What Is VA Form 20-0995
VA Form 20-0995 is the official Decision Review Request form you submit to file a Supplemental Claim with the VA. This form tells the VA you have new and relevant evidence that wasn't part of your original claim or previous appeal, and you want them to reconsider your case based on this evidence.
The form is part of the Appeals Modernization Act framework, which became effective February 19, 2019. Under this system, you have three distinct paths to appeal a VA decision: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal. The 20-0995 is specifically for the Supplemental Claim track.
When to File Form 20-0995
File this form when you have evidence the VA didn't have during your initial rating decision. Common examples include new medical records from your VA provider or private doctor, a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service, additional buddy statements, or results from a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam you've completed since the original decision.
You can file a Supplemental Claim at any time, unlike Higher-Level Reviews which must be filed within one year of the rating decision. There's no limit to how many times you can file a 20-0995, but each submission must include new evidence that could have a reasonable possibility of changing the outcome.
What Goes on the Form
- Your claim information: VA file number, date of claim, and which condition(s) you're appealing
- Description of new evidence: Explain specifically what new evidence you're submitting and why it matters to your case
- Why you're appealing: State concisely why you believe the VA's rating decision was wrong or incomplete
- New and relevant evidence: Attach copies of medical records, C&P exam results, nexus letters, employment records, or other documentation that directly supports your claim
Processing Timeline and Rating Percentage
After you submit Form 20-0995, the VA has 120 days to issue a new rating decision. In practice, processing times vary based on workload, but expect 3 to 5 months. Your Regional Processing Office may send your case for another C&P exam if the rater believes additional medical information is needed to evaluate the new evidence.
The VA will assign a disability rating percentage based on the VA rating schedule, which ranges from 0% to 100% in 10% increments for most conditions (some allow 5% increments). If the new evidence supports a higher rating, your effective date for the increase is typically the date you filed the 20-0995.
Working With a VSO or Representative
A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you gather evidence, draft the form, and explain why your new evidence matters. Many VSOs are free through veteran organizations like the American Legion or DAV. If you prefer an attorney or accredited agent, you can authorize them on VA Form 21-22 to represent you throughout the process.
Common Questions
- Can I file a 20-0995 while appealing the same issue to the Board? No. Once you've appealed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (filed a Board Appeal), you cannot file a Supplemental Claim on that same issue. Choose your path carefully when initially appealing.
- What counts as "new and relevant" evidence? Evidence the VA didn't have or consider in the original decision. If you saw a private doctor after your rating decision and have those records, that's new. A nexus letter from a medical professional that directly connects your disability to service is relevant. Repeating evidence already in your file won't work.
- Does filing a 20-0995 stop my current rating? No. Your current rating continues while your Supplemental Claim is being processed. If approved for an increase, you'll receive back pay to the effective date.