Veteran Quickstart Playbook

I was previously denied for a condition that's now PACT Act presumptive. Can I refile?

For: veteran whose old claim was denied but the condition is now presumptive.

Step-by-step

1

Verify the condition is now presumptive

PACT Act 2022 + 2024 expansions added 30+ conditions. Confirm yours is on the list.

Browse PACT Act presumptive conditions →
2

File a Supplemental Claim (Form 20-0995)

Re-opens denied claims with new + relevant evidence. Presumptive listing IS the new evidence.

VA Form 20-0995 — Supplemental Claim →
3

Pull your prior C-File via FOIA if needed

Optional but useful — see what evidence was already considered.

Records access guide →
4

Have a CVSO file the supplemental

Free. CVSOs are practiced at PACT supplementals — there's a surge of them since 2022.

Find a free CVSO →
5

Effective date may extend back to original claim

PACT Act has special effective-date rules. Discuss with your CVSO.

VA Form 21-0966 — Intent to File →
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Homeless or about to be: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).

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About these playbooks

These step-by-step guides are curated by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). Each step links to the relevant VA form, free CVSO directory, or crisis resource so a veteran can move from question to concrete next-action in minutes. Free under CC-BY 4.0. Browse all playbooks →