What it is
VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim, is one of three post-AMA decision review lanes. You ask VA to readjudicate an issue it already decided by adding evidence that is both new (not already in the file) and relevant (tends to prove or disprove something at issue). A different rater takes a fresh look at the whole record.
When you use it
Use it when you have something the prior decision did not see: a private nexus opinion, a buddy statement, updated treatment records, a new C&P exam from a different provider, or service records that surfaced later. You can file a Supplemental Claim at any time, but filing within one year of the decision notice preserves your original effective date. Filing later locks your effective date to the date VA receives the new claim.
What to gather before you fill it out
- Your decision letter so you can list the exact issues you want reviewed
- The new evidence itself, or VA Form 21-4142 authorizing VA to request private records
- DD-214 and any updated service treatment records you have
- A short statement tying the new evidence to the issue
How to submit
File online at VA.gov for disability compensation claims, by mail to the Janesville Evidence Intake Center (PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547), by fax, or in person at a regional office. An accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent can file for you.
Common pitfalls
- Resubmitting evidence VA already had is not "new." It will be rejected as insufficient.
- If you file more than one year after your decision letter, your effective date will not be preserved, back pay restarts from the new filing date.
- You cannot have a Supplemental Claim and a Higher-Level Review or Board Appeal pending on the same issue at the same time.
Related forms
VA Form 20-0996 (Higher-Level Review), VA Form 10182 (Board Appeal), VA Form 21-4142 (records authorization).
Sources
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-0995/, 38 CFR 3.2501