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If you’ve filed a VA Supplemental Claim, you’re likely wondering: “What are my chances of success?”
While the VA doesn’t release official statistics on the success rate for Supplemental Claims, VA disability expert Brian Reese estimates roughly 50% of Supplemental Claims are successful when new and relevant evidence is submitted.
This means that approximately one in two veterans could receive a favorable decision in the VA Supplemental Claims process.
This new and relevant evidence can include a new Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ), a Nexus Letter linking the condition to service or another disability, new medical tests or diagnostic reports, or other key evidence that was not included in the original claim.
Okay, let’s explore what contributes to the success of a VA Supplemental Claim, what “new and relevant” evidence means, and practical steps you can take to maximize your chances of securing the benefits you deserve in this part of the appeals process.
Whether you’ve been denied VA disability benefits or received a low-ball rating, this is your opportunity to strengthen your claim and pursue a better outcome.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- VA Supplemental Claim Success Rate: While the VA doesn’t officially publish Supplemental Claim success rates, it is estimated that approximately 50% of veterans who provide new and relevant evidence experience a favorable decision. This evidence can change the outcome of the claim if properly submitted.
- Importance of New and Relevant Evidence: To succeed in a Supplemental Claim, new and relevant evidence not previously considered by the VA is essential. This could include medical documentation, a Nexus Letter, or updated medical records, all of which are critical to overturning prior denials or low ratings.
- Addressing the Original Denial: Understanding the reason behind the initial denial of your claim is crucial. Submitting new evidence that directly addresses why your claim was denied, such as insufficient medical evidence or lack of service connection, is key to changing the outcome.
- Timely Submission for Retroactive Pay: Filing a Supplemental Claim within one year of the VA’s original decision can help preserve your original effective date, making you eligible for retroactive benefits. Filing after one year may result in a new effective date and possible loss of retroactive pay.
What is the VA Supplemental Claim Success Rate?
The VA does not provide an official published success rate for Supplemental Claims.
However, based on available research and my experience working with 25,000+ veterans, the Supplemental Claim success rate is estimated to be around 50%.
This means that about half of veterans who submit new and relevant evidence not considered in the original decision have a chance of seeing a favorable outcome with a Supplemental Claim.
It’s important to understand that the success of a Supplemental Claim largely depends on the quality of the new and relevant medical evidence submitted to the VA.
If you provide quality, new, and relevant medical evidence your chances of approval increase.
What Factors Influence Your VA Supplemental Claim Success?
Here are three factors that can affect the success rate of your Supplemental Claim:
#1. New and Relevant Evidence Not Previously Considered
The most critical factor in winning a Supplemental Claim is submitting new and relevant evidence that wasn’t part of the original claim. The best type of evidence is medical, although lay evidence can also be beneficial. Examples of new evidence include medical records the VA didn’t have before, new private medical documentation such as a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), or a Nexus Letter from a qualified medical professional linking your condition to your service. However, it’s not enough for the evidence to just be new—it must also be relevant, meaning it addresses the specific reason why your claim was initially denied or underrated. For instance, if your claim for tinnitus was denied due to a lack of diagnosis, submitting updated medical records confirming a diagnosis of tinnitus would qualify as new and relevant evidence.
#2. Addressing the Original Claim Denial
Understanding why your original claim was denied is key to providing the right type of evidence to support your Supplemental Claim. If the denial was due to insufficient evidence, you’ll need to submit more comprehensive documentation—such as medical records or service-related evidence. If the VA denied your claim based on a lack of service connection, you’ll need to provide strong new evidence, like a nexus letter or updated medical opinion, linking your condition directly to your military service. Without addressing the root cause of the denial, your new evidence may not be effective in changing the outcome.
#3. Timely Submission
While there’s no strict deadline for filing a Supplemental Claim, submitting it within one year of the VA’s original decision is essential if you want to maintain your original effective date. Filing within this one-year window could entitle you to retroactive pay dating back to the original claim. Filing after one year typically results in a new effective date, which could mean you miss out on potential VA backpay. The sooner you gather and submit your new evidence, the faster the VA can process and review your claim. However, the focus should remain on the quality and relevance of the evidence, as this is what ultimately impacts the success of your claim.
What to Expect After Filing a Supplemental Claim
Once your claim is submitted, a VA decision reviewer will assess your new and relevant evidence and determine whether it warrants a new rating decision.
This process typically takes around 5-6 months from start to finish, though the timeline can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the claim, whether additional C&P exams are required, and VA workload.
If the reviewer finds the new evidence compelling, they may overturn the original decision, resulting in back pay and a higher disability rating.
If the new and relevant evidence submitted to the VA does not lead to a favorable decision, you may pursue other options like a Higher-Level Review (HLR) of the Supplemental Claim Decision or an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up: Is a Supplemental Claim Right for You?
If you have new and relevant evidence that wasn’t previously submitted, a Supplemental Claim could be your best path to success.
Veterans who diligently gather and submit strong evidence, especially medical evidence, have a much higher chance of securing the VA benefits they deserve.
Remember, persistence is key.
Don’t ever give up!
While success isn’t guaranteed (it never is in the VA claim process), by following these steps and submitting quality evidence, you greatly increase your odds of winning your Supplemental Claim.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
