After a decision
VA Supplemental Claim (after a denial)
A denial isn't the end — it's often just round one.
The short version
Denied or rated too low? Bring new proof and file again within a year. Most “no’s” are really just round one — not the final word.
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Your three review options
After a decision you can file a Supplemental Claim (add new evidence), a Higher-Level Review (a senior reviewer re-examines the same evidence), or a Board Appeal (a Veterans Law Judge). Which fits depends on whether you have new evidence and how you want it reviewed. - 2
New and relevant evidence
A Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) is built around new and relevant evidence— something the VA didn't have before that bears on your case: a new diagnosis, a nexus letter, additional records, or buddy statements. New evidence is the key that reopens the claim. - 3
Keep your effective date
For most decisions, if you file your review within one year of the decision date, you generally protect your original effective date — which protects your potential back pay. Wait longer and you can still file, but you may lose that earlier date. Confirm the current timelines on VA.gov.
Ready to put this into motion?
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Keep reading
Beyond the claim
The rating is step one. The civilian life it's meant to fund is the real fight.
Most veterans leave service without the one thing that lands the job, the offer, or the rating: preparation built for the civilian side. That's what Beyond the Claim is for.
Career Translator
Nearly 1 in 3 veterans is underemployed after service — usually a résumé that never translated the military career into corporate language. We do the translation.
Job Interview Prep
About 44% of veterans leave their first civilian job within a year — a prep-and-fit problem, not a skills one. Practice the exact interview before it counts.
C&P Exam Prep
The gap between a 30% and a 70% rating is more than $1,200 a month — your C&P exam decides which. Walk in ready.
This guide is general educational information, not legal advice, and timelines and forms can change — always confirm the current rules at VA.gov. ItsYourBenefits is not affiliated with the VA and is not an accredited representative.