Filing a VA claim can be challenging, not to mention the actual difficulty of ensuring that you will obtain the correct VA rating.
Seeking educational assistance when you apply for a VA disability claim can be advantageous. However, in some cases, the VA can reject a claim due to a lack of evidence, even with the guidance of a professional veterans coach.
So, what can you do next?
Most claim denials often occur due to the lack of substantial evidence necessary to warrant a valid claim when you apply for VA benefits. Fortunately, the VA allows veterans to resubmit their claim as long as they can secure additional and more concrete evidence regarding their disabilities or injuries via VA supplemental claims.
Let’s explore what a supplemental claim is and what it entails.
What is a VA Supplemental Claim?
It’s important to note that a VA supplemental claim differs from the Board of Veterans Appeal (BVA). The BVA is a formal VA appeal in which you fully disagree with the VA’s decision, whereas a supplemental claim requests that the VA reassess its decision based on new evidence that was not included in your original claim. A VA supplemental claim is a way for veterans to dispute the VA’s decision without undergoing an entirely new process.
When to file your VA Supplemental Claim
The VA will require you to submit or provide new and relevant evidence that confirms that your conditions are service-related. If you can secure these, then you will have the option to submit a VA supplemental claim.
Note that you will have one year to gather new evidence from the day the VA finalizes your claim.
The VA supplemental claim time from the date of your decision can be extensive, and you may feel like you have enough time to gather new evidence, but it is important to take action as soon as possible since gathering new evidence, obtaining medical records, and securing sworn statements can be a lengthy procedure.
The process
You will need to look for the VA Form 20-0995, and you can either file a supplemental claim online or submit it via mail or in person.
For filing online
You can go to the VA’s online link to file a supplemental claim and follow the steps there.
For filing by mail and in-person
Download the VA’s official supplemental claim form and submit it to the following address. Please keep in mind that there are different addresses depending on the benefit you are seeking.
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
Survivor benefits
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
PCAFC
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5154
Janesville, WI 53547
You can also check your VA supplemental claim status by creating an account and signing up to the VA’s official website.
Evidence to submit in your supplemental claim
You can file for a VA supplemental claim if you have new evidence that can alter the VA’s past decision.
The VA can also have an active role in helping you obtain these documents from a verified VA medical center, other federal establishments, or your selected private health care, as long as you supply the name of the facility that helped with your treatment, along with the time and date of receiving medical attention.
Here are some examples of documents or evidence that you can use to file a supplemental claim with the VA.
Medical reports
If the VA previously denied your claim, you now have an official medical document verifying your condition’s service connection. This can serve as new, relevant evidence that may alter the VA’s decision.
Sworn Declaration Form
A close relative or friend can report the sworn declaration form VA 21-4138 on your behalf. It can be your spouse, a close friend, or a fellow service member who is with you during your active service. They understand how severe your conditions are and how they affect your daily activities.
A VA Law Update Caused a Change in Your Presumptive Condition
The VA updated their health care and benefits program for veterans who may have been exposed to different toxic chemicals, namely burn pits and Agent Orange, on March 25, 2024.
Circumstances like these can be considered when submitting a VA supplemental claim appeal.
Looking for Help? Our VA coaches will guide you.
Sometimes all you need is proper educational assistance and knowledge to secure the correct rating and seamlessly navigate through the complex and challenging processes of VA.
The VA supplemental claims process requires you to gather appropriate evidence for a reevaluation of your claim. If you need someone to review your evidence and offer professional and educational assistance, then we are here to help.
You can visit our VA claims assistance page and book a strategy session for free! You can also visit our Contact Us page and send us a message about how we can assist you.