For many veterans, few things are as discouraging as receiving a denial letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after months or even years of waiting. That letter can feel like the end of the road. But a denial doesn’t have to be the final word. With the right evidence and guidance, you can take a second look and pursue a fair outcome.
At Goodman Allen Donnelly, we understand how frustrating it can be when the system doesn’t work as it should. While we don’t file initial VA claims, our team steps in when things go wrong helping veterans address errors, respond to denials, and strengthen cases when reopening claims with new and relevant evidence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why VA claims are denied, what counts as “new and relevant” evidence, and the steps to take when requesting a review. If you’re looking for tailored legal support, our veterans benefits team can help you determine the best path forward for your claim.
Understanding Why VA Claims Are Denied
Before you look at how to reopen a denied claim, it helps to understand why denials happen in the first place. Many veterans are surprised to learn that denials are not always about whether an injury or condition is real. It often comes down to missing links in the documentation or incomplete medical evidence.
Main reasons the VA denies claims:
- Lack of a current diagnosis or lack of documentation of problems in service records
- Missing or incomplete service treatment records.
- Conflicting medical opinions.
- Missed deadlines or improperly filed paperwork.
For instance, imagine a veteran who injured their knee during active duty, but whose service records didn’t reflect the incident. The VA might conclude that no in-service event occurred even if the injury is clearly related.
This is where new and relevant evidence can make a significant difference. With that, veterans can request the VA to reopen the claim and take another look. For those facing denials, exploring your options with a VA disability compensation lawyer can help determine what type of evidence may strengthen your case.
What Counts as “New and Relevant” Evidence?
To reopen a previously denied claim, it’s important that you submit new and relevant evidence.
- New evidence is information that was not previously part of your VA file. It cannot simply repeat what was already submitted.
- Relevant evidence is information that tends to prove or disprove an issue in your claim. It has to address the reason the VA denied the claim.
Examples may include:
- A new medical diagnosis that clarifies or expands upon your condition.
- Newly located service records that were not previously considered.
- A medical nexus opinion linking your current condition to military service.
- Updated medical findings that address the specific basis for the prior denial.
Simply resubmitting the same documents or restating earlier arguments is not enough. The evidence must add something meaningful to the record and relate to the issue VA previously identified.
This distinction matters greatly. Even strong evidence may not be considered “relevant” if it doesn’t fill the specific gaps identified in the previous denial.
At Goodman Allen Donnelly’s Veterans Benefits team, we help clients identify what kind of evidence would likely meet the “new and relevant” threshold and guide them through the complex process of submission.
Step-by-Step: How to Reopen a Denied Claim
Reopening a denied claim takes time, precision, and understanding of VA processes. Below are the key steps involved.
1. Review Your Denial Letter Thoroughly
Every VA decision includes a detailed explanation of why the claim was denied. This is your roadmap. Understanding those reasons helps you decide what evidence to find or develop next.
Was your claim denied because the VA couldn’t confirm your diagnosis? Because no link to service was established? Each reason calls for a different type of evidence.
If you’re unsure how to interpret your denial, consulting with a veterans law attorney can help clarify what went wrong and what steps to take next.
2. Gather New and Relevant Evidence
This stage requires persistence. Look for evidence that addresses the VA’s reasons for denial. Common examples include:
- Updated medical records showing diagnosis or treatment that wasn’t available earlier.
- Service documents newly located by the National Archives or military units.
- Expert medical opinions that establish the link (or “nexus”) between your disability and service.
- Lay statements from family, friends, or fellow service members describing symptoms or incidents.
Every piece of evidence must add something that wasn’t there before. Submitting repetitive or cumulative information rarely moves the case forward.
3. File a Request to Reopen
Once you have gathered the necessary evidence, you can file a supplemental claim to reopen the case. Delaying submission may affect your potential effective date and reduce the amount of retroactive compensation you may otherwise be able to get. This isn’t the same as starting a new claim – it’s asking the VA to reconsider a past decision based on newly discovered or newly obtained information or evidence.
Once you’ve gathered up all the appropriate evidence, you can then file a supplemental claim. Don’t worry, this does not start the process over. Instead, it asks the VA to reconsider its prior decision based on new and relevant evidence that addresses the reason the claim was denied.
While Goodman Allen Donnelly doesn’t file initial VA claims, our attorneys can help veterans review denials and prepare to reopen their cases strategically. We ensure your evidence and reasoning are presented clearly and effectively to the VA.
If you’re unsure where to start, our veterans benefits team can walk you through the process of reopening a denied claim and help identify what evidence may make the strongest impact.
4. The VA’s Review Process
After submission, the VA will first determine whether the evidence qualifies as “new and r.” If the VA agrees, your claim will be reopened and reconsidered on its merits.
If it does not agree, the VA will issue another denial – one that can be appealed through various channels. At this stage, having experienced legal counsel is invaluable: a knowledgeable attorney can identify procedural errors, missing documentation, or appeal opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
5. Protecting Your Rights and Building a Strong Case
Even with solid evidence, reopening a VA claim is rarely straightforward. Deadlines, administrative complexity, and shifting regulations can all impact the process. Working with a law firm familiar with VA procedures helps ensure that every step is properly managed and that your voice is clearly represented.
At Goodman Allen Donnelly, our focus is on protecting veterans’ rights when the process breaks down. We don’t make unrealistic promises, but we do bring focus, legal strategy, and determination to every case we handle. Before you submit new evidence, consulting a veterans benefits attorney can help clarify what qualifies as “new and relevant,” ensuring your claim moves forward with the strongest possible foundation.
Common Challenges Veterans Face
Reopening a denied VA claim can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. Many veterans face hurdles such as:
- Difficulty locating records decades after discharge.
- Conflicting medical evidence that confuses rather than clarifies.
- Complex procedural rules that change depending on whether the claim is under the “legacy” or “AMA” system.
- Limited guidance from the VA when something goes wrong.
Legal representation doesn’t guarantee a specific outcome, but it can help ensure your case is properly developed and that the VA fulfills its duty to assist. An attorney’s role is to help you understand your options, correct procedural missteps, and present your evidence in the strongest possible light. We assist veterans facing claim complications through our VA benefits practice area.
When to Seek Legal Help
Not every denial requires immediate legal action, but there are clear signs that professional guidance could be beneficial:
- You’ve received multiple denials and don’t understand why.
- The VA has lost or overlooked key evidence.
- Your case involves complex medical issues or multiple service-connected conditions.
- You need help interpreting legal or procedural language.
An attorney can help ensure deadlines are met, identify whether reopening or appealing is the best option, and communicate effectively with the VA on your behalf.
Our attorneys step in after denials to provide experienced legal oversight and protect your rights.
The Importance of Acting Promptly After a Denial
When a VA claim is denied, time often becomes one of the most critical factors in what happens next. While veterans can generally reopen their claims at any time with new and relevant evidence, acting promptly offers distinct advantages.
First, evidence is easier to collect while details are still recent. Medical records, witness statements, and service documentation are far simpler to locate when less time has passed.
Second, acting quickly helps protect potential benefits. Although reopening a claim does not automatically guarantee back pay, earlier action ensures that your effective date and future benefits are preserved as much as possible under VA rules.
Third, a timely response demonstrates diligence. When you pursue your case actively, it shows the VA and any reviewing body that you are committed to resolving the issue and presenting your claim accurately.
Finally, prompt action allows an attorney to intervene effectively. At Goodman Allen Donnelly, our attorneys are often brought in after a denial has already occurred. The sooner we can review the decision and evidence, the more effectively we can identify what went wrong and how to strengthen the record moving forward.
Even if you’re unsure whether reopening is the right next step, taking the time to review your denial and seek legal guidance can preserve valuable rights and opportunities. The earlier you act, the more options remain on the table.
Common Questions About Reopening a Denied VA Disability Claim
Can any type of evidence reopen my VA claim?
No. To reopen a previously denied claim, you have to submit new and relevant evidence. “New” means the information was not previously part of the record. “Relevant” means it tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue in your claim.
Simply resubmitting the same evidence or repeating prior arguments isn’t going to work. Any new evidence must address the reason the claim was denied in the first place.
Do I need an attorney to reopen my claim?
You’re not required to have an attorney, but professional legal support can help ensure that your case is properly developed and that the evidence you submit meets VA standards.
What happens if the VA still denies my reopened claim?
You can appeal again, through either the Board of Veterans’ Appeals or the appropriate administrative lane under the Appeals Modernization Act.
Does reopening guarantee back pay?
Not necessarily. Effective dates depend on several factors, including when the new evidence was submitted and when the claim to reopen was filed.
How long does the VA take to review a reopened claim?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case and the evidence submitted. A well-prepared claim is more likely to move efficiently through the system.
A Second Look Can Make a Difference
Reopening a denied VA claim takes patience, careful preparation, and persistence. It’s not about starting over, it’s about giving your case another fair review with the right evidence and legal guidance.
At Goodman Allen Donnelly, we know the system can feel overwhelming. Our role is to step in when things have gone off track to help veterans clarify their cases, protect their rights, and pursue the fair consideration they deserve. If you need help with your VA claim or appeal, contact our team today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist.
This article was contributed to by Dan Krasnegor, who leads Goodman Allen Donnelly’s VA Disability Lawyers group. With experience at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, the VA General Counsel’s office, and in private practice, Dan and the firm’s veterans benefits team have represented thousands of clients before federal courts and the VA. A founding member of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar Association and a frequent lecturer on veterans’ benefits law, Dan combines deep legal knowledge with a strong commitment to service.