Building a Bulletproof Supplemental Claim

Building a Bulletproof Supplemental Claim - VA Claims Field Manual book cover

Turn Your Denial Into an Approval

Written by veterans who've been through the claims gauntlet. No legal jargon. No fluff. Just the scripts, worksheets, and tactics that actually work.

Book 4 of 5 in the VA Claims Field Manual Series · Included with Kindle Unlimited · Kindle eBook ($0.99) · Paperback ($5.99)

Flip denied or underrated claims fast. Decode decision letters, gather new and relevant evidence, and choose the appeal lane that pushes your rating higher.

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Deep Dive

What's Inside

A denial doesn't mean your claim is dead. This manual shows you how to decode your decision letter, identify exactly why you were denied, and build a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence that addresses the specific deficiencies.

Includes decision letter analysis worksheets, evidence gap checklists, and templates for requesting buddy statements, medical opinions, and service records that turn denials into approvals.

Included Materials

What You'll Get

  • Worksheet to decode your decision letter line by line
  • "New and relevant" evidence checklist by denial reason
  • Appeal lane comparison: supplemental vs HLR vs BVA
  • Nexus letter request templates for providers
  • Buddy statement templates addressing specific gaps
  • VA Form 20-0995 walkthrough with examples

Is This For You?

Who This Helps

  • Veterans who just received a denial and need a concrete next step
  • Claimants trying to choose between supplemental claim, HLR, or Board appeal
  • Anyone whose claim was denied for lack of nexus or insufficient evidence
  • Veterans with old denials wondering if they can still reopen

Key Features

Highlights

  • Decode decision letters to find exactly why you were denied
  • Identify new and relevant evidence that addresses each gap
  • Compare appeal lanes to pick the fastest path forward
  • Templates for nexus letters and buddy statements
  • Step-by-step VA Form 20-0995 instructions

The Complete Series

More in This Series

Free Resources

Related Resources

Start Here Pathfinder
Answer a few questions and get your personalized claim roadmap.
Free Claim Playbooks
Step-by-step guides for new claims, supplementals, and specific conditions.
Downloadable Templates
Print-ready lay statement templates, symptom logs, and nexus letter outlines.
VA Math Calculator
Model your combined rating and estimate monthly compensation.
C&P Exam Prep Guide
Free prep checklist covering what to bring, what to say, and common questions.
Lay Statement Guide
How to write VA Form 21-10210 statements that move the needle.

Common Questions

FAQ

How long do I have to file a supplemental claim?
There is no deadline—you can file a supplemental claim anytime, even years after your original denial. However, your effective date (and back pay) depends on when you file. If you file within one year of your denial, you may preserve your original effective date. Our supplemental claim playbook explains effective date rules in detail.
What counts as "new and relevant" evidence?
Evidence is "new" if the VA hasn't seen it before. It's "relevant" if it addresses the specific reason you were denied—like a nexus letter if you lacked a medical connection, or service records if you couldn't prove an in-service event. Chapter 3 includes checklists by denial type.
Should I file a supplemental claim or HLR?
File a supplemental claim if you have new evidence to submit. Choose an HLR (Higher-Level Review) if you believe the VA made a clear error with existing evidence. You cannot submit new evidence with an HLR. Chapter 2 has a decision flowchart to help you choose the right path.
Can I reopen an old denial from years ago?
Yes—there is no time limit to file a supplemental claim. However, your effective date will typically be the date you file the new claim, not your original filing date. If you have new evidence, reopening an old claim is often worth it.