Supplemental Claims in 2026: What Counts as New and Relevant Evidence?

VA describes evidence as new when it was not previously part of the record before agency adjudicators. Evidence is relevant when it tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue. The regulation states that the new-and-relevant threshold does not impose a higher evidentiary standard than the former new-and-material standard.

A Supplemental Claim may also seek review based on a relevant change in law, including a newly applicable presumption.

• No current diagnosis: obtain competent diagnostic evidence.
• No in-service event, injury, disease, or exposure: locate service records or competent lay evidence.
• No nexus: obtain an opinion that addresses the correct facts and explains its reasoning.
• Insufficient severity: submit current treatment, examination, or functional evidence tied to the rating criteria.
• Adverse credibility finding: address the specific inconsistency rather than repeating the same statement.

Resubmitting the same records without explaining their significance may add volume without adding new information. A generic nexus letter may also fail if it does not identify the records reviewed, use the correct legal question, or explain why the medical conclusion follows.

If the alleged error can be proven entirely from the record VA already had, Higher-Level Review may be a better fit. If Board review is needed, the chosen Board docket controls when new evidence can be submitted.

For most compensation issues, the paper form is VA Form 20-0995. VA also allows online filing for disability compensation Supplemental Claims. Filing within one year of the decision can matter to continuous pursuit and the potential effective date.