Get More Benefits: File a VA Supplemental Claim for Disability Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers disability pay to qualifying vets with service-connected disabilities. Servicemembers typically submit a claim for service-connected disabilities before retiring or separating from military service or after they have left the military.
You may be entitled to VA compensation if you have a current illness or injury you incurred due to military service. However, not all applicants have full medical information or supporting evidence when applying for those VA benefits. That’s where a process called the VA supplemental claim comes in. In this context, there are several essential questions:
- What about veterans still being medically evaluated when they file a VA claim?
- What about those who later learn that their VA compensation doesn’t cover a medical issue related to military service that didn’t surface until later?
- Did a regulation change or the law make you eligible for VA disability pay you didn’t previously qualify for?
The VA supplemental claim is helpful in cases where veterans need to submit more evidence or information after filing their initial claim. Veterans can file a supplemental claim after the initial submission to give the VA more evidence to consider before assigning a disability percentage or to have a previously assigned disability rating reconsidered.
VA Supplemental Claims Can Help
The Department of Veterans Affairs official site says, “If you have new and relevant evidence to submit or want to request a review of your claim based on a change in law, a Supplemental Claim may be an option for you.”
A supplemental claim requests the VA to review a disability compensation claim with new and relevant evidence. Veterans typically file supplemental claims when they have additional information they did not submit with their initial claim or when their condition has worsened.
Reasons for Supplemental Claims
There are several common reasons why veterans file supplemental claims. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Worsening of a service-connected condition: If your condition has worsened since your initial claim, you may apply for an increased disability rating.
- New diagnosis of a service-connected condition: If you have been diagnosed with a new condition related to your military service, file a supplemental claim.
- New evidence to support a previously denied claim: If you have new evidence you did not submit with your initial claim, you may be able to appeal a denied claim successfully.
When to Consider Filing a Supplemental Claim
Consider filing a supplemental claim with the VA in the following circumstances:
- You receive a decision on your claim that you disagree with. If you believe the VA made a mistake in its judgment, you can file a supplemental claim to provide new evidence or arguments to support your case.
- Your condition worsens. If your service-connected condition has worsened since your initial claim, you can file a supplemental claim to request an increased disability rating.
- You have new evidence to support your claim. If you have new medical records, buddy statements, or other proof that you did not submit with your initial claim, you can file a supplemental claim to include this information.
How to File a Supplemental Claim
The VA has streamlined the process for filing a supplemental claim. You can now file your claim online, by mail, or in person with the help of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Before you begin the process, gather all of the necessary information, including:
- VA File Number: This number is on any correspondence you have received from the VA.
- Social Security Number: This is used to identify you in the VA system.
- Service History: This includes your dates of service, branch of service, and any relevant military records.
- Medical Evidence: This includes any medical records, doctor’s reports, or test results that support your claim.
- New Evidence: This is the most important part of your supplemental claim. You must have new and relevant evidence to support your request.
The primary form for filing a supplemental claim is VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim. Get this form at the VA official site or request a copy from a VA regional office.
In addition to VA Form 20-0995, you may need to complete other forms depending on your circumstances. For example, if you request an increase in your disability rating, you may need to complete VA Form 21-4142, Authorization to Disclose Information to the VA. This form authorizes the VA to obtain your medical records from your private healthcare providers.
Submit Your Claim
In Person: You can file your claim at a VA regional office.
Online: File your claim online through VA.gov, the fastest and most convenient way to submit your claim.
By Mail: You can mail your completed forms and supporting documentation to the following address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Once you submit your claim, you can track its status online or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
Filing a Successful Supplemental Claim
- Submit all relevant evidence. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better your chances of success.
- Be clear and concise in your arguments. Explain why you deserve a higher disability rating or why the VA’s previous decision was incorrect.
- Get help from a VSO. VSOs can help you gather evidence, complete the required forms, and understand the VA claims process.
Considerations for Supplemental Claims
- Timely filing: There are time limits for filing supplemental claims. Your claim should be filed within one year of the VA’s decision on your claim.
- Documentation: Providing thorough documentation to support your supplemental claim is important. This includes medical records and any other relevant evidence.
- Legal assistance: Do you need help with the supplemental claims process? A qualified attorney may be able to assist you.
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
