When the VA denies a disability claim, it can feel like the end of the road. But for many Veterans, that denial isn’t final. Depending on your situation, you may be able to reopen your claim and have the VA take another look—especially if new evidence has come to light since the original decision.
This article explains when and how a denied claim can be reopened, what kind of evidence is required, and how reopening differs from appealing. If you’ve missed a deadline, found new documentation, or simply want to take another shot at securing your benefits, here’s what you need to know.
When Is a VA Decision Considered Final?
Before you can reopen a VA claim, the original decision must be considered final. This generally happens when the VA issues a denial and you take no further action within the required timeframe. Specifically, a decision becomes final if you don’t file an appeal within one year of the VA’s decision letter, or if you fail to submit new and relevant evidence during that same one-year period.
Once that window closes, the VA considers the matter resolved, and the original decision is locked in. However, that doesn’t mean you’re without options. Thanks to the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), Veterans can still ask the VA to reconsider a finalized decision by filing a Supplemental Claim—so long as it includes new and relevant evidence that wasn’t part of the original file.
Understanding whether your claim is still open or has reached finality is a critical first step. In some situations, what appears to be a closed case may still be active—especially if you submitted evidence or initiated an appeal that the VA never properly acknowledged.
Reopening vs. Appealing: What’s the Difference?
Reopening a claim and appealing a decision are not the same thing, even though both seek to change the outcome of a VA ruling. The difference comes down to timing and legal procedure.
If you’re still within one year of your denial, you’re in what’s called the appeal window. During this period, you have the legal right to challenge the VA’s decision using one of three appeal lanes under the Appeals Modernization Act: you can request a Higher-Level Review, file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence, or submit your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. All of these options preserve your original effective date and keep your claim active.
But once the one-year period expires—and no appeal or new evidence has been submitted—the decision becomes final. At that point, the appeal lanes close, and you can no longer challenge the decision in the traditional sense. Instead, the only way to move forward is to reopen the claim by filing a new Supplemental Claim, supported by new and relevant evidence.
While the reopening process shares some similarities with appeals, the legal posture is fundamentally different. You’re not asking the VA to correct a past error; you’re presenting new information and asking them to reconsider a prior denial in light of that evidence. This subtle but important distinction affects how your claim is evaluated, how back pay is calculated, and what additional steps may be required to reach a favorable outcome.
What Counts as New and Relevant Evidence?
To reopen a denied VA claim, you must submit evidence that is both new and relevant. This requirement is central to the Supplemental Claim process—and it’s where many Veterans go wrong. New evidence means the VA hasn’t seen it before. Relevant evidence means it directly supports or strengthens your claim in a way that could affect the outcome. Without meeting both criteria, the VA will not reconsider your case.
Medical Records That Show a Change
One of the most common forms of qualifying evidence is updated or newly obtained medical records. These could include recent diagnoses, records of ongoing treatment, or documentation that shows your condition has worsened since the VA’s last review. If your original claim was denied due to a lack of medical support, these records can fill that gap and justify a fresh look.
Nexus Letters and Expert Opinions
A nexus letter is a written medical opinion from a qualified professional that links your condition to your military service. If your original claim was denied because the VA didn’t find a service connection, a well-crafted nexus letter can be a game changer. These letters are most effective when they are specific, clearly reasoned, and based on a thorough review of your service and medical history.
Lay and Buddy Statements
Lay evidence from people who know you—such as friends, family members, or fellow service members—can also be relevant. These statements can describe how your condition affects your daily life, how it has changed over time, or how it was first noticed during or after service. While lay statements alone may not prove your case, they can add valuable context and support the medical evidence.
Missing or Overlooked Service Records
If you later discover service records that weren’t considered in the original decision—especially those that document an in-service injury or exposure—these can serve as powerful evidence. The VA has a duty to review any newly obtained federal records and consider how they impact your claim.
What Doesn’t Count
Simply resubmitting the same evidence the VA has already reviewed won’t qualify as new and relevant. The VA needs to see something that wasn’t part of your file the first time around—something that addresses the specific reason your claim was denied. The goal isn’t to rehash the past, but to present a more complete picture that gives the VA a reason to reach a different outcome.
How to Reopen a VA Claim with a Supplemental Claim
To reopen a finalized VA claim, you’ll need to file a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995. This form allows you to identify which specific issue you want the VA to reconsider—such as service connection, rating level, or effective date—and gives you the opportunity to submit or identify new and relevant evidence that supports your case.
The first step is to carefully review your original denial letter. This document outlines the VA’s reasoning for the denial, which will help you determine what kind of evidence is needed to overcome it. Whether the VA cited a lack of medical documentation, no clear service connection, or insufficient proof of severity, your new evidence should directly respond to those gaps.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, complete VA Form 20-0995 and clearly indicate the previously denied condition you’re seeking to reopen. Make sure the form is accurate, complete, and includes any supporting evidence—or clearly references where the VA can access it.
You can submit your Supplemental Claim through the VA.gov portal, by mail, in person at a VA regional office, or through a representative. Once received, the VA will review your new evidence, apply the appropriate regulations, and issue a new decision. In many cases, this process can lead to a favorable outcome without requiring a Board appeal or hearing, especially when the evidence is strong and directly addresses the reasons for the prior denial.
Working with an accredited attorney or claims representative during this process can help ensure your submission is thorough and legally sound—improving your chances of success.
When Reopening Makes Sense
Reopening a VA claim isn’t always the right legal move—but under the right circumstances, it can be a highly strategic step toward finally securing the benefits you deserve. Veterans often encounter situations where they were originally denied due to missing information, and only later gain access to the evidence needed to prove their case.
When the Appeal Window Has Closed
One of the most common reasons to reopen is missing the one-year appeal deadline. If more than a year has passed since your denial and you didn’t submit an appeal or new evidence, your claim is considered final. While you can no longer challenge the decision through the standard review lanes, filing a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence gives the VA a reason to revisit the denial—essentially offering you a second chance.
When Your Condition Has Changed
Reopening may also make sense if your condition has worsened over time or if you’ve recently been given a new formal diagnosis that wasn’t available during your original application. In some cases, the updated diagnosis may more accurately reflect your symptoms, allowing the VA to reclassify your condition or assign a higher rating.
When New Evidence Becomes Available
Another strong reason to reopen is the discovery of service records or medical opinions that weren’t part of your initial file. For example, a newly written nexus letter from a physician or the retrieval of deployment orders, treatment logs, or buddy statements can qualify as new and relevant evidence. These documents may be what’s needed to establish service connection or correct an earlier misjudgment.
When the Original Decision Was Incomplete
Even if the evidence existed at the time, the VA’s original decision may have been based on an incomplete or outdated record. If you can now show that key information was missed or misunderstood, reopening your claim gives you the opportunity to have your case reconsidered—this time with a more complete and accurate evidentiary foundation.
In short, reopening is a valuable tool when something important has changed—or when something essential was missed the first time around. With the right evidence and a clear strategy, a Supplemental Claim can help get your claim back on track.
How a VA Disability Lawyer Can Help
Reopening a VA claim isn’t just about checking boxes on a form—it’s about building a strategic and legally sound case that gives the VA a clear reason to reverse its previous denial. While Veterans are allowed to file Supplemental Claims on their own, working with an experienced VA-accredited attorney can make the process significantly more effective—and less stressful.
Assessing Whether Reopening Is the Right Move
Not every denied claim should be reopened. A VA disability lawyer will review your full claims file and decision history to determine whether your case is better suited for a Supplemental Claim, a traditional appeal (if still within the one-year window), or another type of legal remedy. This step ensures that you’re not wasting time on the wrong path—and that your efforts are focused where they have the highest chance of success.
Spotting Legal or Procedural Errors
An attorney can identify whether the VA made errors in the original decision that might justify additional action. This could include misapplied diagnostic codes, missed evidence, or an improper evaluation of your medical condition. In some cases, an overlooked procedural error may also open the door to an earlier effective date or a new appeal.
Gathering and Presenting Strong Evidence
The heart of any reopening effort is the new and relevant evidence you submit. A skilled attorney will help you identify what’s missing, obtain independent medical opinions or nexus letters, and organize the documentation in a way that clearly supports your claim. They’ll also ensure that lay statements, service records, and other supporting materials are properly formatted and legally compelling.
Filing Accurately and On Time
Supplemental Claims must be submitted using VA Form 20-0995, and every detail—from how you describe the issue to how you label the evidence—matters. Your attorney will ensure your submission is complete, accurate, and timely, avoiding common mistakes that lead to delays or denials.
Representation If Further Action Is Needed
If the VA denies your reopened claim, your attorney can take the next step—whether that means filing an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, identifying a clear and unmistakable error (CUE), or developing a broader legal strategy. You’ll have professional guidance throughout the process, with someone who understands the system and knows how to push back when necessary.
At Veterans Law Group, we focus exclusively on VA disability appeals. Whether your denial happened last month or ten years ago, we know how to build a strong reopening strategy tailored to your case. We’re committed to helping Veterans secure the benefits they’ve rightfully earned.
Ready to Reopen Your Claim? We Can Help
A denial from the VA doesn’t have to be the end of the story. If you now have new and relevant evidence, you may be able to reopen your claim and pursue the benefits you were previously denied—even if years have passed. The key is knowing when reopening makes sense, what evidence is needed, and how to present your case in a way the VA can’t ignore.
At Veterans Law Group, we focus exclusively on VA disability appeals. We help Veterans navigate the post-denial process, build strong Supplemental Claims, and fight for the compensation they’ve earned. We offer free case reviews and only get paid if we win.
If you’re unsure whether your claim can be reopened, we’re ready to take a look and guide you forward. Contact us today to find out your next best step.
