VA Disability How To - Submit Supplemental Appeal

[@TheCivDiv]

1-stop-shop for VA Benefits: CivDivonline.com The 0995 has been updated as of May 2024. Make sure you download the form straight from the VA’s website. - Clay

[@ONeilWeilbacher]

This guy is awesome. I retired from the US Marine Corps 30 years and also retired from the VBA 10 years as VSR (veterans service representative). I reviewed his videos, and I can vouch for this guy that he really knows what he is talking about in all of his videos. I have been helping veterans to file claims and I sent links to his videos to them to help with filing claims. He explains everything very well and at layman's level. Great Job and Semper FI.

[@TheCivDiv]

Dude, thank you so much and I appreciate making me feel validated 😂 if I ever leaving the Federal Government my first move will be to apply to become a Claims Agent. - Clay

[@ezra4517]

Man thanks for the help. I just submitted my supplemental claim. It's funny how a 4 min video is so much easier than trying to figure it out yourself!

[@TheCivDiv]

Hey thanks! That was the purpose and I’m glad this helped. - Clay

[@phillipbrandt6075]

I haven't read all the comments, but this form was changed and updated on May 2024 and it's longer. I talk to VA representatives and they were still working off this old form.

[@TheCivDiv]

It’ll still be the 0995 and when a veteran pulls up that PDF on the VAs website, it’ll be the updated version. Solid comment though and I’ll change the pinned comment to reflect. - Clay

[@phillipbrandt6075]

@@TheCivDiv note that box 13a is no longer where you ads your issues among other changes.

[@sabrinasspot]

Definitely will need this in the future.

[@TheCivDiv]

That’s the purpose of this entire playlists! I plan to upload more once I find some time. - Clay

[@kitana370]

Two questions; do i need to let my vso submit, and do i need to fill out anything saying what I’m submitting?

[@manna5610]

Just received by denial letter. So if I'm doing a supplemental claim with a nexus letter (as new evidence) , I would include in the quick submit, the nexus letter download at the same location as the claim download attachment? Right?

[@TheCivDiv]

There are a few ways to submit a supplemental, using Quick Submit is 1. I’d be wrong if I didn’t recommend using a VSO (keep that in mind). You can also do this through va.gov now (new feature). Or by mail (OG). But yes, upload the 0995 along with your new and relevant evidence. I’d also consider a personal statement explaining why you were denied, and your new and relevant evidence breaking it down by the Big 3. - Clay

[@danielmchugh8231]

Can a supplemental be used if you are rated however, you are not satisfied with your rating and its within 1 year of rating? This is from an initial C&P with SC first go around. Thanks.

[@JRoze00]

Awesome!!! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@TheCivDiv]

Thank YOU! - Clay

[@Kingleeohtown432]

This helped greatly 💯

[@TheCivDiv]

Hey thanks! I’m glad we made these tutorials. Lots of feedback, too. - Clay

[@claimsjedimaster7036]

Hey brother. Let me help you for free. I am an expert at VA Disability and SMC. I also have SSD and know that process as well.

[@cathymankin4340]

We filed a supplement claim and I think it'll be denied. The reason I say this is, the claim went straight to 'preparation for decision' almost immediately. There was no C&P exam. This claim was for TDIU, which had been denied. What is our next step after a denial? Can we file another supplement claim? I've heard that going to a higher level review can backfire on the veteran, and the rating can be lowered. Is this true? I'm just concerned about the claim going to PFD that fast, and am expecting a denial.

[@TheCivDiv]

What that claim fully developed? Did you submit new and relevant evidence? - Clay

[@cathymankin4340]

@@TheCivDiv Basically, we sent in a Veteran statement of support and listed what the VA did not consider, that was already in his file. I am certain it will be denied, because I didn't know what I was doing.

[@edwardperez6729]

I got denied for several conditions. Do I have to submit my supplemental for “all” conditions at the same time? I have what I need for some, but still gathering evidence for the others. Thanks in advance for the help.

[@lucianoantenucci6436]

If I was denied for GERD on December 22, 2023 before the rating scheduled changed but I file a supplemental before the one year is up from decision letter. Will I be rated under the new or old rating schedule?

[@edwardperez6729]

Thank you Sir. How long do you have to file supplemental after you are denied? Appreciate all you do.

[@TheCivDiv]

1yr for effective date but anytime after will require supplemental - Clay

[@miguelgarces2382]

So I can either file through the va website and I could also file through quick submit ? Either way will open up a supplement claim?

[@jayghoul789]

Mine is to drop my Va depth. Kinda worried it won’t work.

[@robertdelao957]

Can Relevant Evidence, in your vamc records or past decisions claims qualified for a reasonable doubt in favor of veteran. For present Denied HLR decision?

[@TheCivDiv]

I’m not sure what your question is but HLR can only review the evidence within the claim and cannot consider new evidence. So I think the answer to your question is, yes? - Clay

[@JimboJones2022]

Are supplemental clams standard or fully developed or is this based the on the initial claim and how it was filed?

[@TheCivDiv]

Supplemental claims can be (and in my opinion should be) fully developed - Clay

[@edwardperez6729]

Thank you Sir. Before supplemental, should I request C-file to review, and better understanding of why I was denied. Thanks again!

[@TheCivDiv]

Up to you. C-File will take a while if you’re hoping to stay within your 1yr window. - Clay

[@edwardperez6729]

@@TheCivDiv thank you.

[@westwizard89]

After you quick submit the supplemental claim how do you go and add the new supporting evidence?

[@TheCivDiv]

Same same just upload the evidence through Quick Submit - Clay

[@scottusa03]

What if the denial letter for a claim was over a year old? Do I still do a supplemental with the date I was denied?

[@TheCivDiv]

Yes - Clay

[@booneautomotive4174]

With that being said do you also attach the new and relevant evidence as well

[@TheCivDiv]

Yes! I prefer Quick Submit but you can now submit these online and you can mail it in if that’s your cup of tea. - Clay

[@chrisratliff4904]

Do we send additional information in at this point such as a personal statement as well or is that later in the process? TIA

[@TheCivDiv]

Send everything at the same time when ready - Clay

[@jeffery2350]

Why is it necessary to have another C&P exam after you file a Supplemental with new evidence in the form of a strong nexus letter. Isn't this considered what's called developing to deny ?

[@TheCivDiv]

So a few factors are at play here and mainly with the nexus but assuming your claim is truly a FDC, yes that would be what they refer to as ‘Developing to Deny’. It sucks. - Clay

[@TheCivDiv]

Bee sting the sphincter, eh? - Clay

[@jeffery2350]

So are most Supplemental Claims settled with or with out another C&P examination being scheduled ?

[@codychavarria6088]

My next question is on this supplemental appeal. In 2006 and filed a few claims through my local VA. However I never got the letters because I was homeless and had a house fire. So I was unable to go to the c&p exams. I recently went to my local VSO and we appealed. But now i'm thinking we should have did a supplemental HLR????? Please help or suggest

[@davidlarson3568]

Haha the classic “house fire”. My medal of honor and dd-214 were in a house fire and I can’t track them down now

[@JamesB02]

I submitted my supplemental claim Dec 2023 received notification it was received. Via mail received letter from VA stating I need to fill out VA form 21- 526EZ otherwise my claim will not be worked on. That form was filled out for the original claim for tdiu back in Nov 2022 which the claim was denied June 2023.

[@mkultravibes7763]

Once you get the confirmation can you start downloading imo, buddys statements etc etc ?

[@TheCivDiv]

THANK YOU FOR BEING A MEMBER!!! I wouldn’t wait on the confirmation just go ahead and upload your evidence. - Clay

[@dr-shrimp-puerto-rico]

hey! just found your YT. I recently submitted my supplemental claim for a disability that was originally denied and the VA sent me a letter back saying that I need to submit an application with my claim. I am very confused by this and help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@sillygoose4176]

How about the necessary signatures ?

[@TheCivDiv]

Necessary signatures on what? - Clay

[@sillygoose4176]

@@TheCivDiv 4138s

[@sillygoose4176]

@@TheCivDiv I downloaded the form. Maybe I did it the hard way

[@TheCivDiv]

@@sillygoose4176 no worries. Your signature is needed and there’s a spot for it. - Clay

[@kitana370]

Two questions; do i need to let my vso submit, and do i need to fill out anything saying what I’m submitting?

[@TheCivDiv]

If you use a VSO to submit your claims they’ll take care of all that. If you submit your claim yourself, you’ll need to do all that. - Clay

[@JASII-ey7fz]

If I’m doing a supplemental claim for sleep apnea where do I let the VA know I’m filing sleep apnea secondary to a service connected condition ? Or will they figure it out through the evidence I submit?

[@TheCivDiv]

On the 0995 you’ll see a section and you can type/write secondary to (x) - Clay

[@wilra2768]

What about the new evidence?

[@TheCivDiv]

Upload via quick submit same way. - Clay

[@codychavarria6088]

My primary is through the v. A, all my new and relevant evidence is through the v. A. Do I still have to submit the new and relevant evidence? Since they can or will go through and view my Va medical records anyway.?

[@21mejia25]

ok, so where do I submit the new evidence? Also, do I need to have a ITF active?

[@TheCivDiv]

Where will be through quick submit (check my other tutorial) assuming you’re filing on your own. If you have a representative, like a VSO, give them your evidence to upload. When you start a claim that will become your ITF. I’d you don’t have one, go online right now and start a claim. It takes 3mins. - Clay

[@21mejia25]

@@TheCivDiv hell yeah, thanks for the advice. Definitely want to work with a VSO.

[@itsSwagPrince]

@TheCivDiv U submitted a supplemental claim through the va website with proof and a buddy statement 4 months ago, but for some reason on the VA website on the status on the claim says is waiting a Higher level review is this normal or did i do something wrong?

[@wallys7016]

Two questions if I’m doing supplemental to lower back I’d want the approval from the back correct the award letter? Filing for peripheral neuropathy. Also, Can you have two nexus letters? One from primary and one from other medical professional?

[@TheCivDiv]

Yes you can have 2 nexus letters assuming they agree. I’m confused by your first question…reword that for me? - Clay

[@wallys7016]

@@TheCivDiv so I’m going to be filing a new claim for peripheral neuropathy secondary to my service connected back condition. Do I need anything saying that I’m 20% for back when I’m filing the secondary claim? I was watching your video and it indicated you should add the denial letter. Maybe I’m confused?

[@TheCivDiv]

@@wallys7016 your secondary claim to your back will be enough for that. The VA will check and the C&P examiner will give their opinion assuming you have an exam. - Clay

[@zackdolfan9397]

Once you do this will you then be scheduled a C&P exam so you can try and get it your claims connected as a secondary?

[@TheCivDiv]

Assuming your supplemental has new and relevant evidence suggesting the secondary, yes. - Clay

[@zackdolfan9397]

I have been denied sleep apnea. How do I go about trying to get it connected to my unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder? I also want to submit a claim for migraines (I have not yet done so) and would like to also get that connected to the same mental condition stated above. How do I go about doing that?

[@Deimian676]

Question do you attach the form and the evidence you have to quick submit ?

[@TheCivDiv]

Hey, now you can submit supplemental claims online. I actually need to delete this video 🤦🏻‍♂️ they just made that update. Still use quick submit for evidence. - Clay

[@Deimian676]

@@TheCivDiv what update?

[@Deimian676]

@@TheCivDiv are you on discord ?

[@Deimian676]

@@TheCivDiv don’t delete this one but please do another one if you have to

[@TheCivDiv]

@@Deimian676 you can file the supplemental online. I’m going to try and get a friend so I can record his account to show the supplemental appeal online. I won’t delete until that video is posted. - Clay

[@mariochavez3212]

Is this the same location we submit the additional evidence or are we just submitting the VA Form 20-0995?

[@TheCivDiv]

You can submit your supplemental through va.gov, here, or by mail. You can also upload medical evidence here. - Clay

[@mariochavez3212]

@@TheCivDiv is a DBQ consider ‘additional medical evidence’?

[@mariochavez3212]

@@TheCivDiv also, awesome that you replied. Thanks bro!

[@RobertLinthicum]

My understanding is that Supplemental Claims will be automatically denied unless a vet submits NEW evidence.

[@TheCivDiv]

NEW and relevant! - Clay

[@RobertLinthicum]

@@TheCivDiv That is a critical detail, or it is a meaningless exercise. Not sure everyone knows that.

[@codychavarria6088]

If I do have new evidence such as it is in my VA medical health vet file . As my only primary doctor has been through the v a Since 2012. Do I have to submit it or will they look in my file To find it?

[@real440fordd]

If I sent one threw the mail can I send one online aswell for insurance in case they didn’t get it threw the mail???

[@TheCivDiv]

Did you send it certified mail? And I suppose yes you could. - Clay

[@real440fordd]

How do I sign the document online so I use my browser to sign it and if I do it that way will it be accepted??

[@sabrinasspot]

Does this secure our intent to file date if done within a year?

[@TheCivDiv]

Supplemental claims within the year will be backdated. If the supplemental is after the year, then it would eat the intent to file. - Clay

[@MH-il1lk]

Since there is new evidence submitted and its for a denied claim that already had a C&P exam, will the VA send the veteran to another C&P exam when submitting a supplemental claim?

[@TheCivDiv]

Probably and that depends on the evidence that you submit. - Clay

[@jeffery2350]

@@TheCivDiv So you wait multiple months to be scheduled for a C&P exam and then have to wait multiple months again for the claim to be adjudicated ? Long wait !

[@skychuter]

I wondered about the same thing, but I submitted evidence per the 38CFR for the conditions disputed and I provided new and relevant evidence! Ill be pissed if I have to do a C&P exam when Ive provided clear concise evidence to win the claim

[@jeffery2350]

@@TheCivDiv I submitted my supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence disputing the denial through my VSO. I haven't heard anything about an exam being scheduled or anything. I checked my claim through " My Heathy Vet. All it says is my claim has been received, it's been stuck there over 2 months.

[@rickkane8043]

What documents can you submit together with your supplemental claim? Nexus letter? Personal statement? Buddy statement?

[@mikegogel381]

How long do supplemental claims take?

[@TheCivDiv]

Mike, I hate to give you this answer but no one on this planet can give you an accurate answer for any claim, even supplementals. Be sure to upload the relevant evidence with your claim. - Clay

[@mikegogel381]

@@TheCivDiv Clay, the DAV just filled my claim as an increase instead of a supplemental claim. I had a feeling they would mess this up. I should have done it in on my own. One of their reps said that a supplemental claim is only for a denial. Is there anything I can do?

[@TheCivDiv]

@@mikegogel381 call the VA and prime example of DAV not understanding the purpose of a supplemental claim. Tbh, not a huge deal. Just call the VA and make sure your effective date is preserved. - Clay

[@mikegogel381]

@@TheCivDiv I’m confused, is a supplemental claim used only when the claim gets denied? I have had multiple people tell me this.

[@TheCivDiv]

@@mikegogel381 I answer med this via email but for anyone else…supplemental claims are used when the Veteran has NEW and RELEVANT evidence. This includes denied claims that are now secondary to (x). - Clay