What is a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC)?

Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC)

A Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) is a document provided by your local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional office to amend or update the Statement of the Case (SOC).

You will receive an SSOC if you submitted new evidence with your appeal of the SOC and the VA is continuing to deny your claim. It explains why the VA has decided to deny some or all of your appeal based on the evidence submitted. You, or your representative, are free to submit more evidence if you disagree with the VA’s decision. If the VA still is not convinced, it will send you yet another SSOC.

What is the difference between a SOC and SSOC?

An SOC is issued in response to a Notice of Disagreement if the VA is continuing to deny your claim. The SOC provides an in-depth explanation of the VA’s denial.  Upon receipt of the SOC, you can continue your appeal by filing a VA Form 9 and attaching any new evidence.

The VA reviews this new evidence and updates its decision. If it decides to deny any part of your appeal, it will send an SSOC to explain the rationale behind its decision.

How many times can I appeal an SSOC?

Technically, you can continue to appeal VA decisions indefinitely so long as your appeals are filed on time. The VA does not place a limit on how many SSOCs it will send out. But continuing to file appeals is not particularly useful unless you have the evidence to support your claim. For this reason, it is vital to make your claim as strong as possible the first time around.

An experienced VA attorney at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD can gather the evidence you need and build your case to give you the best chance of a favorable outcome.

Should I call an attorney when I receive an SSOC?

The VA allows you to act as your own advocate in the appeals process. However, there are many benefits to having an attorney advocating on your behalf.  By the time you receive an SSOC, the VA has either denied or only partially granted your claim at least twice. Given the previous denials, it may be in your best interest to have a professional, experienced attorney working on your behalf to develop the strongest legal argument possible for your case.

A veterans’ advocate at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD can act on your behalf and strengthen your case. We have years of experience winning VA appeals for our clients and would love to show how we can help you. Call today for a free consultation: 401-331-6300.