File a VA supplemental claim for a higher disability rating
A supplemental claim filed on VA Form 20-0995 with new and relevant evidence attached — the rating decision and code sheet audited for the exact evidence gap, a nexus letter or independent medical opinion secured, a DBQ completed by the treating provider where a public form exists, and lay statements collected — filed inside the one-year window that preserves the original effective date and back pay.
Not on sale yet
Included with every copy
- Your own copy — keep it forever
- Gets better over time — free updates included
- Run it on web and mobile
- Invite a partner to go through it with you — you share the same progress
- 5 knowledge checks to test what you've learned
- The playbook's community — ask questions, get additions, and see how other buyers improve it, right on the step
Who it's for
Veterans who received a VA rating decision that denied or under-rated a service-connected condition — for example PTSD, tinnitus, or sleep apnea — and who have, or can obtain, new and relevant evidence that was not considered in the prior decision. It also fits veterans still inside the one-year window from the date on the decision letter. It is not for veterans whose only goal is a higher rating for a condition that simply got worse, which is an increase claim on VA Form 21-526EZ.
About this playbook
This guide walks a veteran through correcting an unfavorable VA rating decision by filing a supplemental claim on VA Form 20-0995. It starts with reading the decision letter and code sheet to name the exact evidence gap in VA's own terms, then builds the missing pieces — a nexus letter, a DBQ where a public form exists, and lay statements on VA Form 21-10210 — and files the claim inside the one-year window that preserves the original effective date and back pay. You will track the claim through va.gov, answer every evidence request before its deadline, attend the C&P exam prepared, and verify the final rating, effective date, and retroactive amount. It does not cover initial claims, increase claims on Form 21-526EZ for conditions that merely worsened, or paid representation by accredited attorneys and agents.
What you'll do, step by step
Free preview — these steps are open to read in full before you buy.
Phase 1: Audit the decision and name the evidence gap
0/5Establish the record: read the decision letter and code sheet, assemble the service and treatment records, and write down in VA's own terms what evidence is missing for each issue. This phase also confirms the correct review lane and the one-year deadline before any money is spent on evidence.
- 45 min
- 1 hour
- Optional30 min
- 1 hour 30 min
Phase 2: Build the new and relevant evidence
5 stepsPhase 3: Assemble and file the supplemental claim
4 stepsPhase 4: Track the claim and respond to VA
4 stepsPhase 5: Read the decision and decide the next move
3 stepsDetails
What you need first
You hold a prior VA decision letter on the issues you want to contest, and you can sign in to va.gov with a verified Login.gov or ID.me account. You can reach your DD 214, your service treatment records, and records from your treating providers. A current medical diagnosis exists for each condition at issue. You are willing to pay a private provider if a nexus letter or independent medical opinion is needed, since VA does not reimburse those costs.
Tags
What people who used it say
Only buyers who got through at least half the steps can leave a review.
No reviews yet. The first ones appear once buyers get through at least half the steps.
Common questions
About the creator
I cover paperwork, applications and dealing with public institutions. My playbooks say plainly what to do first and where the time goes.
Similar playbooks
