<PAGE>   1
                       SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 23, 1996 TO
                       PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1996 FOR

                INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

                                  ISSUED BY

                NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

                                 THROUGH ITS

                      NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C

THIS SUPPLEMENT UPDATES CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN YOUR PROSPECTUS. 
PLEASE READ IT AND KEEP IT WITH YOUR PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

The name of The One(R) Group Investment Trust - Small Company Growth Fund
has been changed to The One(R) Group Investment Trust - Growth
Opportunities Fund.

All references in the prospectus to The One(R) Group Investment Trust - Small
Company Growth Fund are changed accordingly.



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission