Veterans who receive disability compensation from the VA often wonder how frequently their ratings are reviewed.
The answer to how often VA disability is reviewed depends on various factors, including the nature of the condition, the stability of the disability, and the time since the initial rating was assigned. In this article, we’ll cover how the VA handles disability re-evaluations, why claims are sometimes denied, and what to do if your claim is updated but shows no change.
How Often is VA Disability Reviewed?
The VA reviews disability ratings periodically to ensure the assigned rating still accurately reflects the veteran’s current condition. The frequency of these reviews depends on the following factors:
- Temporary ratings: If the VA assigns a temporary rating for a condition expected to improve, they may schedule a review within 2-5 years.
- Stabilized ratings: Veterans with long-term or permanent conditions may not be reviewed as frequently. The VA 5 Year Rule and the VA 10 Year Rule offer some protection for veterans with stable conditions.
- Total and Permanent (P&T) Ratings: Veterans with Permanent and Total (P&T) disability ratings generally do not have their ratings re-evaluated.
For more details on when the VA conducts re-evaluations, visit the VA’s guide on when to file a claim.
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VA Claim Updated but No Change
Many veterans encounter a situation where their VA claim is updated but no change is made to their disability rating. This can happen for several reasons:
- Additional evidence needed: Sometimes the VA updates the status of a claim to reflect that they are waiting for additional medical evidence or records.
- No worsening or improvement: If the veteran’s condition has neither worsened nor improved, the VA may decide not to change the rating.
When this happens, veterans may want to seek more information about their claim status or provide additional evidence if they believe the current rating is no longer accurate. For more on what to expect after a claim update, see the VA’s guidance on claim status.
VA Disability Re-Evaluation Process
The VA disability re-evaluation process is initiated when the VA needs to reassess a veteran’s condition to determine whether the current rating is appropriate. This can occur if:
- The VA believes the veteran’s condition may have improved or worsened.
- The veteran files for an increase in benefits due to a worsening condition.
- The VA schedules routine medical re-examinations for certain conditions.
During a re-evaluation, the veteran may be required to attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to provide updated medical information. The VA will use the results of this exam, along with other medical records, to decide whether the disability rating should be changed.
Veterans concerned about re-evaluation can find more information on the VA decision review page.
Why Does the VA Deny So Many Claims?
The VA denies claims for various reasons, and it’s not uncommon for veterans to feel frustrated when they are denied benefits. Some of the most common reasons the VA denies claims include:
- Insufficient medical evidence: Claims may be denied if the VA does not have enough medical documentation to support the veteran’s claim.
- Lack of service connection: To receive VA disability compensation, veterans must prove that their condition is related to their military service. Claims that do not establish this connection are often denied.
- Missing deadlines: Veterans who miss deadlines to submit forms, medical evidence, or attend VA exams may have their claims denied.
For a deeper dive into why the VA denies claims and how to avoid common mistakes, visit the VA’s decision review process.
Are VA Claims Backed Up?
Yes, VA claims can experience significant delays due to backlog issues. Veterans often report long wait times for claim decisions, especially during periods of high volume or administrative challenges. The VA provides updated information on claims backlog and processing times through regular reports.
For the latest data on claim processing times, check the VA’s detailed claims data.
Re-Evaluating VA Disability Ratings
If the VA decides to re-evaluate your disability rating, you may receive a notice to attend a medical re-examination. During this process:
- Attend all scheduled exams: Missing a re-examination could result in a reduction or suspension of benefits.
- Provide updated medical records: If your condition has worsened, ensure that you submit all relevant medical documentation to support an increase in your rating.
- Work with your healthcare provider: Get thorough medical evaluations that document the current status of your condition, and share these records with the VA.
Veterans who disagree with the outcome of their re-evaluation can file an appeal or request a review through the VA’s decision review process.
The frequency of VA disability reviews depends on several factors, including the nature of the condition and how long the rating has been in place. Veterans with stable or Permanent and Total (P&T) ratings may not face frequent re-evaluations, while those with temporary or fluctuating conditions may be reviewed more often. Understanding the re-evaluation process can help veterans prepare and avoid disruptions in their benefits.
Veterans can use the VA Disability Calculator to estimate their potential compensation based on their rating.
