4. What is “new and relevant” evidence for a Supplemental Claim?

“New” means VA has not seen it before. “Relevant” means it tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue in your claim. This standard is lower than the previous “new and material” requirement .

5. How long does a Supplemental Claim take?

The VA’s goal is 125 days for completion . This is a target, not a guarantee.

6. Do I need a lawyer to file VA Form 20-0995?

No, you do not need a lawyer. You can file on your own or work with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or accredited attorney at no cost to you .

7. Can I file a Supplemental Claim for multiple benefit types on one form?

No, you must file a separate VA Form 20-0995 for each benefit type (e.g., disability compensation, pension, insurance) .

8. What happens if I file a Supplemental Claim without new evidence?

VA must notify you that your claim is incomplete and give you 60 days to submit the required evidence. If you do not provide it, your claim may be denied .

9. Will a Supplemental Claim preserve my effective date?

Yes, if filed within one year of the VA decision, your Supplemental Claim preserves the original effective date. This is called “continuous pursuit” <span class=””>.

10. Can I switch from a Supplemental Claim to a Higher-Level Review?

Yes, before VA issues a decision on your Supplemental Claim, you can request a different review option .

Key Takeaways

• VA Form 20-0995 is the Supplemental Claim form used when you have new evidence to challenge a VA decision .

• You must provide new and relevant evidence that VA has not previously considered .

• Filing within one year preserves your original effective date<span class=””>, potentially securing thousands in back pay .

• Processing time goal is 125 days, though actual time may vary .

• Online filing is available for disability compensation claims through VA.gov .

• You can file anytime even after one year, but you lose the earliest effective date <span class=””>.

• Private medical records require release forms<span class=””> (VA Form 21-4142) for VA to obtain them .

• Higher-Level Review is different from a Supplemental Claim—use it if you have no new evidence .

• You can get free help from a VSO, attorney, or claims agent .

• If denied again, you have additional options, including Board Appeal or court appeal .

Official Resources

• VA Form 20-0995 Download: VA.gov/forms/20-0995 

• File a Supplemental Claim Online: VA.gov/decision-reviews 

• Find an Accredited Representative: VA.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation 

• VA Form 21-4142 (Release for Private Records): VA.gov/find-forms