Best for
- ✓ You have a new nexus letter, DBQ, or medical record
- ✓ You found new buddy statements / lay evidence
- ✓ The VA missed a relevant document the first time
Not for
- ✕ You just disagree with the rating but have no new evidence
- ✕ You want a senior reviewer to re-read the same file
How it works
- 01File VA Form 20-0995 within 1 year of the decision.
- 02Identify the issue(s) you want VA to reconsider.
- 03Submit or identify the new and relevant evidence.
- 04VA has a 'duty to assist' — they'll help develop the evidence.
- 05A regional office adjudicator issues a new decision.
Pro tips
- ▸ File before the 1-year mark to preserve your effective date and back pay.
- ▸ 'New AND relevant' — it has to be both. A repeat statement of the same fact won't count.
- ▸ Bundle every new piece — strong supplementals stack diagnosis + nexus + lay statement.