What constitutes 'New Evidence' in a claim?

'New Evidence' in the context of a claim refers to evidence that was not included in the existing record at the time of a prior decision. This means it is information that has come to light after the initial decision was made and could potentially impact the outcome of the claim. The consideration of new evidence is crucial because it provides the opportunity to reassess a decision based on updated facts or circumstances that could change the assessment of the claim.

The significance of this is emphasized in the claims process; for a veteran seeking to appeal or reopen a claim, the introduction of new evidence can be the key factor that leads to a different resolution than what was reached in previous determinations. It ensures that the claims process remains fair and reflective of a veteran's true situation, particularly if additional documentation, records, or testimonials have been acquired that relate directly to the case.

Other options do not align with the definition of new evidence. For instance, evidence from previous decisions does not qualify since it has already been evaluated and is not new. Evidence that has expired or is deemed irrelevant is also not considered new, as such evidence either does not contribute to the claim or fails to meet the necessary standards for consideration in the appeals process.