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How To Increase Your VA Rating
Comprehensive strategies for veterans seeking higher disability ratings through proper evidence and claims techniques.
In This Guide:
When to Request an Increase
Types of Increase Claims
Building Your Evidence
Understanding VA Math
Filing for an Increase
What to Expect at C&P Exam
- Downloads
Initial Claims Checklist
PDF – 2 pages
VA Math Calculator Guide
PDF – 1 page
C&P Exam Preparation Tips
PDF – 3 pages
When to Request an Increase
You should consider filing for an increased rating when your service-connected condition has worsened since your last evaluation. The VA rates disabilities based on their current severity, so if your symptoms have increased, you may be entitled to a higher rating.
- Signs You Should File
- Increased frequency of symptoms
- New treatment or medications added
- Condition affects daily life more
- Doctor recommends work restrictions
- Surgery or hospitalization needed
- When to Wait to File
- Condition hasn’t changed
- No new medical evidence
- Recently rated (less than 1 year)
- Condition is temporarily worse
- No documented treatment history
Types of Increase Claims
Standard Increase Claim
Request for a higher rating on an already service-connected condition that has worsened.
Secondary Service Connection
Claim for a new condition that was caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected disability.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Allows you to receive 100% compensation if your disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
Building Your Evidence
Strong medical evidence is essential for a successful increase claim. The VA needs to see objective proof that your condition has worsened.
- Evidence Checklist
- Current Medical Records: Recent treatment notes showing worsening
- Diagnostic Testing: X-rays, MRIs, lab work showing progression
- Specialist Opinions: Letters from treating physicians
- Personal Statement: Your description of how symptoms affect daily life
- Buddy Statements: Observations from family, friends, coworkers
- Employment Records: Documentation of missed work or job restrictions
Understanding VA Math
The VA doesn’t simply add disability ratings together. Instead, they use a “whole person” concept that applies ratings to the remaining non-disabled portion of your body.
- Example: Combining 50% + 30%
Start with your highest rating: 50% disabled = 50% remaining
Apply 30% to remaining 50%: 30% × 50% = 15%
Total: 50% + 15% = 65%
VA rounds to nearest 10%: 70% combined rating
This is why it becomes progressively harder to increase your rating as you get higher. Strategic claims and understanding secondary conditions become crucial.
Filing for an Increase
- Gather all medical evidence – Collect records from the past 12 months showing worsening.
- Write a personal statement – Describe how your condition has worsened and affects daily life.
- Consider a DBQ – A Disability Benefits Questionnaire from your private doctor can strengthen your claim.
- File VA Form 21-526EZ – Submit online at VA.gov for the fastest processing.
- Prepare for C&P exam – Document your worst days and be honest about your limitations.
What to Expect at C&P Exam
The Compensation & Pension exam is crucial for increase claims. The examiner will assess your current condition and compare it to previous evaluations.
- Before the Exam
- Review your previous C&P exam and rating decision
- Make a list of all symptoms and their frequency
- Bring any supporting documents or medications
- Don’t take extra pain medication that morning
- During The Exam
- Describe your worst days, not your best
- Be specific about frequency and duration
- Explain how symptoms limit your activities
- Don’t minimize or exaggerate—be honest
- After the Exam
- Request a copy of the exam report
- Review for errors or omissions
- File for a new exam if significantly inaccurate
- Be patient—decisions can take 3-6 months
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