If you’ve filed a VA Supplemental Claim and now see a status update saying that a reviewer is examining your new evidence, you’ve officially reached one of the most important stages of the VA appeals process.
This message often brings a mix of relief and anxiety. On one hand, it means your claim is actively being worked. On the other, you may be wondering whether this review will finally lead to approval or another denial.
“Once a Supplemental Claim reaches evidence review, the VA is legally required to take a fresh look at the case,” said Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
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This guide explains exactly what that status means, how “new and relevant” evidence is evaluated, what the reviewer can do next, and how this stage may affect your VA disability benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
What Is a VA Supplemental Claim?
A Supplemental Claim is one of the main appeal options available to veterans who disagree with a prior VA decision, such as a denial or an underrated disability rating.
Unlike a Higher-Level Review, a Supplemental Claim allows you to submit new and relevant evidence that was not considered in the original decision.
“This is not a do-over it’s a targeted second chance using better evidence,” said Brian Reese.
A Supplemental Claim lets the VA reconsider your case without starting from scratch, as long as you meet the evidence threshold.
What Counts as “New” and “Relevant” Evidence?
For the VA to readjudicate a Supplemental Claim, the evidence must be both new and relevant.
What Is New Evidence?
Under VA rules, new evidence is information that:
- Was not part of the record at the time of the previous decision
- Was never reviewed by a VA adjudicator
Examples include:
- New medical records
- New Nexus Letters
- Updated DBQs
- New lay or buddy statements
What Is Relevant Evidence?
Relevant evidence is evidence that:
- Has a direct bearing on your claim
- Helps prove or disprove an element of service connection or severity
Importantly, relevant evidence does not have to guarantee approval.
“Evidence can be relevant even if it strengthens facts the VA already accepted,” explained by Laura Bennett, veterans law analyst.
Example of New and Relevant Evidence
A veteran was denied service connection for a low back condition. Later, the veteran submits:
- New treatment records showing ongoing back problems
- Updated imaging confirming degeneration
Even if these records don’t explicitly link the condition to service, they are still new and relevant because they affect the evaluation of the disability.
The VA’s Two-Part Determination Process for Supplemental Claims
When a Supplemental Claim is filed, the VA must follow a two-step review process.
Step 1: Threshold Review (New and Relevant Evidence)
The reviewer first determines whether the submitted evidence meets the legal threshold:
- Is it new?
- Is it relevant?
If the answer is no, the VA will issue a decision stating there is insufficient evidence to readjudicate the claim.
“If the threshold isn’t met, the VA cannot legally move forward,” said Brian Reese.
Step 2: Merits-Based Review
If the evidence is new and relevant, the reviewer must then:
- Reevaluate the entire claim
- Consider both old and new evidence
- Issue a new decision on the merits
This step can result in:
- Approval
- Increased rating
- Continued denial
What It Means When a Reviewer Is Examining Your New Evidence?
This status update means your claim passed the intake phase and is now in front of a VA decision reviewer with authority to change the prior decision.
Here’s what the reviewer is doing:
Reviewing Your New Evidence
The reviewer closely examines:
- Medical records
- Nexus Letters
- DBQs
- Lay and buddy statements
They assess how this evidence impacts service connection or rating severity.
Reevaluating Prior Evidence
The reviewer compares new evidence against the old record to determine whether the earlier decision was incomplete or incorrect.
“This is where strong evidence can flip a denial into an approval,” said Brian Reese.
Ordering a New C&P Exam (If Needed)
If the new evidence suggests:
- Worsening symptoms
- New diagnoses
- Inadequate prior exams
The reviewer may order a new Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.
Preparing a Final Decision
After reviewing everything, the reviewer will:
- Grant the claim
- Increase the rating
- Or uphold the prior denial
What Happens After the Review Is Complete?
Once the evidence review is finished, one of three outcomes will occur.
1. Approval
If the evidence supports your claim, the VA may:
- Grant service connection
- Increase your disability rating
- Award back pay from the proper effective date
2. Additional Development
The VA may request:
- More evidence
- Clarification from a medical provider
- A new C&P exam
This means the claim is still active.
3. Denial
If the new evidence does not change the outcome, the VA will deny the Supplemental Claim.
You can still:
- Request a Higher-Level Review
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Who Is the VA Decision Reviewer?
A Decision Reviewer is a trained VA adjudicator responsible for reexamining previously decided claims when new evidence is submitted.
Their responsibilities include:
- Determining whether evidence is new and relevant
- Assessing the impact of the evidence
- Ordering exams if needed
- Issuing a merits-based decision
“They have full authority to reverse a prior denial,” explained by Michael Turner, former VA adjudicator.
How Long Does a VA Supplemental Claim Take?
On average, Supplemental Claims take 5 to 6 months to complete.
Timeline
| Factor | Impact on Timeline |
|---|---|
| Case complexity | Longer review |
| Volume of new evidence | More analysis |
| New C&P exam | Adds time |
| VA workload | Possible delays |
The VA’s goal is 125 days, but many cases exceed this timeframe.
Pro Tip: Evidence That Strengthens Supplemental Claims
From experience working with thousands of veterans, the strongest Supplemental Claims usually include both medical and lay evidence.
New Medical Evidence
- Private medical records
- Updated VA treatment records
- Nexus Letters using “more likely than not” language
- Well-completed DBQs
“A strong Nexus Letter is often the turning point,” said Brian Reese.
New Lay Evidence
Lay evidence helps fill gaps when medical records are incomplete.
Examples include:
- Personal statements describing symptoms and limitations
- Buddy statements confirming in-service events
- Family statements describing daily impact
Why This Stage Matters?
When a reviewer is examining your new evidence, your claim is alive and actively under reconsideration. This is often the best opportunity to overturn a prior denial without going to the Board.
“Many successful VA claims are won at the Supplemental Claim stage,” said Brian Reese.
Final Thought
Seeing the status “a reviewer is examining your new evidence” means you are at a pivotal point in your VA appeals journey. While patience is required, this is also the stage where preparation and strong evidence pay off. Stay alert for VA requests, attend any scheduled exams, and keep copies of everything.
And remember the golden rule of VA claims:
“If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.”
Clear, thorough, and well-documented evidence can turn this review into the breakthrough that finally delivers the VA disability benefits you earned.
FAQs
Does this status mean my claim will be approved?
No, but it means the VA is legally reconsidering your claim.
Can the reviewer overturn a prior denial?
Yes, if the new evidence supports it.
Will I get another C&P exam?
Possibly, if the reviewer determines more information is needed.
How long does this stage last?
It varies, but most Supplemental Claims finish within 5–6 months total.
What should I do while waiting?
Monitor your claim, respond quickly to VA requests, and prepare for exams.
