For veterans receiving disability benefits, you may be thinking of increasing your VA rating which determines your compensation and access to certain benefits.
Over time, your condition may worsen, and you may become eligible for an increase in your VA rating. Increasing your VA rating can provide higher monthly compensation and access to additional benefits like healthcare, housing assistance, and family support. In this guide, we’ll cover how to request an increase, what evidence you need, and how the VA evaluates these claims.
Understanding VA Disability Ratings
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of your service-connected condition. This rating is expressed as a percentage, which determines the amount of compensation you receive. Over time, some veterans find their condition worsens, resulting in increased limitations. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek a VA rating increase to reflect the current impact of the condition on your life.
Common Reasons for Requesting a Rating Increase
- Worsening Condition: Over time, many service-connected conditions, such as chronic pain or PTSD, can worsen.
- New Symptoms: You may develop new symptoms related to your original service-connected condition.
- Improved Diagnostic Tests: Advances in medical testing may provide clearer evidence of the severity of your condition.
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How to Increase Your VA Rating
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file for an increase in your VA disability rating.
Step 1: Gather Medical Evidence
The first step in increasing your VA rating is to collect updated medical evidence that shows the worsening of your condition. The VA will require proof that your disability has become more severe since your original rating decision.
- Updated Medical Records: Gather recent medical records from both VA and private healthcare providers that document any changes or deterioration in your condition.
- New Diagnostic Tests: If your condition can be better measured through tests, such as X-rays or lab results, make sure these are included.
- Personal Statements: Document how your condition impacts your daily life and ability to work. Be as detailed as possible about how your symptoms have worsened.
If you need a doctor’s professional opinion linking your worsening symptoms to your service-connected condition, consider submitting a nexus letter. For more guidance on this, read How to Submit a Nexus Letter to the VA.
Step 2: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
To officially request an increase in your disability rating, you’ll need to submit VA Form 21-526EZ, which is used for both new claims and increases. This form is available online through the VA’s How to File a Claim page or can be submitted through your Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
- Fill Out the Form Accurately: Be sure to provide all necessary details about your service-connected condition and the evidence that shows it has worsened.
- Submit Additional Documents: Attach updated medical evidence and personal statements with your submission.
If you need assistance with completing the form or understanding the process, you may want to contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help. Learn more about working with a VSO here.
Step 3: Attend a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam
In many cases, after filing for a rating increase, the VA will schedule you for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam helps the VA assess the current severity of your condition. During this exam:
- Be Honest: Clearly explain how your symptoms have worsened since your last evaluation.
- Provide Detailed Examples: Discuss specific ways the condition limits your daily life and ability to work.
- Ask Questions: If you have concerns, ask the VA examiner to clarify the evaluation process.
For more tips on how to prepare, check out How to Prepare for Your VA C&P Exam.
Step 4: Wait for the VA’s Decision
Once your request for an increase is submitted and your C&P exam is completed, the VA will review your claim. This process can take several months, depending on the complexity of your case and the amount of evidence submitted.
- Track Your Claim: You can check the status of your rating increase request via the VA’s How to File a Claim page. For more guidance on this, read How to Check the Status of Your VA Disability Claim.
Tips for Successfully Increasing Your VA Rating
- Submit Strong Medical Evidence: The more detailed and up-to-date your medical records, the better chance you have of getting an increase.
- Be Specific About Functional Limitations: When describing how your condition affects your life, be as specific as possible about how it limits your ability to work and complete daily tasks.
- Seek Help from a VSO: Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are knowledgeable about the VA claims process and can guide you through the steps, ensuring your request is filed properly and backed by strong evidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: Without updated medical records or diagnostic tests, the VA may not approve an increase. Ensure you provide comprehensive documentation.
- Failure to Prepare for the C&P Exam: Not fully explaining your symptoms or how your condition has worsened during the C&P exam could hurt your chances of an increased rating.
- Not Following Up: Keep track of your claim’s progress and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the VA.
If your service-connected condition has worsened, seeking an increase in your VA disability rating is a critical step toward receiving the benefits you deserve. By following the steps outlined in this guide—gathering medical evidence, completing VA Form 21-526EZ, attending a C&P exam, and staying informed about your claim’s status—you can increase your chances of success. For more detailed help with the process, be sure to visit the VA’s How to File a Claim page and consider working with a Veterans Service Officer.
For more resources on navigating the VA disability claims process, check out How to Request a VA Disability Rating Increase and How to File a Higher-Level Review (HLR) for a VA Disability Claim.
