What counts as 'new and relevant' evidence for a Supplemental Claim?
Last verified August 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Details
- Filed on VA Form 20-0995 within one year of the decision to preserve the original effective date.
- Examples: a new private nexus opinion, newly obtained service records, updated treatment records showing worsening, a lay statement about symptom onset.
- Simply re-submitting evidence VA already reviewed is not new, and duplicate submissions are a common reason a supplemental claim goes nowhere.
- When new and relevant evidence is submitted, VA's duty to assist reattaches.
Related
This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.