In 2019, the Appeals Modernization Act changed many things about the appeal process. One of these changes came in the form of a Supplemental Claim. But what exactly is a Supplemental Claim and how and when can you use it? We will answer these questions and more in this article.
What is a Supplemental Claim?
As background, when you decide to file a claim for a service-connected disability benefit with the VA for the first time, that claim is called an “initial claim.” After the VA has made a decision on your initial claim, you may be ready to file a Supplemental Claim. A Supplemental Claim is one way to appeal, or supplement, a denied claim.
In order to file a Supplemental Claim, you must meet these requirements:
- The VA decided your claim in the past, and your claim isn’t a contested claim (a contested claim is where two people are claiming a benefit that only one person can claim), AND
- At least one of the following is true:
- you have new and relevant evidence to submit, or
- you’re requesting a review of your claim based on a change in law (such as the PACT Act).
Thus, a Supplemental Claim can be a helpful tool when the submission of new evidence or a law change would help you obtain the benefits you were previously denied.
What is “New and Relevant” Evidence?
If your Supplemental Claim isn’t based on a change of law, you will have to show that there is “new and relevant” evidence in your case. “New” evidence is information that the VA has not considered before and “relevant” evidence is information that proves or disproves something in your claim.
One example of new and relevant evidence is a new medical report from your private doctor that details a connection between your service-connected condition and a secondary condition, where the claim was previously denied for a lack of evidence of a connection.
- Notably, if you want the VA to get medical records and information from your private health care provider, you’ll need to fill out VA Form 21-4142 and submit the form online or by mail.
Another example of new and relevant evidence is a statement from your employer about how your headache symptoms have continued since service and impact your ability to work on a daily basis. This new and relevant evidence might be the lynchpin the VA needs to grant your previously denied claims for service-connection and TDIU benefits.
How to File a Supplemental Claim
To file a Supplemental Claim, you must complete a Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) and file it in one of three ways:
- File it online.
- File it by mail using the address that matches the benefit type you’re filing for:
- Disability compensation
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- Life insurance
Department of Veterans Affairs
Attention: Insurance Center
PO Box 5209
Janesville, WI 53547
- Pension and survivor benefits
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5154
Janesville, WI 53547
- Veteran health care benefits and community care reimbursement claims
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547
- File in person at a VA Regional Office near you.
What Happens After You File Supplemental Claim?
After you file a Supplemental Claim, be sure to respond to any requests for information or medical appointments from the VA. Then, you wait for a decision.
As of August 2025, the VA claims that it takes 79.3 days (on average) for the VA to complete a Supplemental Claim for disability or pension benefits.
Once you have received a decision on your Supplemental Claim, you can decide whether to appeal it. If you choose to appeal it, you can either file another Supplemental Claim (with more new and relevant evidence), request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Denied Benefits?
Determining what counts as “new and relevant” evidence, submitting the appropriate paperwork, and deciding whether to appeal, can be complicated decisions.
If you have been denied benefits and are looking for assistance in appealing the VA’s denial, Vets National Advocates are here for you. Our qualified advocates can help you appeal your disability claim, and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
Call 877-777-4021 to speak with one of our advocates about your claim for free.
