Which action is necessary to reopen a previously denied VA claim?

To reopen a previously denied VA claim, it is essential to submit new and relevant evidence. This is a key requirement in the claims process as it allows the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reevaluate the initial decision made on the claim based on additional information that was not available or considered during the first review. The new evidence must relate directly to the reasons for the initial denial and demonstrate that the claim should be reconsidered.

Providing a detailed personal statement, while useful, does not inherently meet the requirement for "new and relevant evidence," as personal statements alone may not provide additional factual support necessary for reopening the claim. Similarly, reapplying without any new information does not satisfy the criteria set by the VA for reopening a case, as it does not contribute any fresh insights that could potentially alter the prior outcome. Requesting an in-person interview, while it might seem beneficial, does not replace the need for tangible evidence, and the decision will still primarily rest on the new information submitted. Thus, the action of submitting new and relevant evidence is the critical step in the process of reopening a denied VA claim.