THE KEY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIMS UNDER VAIMA AND REOPENED CLAIMS

For decisions issued after 14 Feb 19, the VAIMA appeal system applies and you will no longer be able to reopen claims with new and material evidence.  Instead, you will have to file a supplemental claim if you wish to revisit a previously denied claim.  While this will require the agency to issue a new decision that will allow you to request a higher-level review, file another supplemental claim or go straight to the BVA, the effective date will be the date upon which you filed your supplemental claim- not the original date of your claim.