VA Form 20-0995 — Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim — is the form you file when you want the VA to take a second look at a denied claim after you gather new evidence.
What Is a Supplemental Claim?
A supplemental claim is one of three appeal lanes under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). You use it when you have new evidence that the VA has never reviewed before. The other two lanes are the Higher-Level Review and the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Only the supplemental claim lane lets you add new evidence directly into the record.
What Is "New and Relevant Evidence"?
New means the VA has never seen it before. Relevant means it could prove or disprove something important to your claim. Both conditions must be met.
Examples of Strong New Evidence
- Nexus letter — a private doctor's written opinion linking your condition to service. See our nexus letter guide.
- Buddy statement — from a fellow veteran, family member, or coworker. See our buddy statement guide.
- Private DBQ — a structured exam report by your own doctor using the VA format.
- New medical records — treatment records generated after the original decision.
- Secondary condition diagnosis — a new condition caused by your already-rated disability.
The 1-Year Rule: Protect Your Effective Date
If you file within one year of a VA rating decision, your effective date is preserved back to your original claim date. That can mean thousands of dollars in VA back pay. Miss the window and your effective date resets to the date you file the supplemental claim.
Supplemental Claim vs. Other Appeal Options
| Appeal Lane | Form | New Evidence? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | 20-0995 | Yes — required | New medical records, nexus letters, buddy statements |
| Higher-Level Review | 20-0996 | No | Clear VA error on existing evidence |
| Board Appeal | 10182 | Depends on lane | Veterans Law Judge review |
Read the full breakdown in our VA appeals process guide.
How to Complete VA Form 20-0995
- Download the current form from va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-0995/.
- Complete Section I — your name, SSN or VA file number, date of birth, and contact information.
- Complete Section II — list each condition you want reconsidered, using specific diagnostic terms.
- Check the benefit type — "Disability Compensation" for most veterans.
- Describe your evidence — note what new evidence you are submitting or will follow.
- Gather supporting documents — nexus letters, private records, buddy statements, DBQs.
- Sign and date — unsigned forms are returned and delay your effective date.
- Submit online at VA.gov for the fastest processing.
How Long Does a Supplemental Claim Take?
The VA aims to complete supplemental claims within 125 days. Complex cases or those requiring external records take longer. Track your status at VA.gov.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Resubmitting old evidence — the VA will reject the claim as ineligible.
- Missing the 1-year window — set a calendar reminder 11 months out from every VA decision.
- Vague condition descriptions — use the exact diagnostic term from your medical records.
- No nexus letter — having records without a doctor's opinion connecting them to service often causes denials.
Next Steps
- Get a nexus letter — the most powerful piece of new evidence you can submit
- Write a buddy statement
- VA appeals process guide
- VA back pay explainer
- VA disability rating calculator