VA Form 20-0995
Supplemental Claim
Reopen your claim with NEW evidence. No time limit.
Supplemental Claim
In Plain English
Reopen your claim with NEW evidence. No time limit.
Reopens a previously denied claim with new and relevant evidence the VA hasn't seen before.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to file 20-0995
Important Deadline
No deadline — you can file a Supplemental Claim at any time, as long as you have new and relevant evidence.
When to use this form
When you have new evidence — a nexus letter, updated medical records, buddy statements, or other documentation that wasn't part of the original decision.
Required
- ✓New evidence the VA has not previously reviewed
This is the core requirement. Could be a nexus letter, new medical records, buddy statements, or updated diagnoses.
Recommended (if applicable)
- +Nexus letter from a qualified physician
Especially important if your denial was for 'no nexus to service.' A doctor's opinion connecting your condition to service.
- +Copy of your prior VA decision letter
Helps identify exactly what evidence was missing.
You'll need to provide
- ✓The condition and prior decision you are supplementing
- ✓Description of the new evidence being submitted
- ✓All new evidence uploads
- ✕Resubmitting the same evidence the VA already reviewed
- ✕Not including a nexus letter when the denial was for lack of nexus
- ✕Filing without any new evidence (use HLR instead)
- ✕Not clearly identifying what is 'new and relevant'
Mail to
Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Upload all new evidence with your form. Online filing lets you upload documents immediately.
Pro Tip
The most powerful supplemental evidence is a nexus letter from a qualified doctor, especially if your original denial said 'no nexus to service.' A good nexus letter can flip a denial to an approval.
Which Form Do I Need?
Both challenge a VA decision. Which appeal path do I choose?
Supplemental Claim
Use this when
- •You have new evidence the VA has never seen (nexus letter, new diagnosis, buddy statements)
- •There is no deadline — you can file a Supplemental Claim at any time
Higher-Level Review
Use this when
- •You believe the VA misapplied the law or made a clear error — but you have no new evidence
- •Must file within 1 year of the decision date
Our recommendation
If you have any new evidence at all, use Supplemental Claim (20-0995). If the decision was clearly wrong based on evidence already in your file, use Higher-Level Review (20-0996).
Which Form Do I Need?
Supplemental Claim vs. Board Appeal — which do I pick?
Supplemental Claim
Use this when
- •You have new evidence and want the fastest resolution
- •You want to stay in the regional office lane (VBA)
Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement)
Use this when
- •You want a Veterans Law Judge to review your case
- •Your case involves a legal argument, not just new evidence
- •You are willing to wait longer for a potentially stronger outcome
Our recommendation
Board Appeals take significantly longer than Supplemental Claims. If you have solid new evidence, file a Supplemental Claim first — it is faster and can be escalated to the Board later if denied.
Related Forms
You might also need
Higher-Level Review
Ask a senior reviewer to look at your claim again. No new evidence allowed. Must file within 1 year.
Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement)
Take your case to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. You can request a hearing. Must file within 1 year.
Lay/Witness Statement (Buddy Statement)
A written statement from someone backing up your claim — friends, family, or fellow service members.
Continue Your Research
Forms are just one piece. Make sure your full claim is solid.
Related Journeys
Veterans who use this page are often on one of these paths.
Just Separated / Brand New
“Where do I even start?”
Filing a First Claim
“How do I file my first claim?”
Denied or Stuck
“My claim got denied. Now what?”
Increasing Your Rating
“My condition got worse.”
100% P&T Veterans
“I'm 100% P&T — what else am I entitled to?”
Family Members
“My spouse or parent is a veteran.”
Survivor & Gold Star Benefits
“I lost my veteran. What am I entitled to?”
Guard & Reserve Veterans
“I was Guard or Reserve — do I qualify?”
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