Understanding VA Claim Types (526 vs Supplemental)
Understanding which type of claim you are filing is essential because the VA evaluates them differently. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you determine which category applies to your situation.
New Claim (Form 21-526EZ)
You are filing a new claim if:
- You have never claimed this disability before.
- You are establishing service connection for a new condition.
- You are reopening a condition last filed before 2019.
New claims typically show 8 stages in VA.gov.
Supplemental Claim (Form 20-0995)
You are filing a supplemental claim if:
- You were previously denied for the same condition.
- You are submitting new and relevant evidence.
- You want the VA to reconsider a past decision.
Supplemental claims usually show 5 stages in VA.gov.
If You’re Filing Both
Some veterans file both a new claim and a supplemental claim at the same time. If this is your case, do note that you will end up with two separate claim "buckets", each with different forms and timelines.
VetClaims will prepare the correct documentation based on the information you provide during your Complete Care Journey.
Why Knowing Your Claim Type Helps
- You’ll understand how many steps to expect.
- You’ll know which forms are required.
- You'll stay organized with the flow of two different claims (new and supplemental).
- It helps VetClaims document your claim properly.
- It sets realistic expectations for timeline and outcomes.
If you are unsure which applies to you, your VetClaims Complete Care Specialist can help you identify it during your Complete Care Call.