How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating

When to File for an Increase

Here's something nobody tells you about VA disability ratings: they're not set in stone. If your condition has gotten worse, you deserve a higher rating and more compensation. Yet most veterans accept their initial rating without realizing they can—and should—file for an increase when their symptoms deteriorate.

The right time to file for an increase is when you have clear evidence that your condition has worsened. This evidence might include increased frequency or severity of symptoms, new functional limitations that didn't exist before, progression of your condition despite treatment, or development of related complications. The key is having medical documentation that supports your claim of worsening.

Real Talk: Most veterans are under-rated. After reviewing over thousands of claims, I can tell you this with certainty: roughly 70% of veterans we see aren't getting the rating they've earned. Why? Because they accepted their initial decision without knowing they could challenge it or file for increases as conditions worsened.

The VA won't tell you when you're under-rated. They won't send you a letter saying "Hey, your back pain qualifies for 40% instead of 20%." You have to know to file. You have to know what to ask for. That's what this guide is about.

Signs Your Condition May Warrant an Increase

Consider filing for an increase if you're experiencing any of these changes:

• Increased symptom frequency: Your symptoms occur more often than when you received your current rating

• Greater symptom severity: When symptoms occur, they're more intense or debilitating than before

• New functional limitations: You've had to give up activities you could previously perform

• Increased treatment requirements: You need stronger medications, more frequent appointments, or additional interventions

• Work impact: Your condition now affects your ability to work, or has forced you to reduce hours or change jobs

• Secondary conditions: Your service-connected condition has caused new related problems

Timing Considerations

Don't wait to file once you recognize your condition has worsened. Your effective date for the increase will be the date you file your claim or the date evidence shows your condition worsened, whichever is later. This means every month you delay costs you compensation you're entitled to receive.

However, file strategically. It's better to spend a few weeks gathering strong medical evidence than to file immediately with weak documentation. A well-documented claim filed slightly later is more likely to succeed than a poorly documented claim filed immediately. The ideal approach is to file an Intent to File as soon as you recognize worsening, which protects your effective date for up to one year while you gather evidence.

When NOT to File for an Increase

Don't file for an increase if your condition hasn't actually worsened or if you simply believe your original rating was too low but symptoms haven't changed. In these situations, you're not claiming an increase - you're claiming the VA made an error in your original rating. This requires a different approach, typically a Supplemental Claim with new evidence or a Higher-Level Review showing clear errors were made.

Evidence Requirements

The strength of your evidence directly determines your chances of success. The VA needs clear medical documentation showing your condition has worsened since your last rating decision.

Warning: Don't file without proper evidence. I've seen too many veterans rush to file for increases with weak documentation, only to get denied and then spend years fighting appeals they could have avoided.

The VA is looking for medical records, treatment notes, test results—concrete proof your condition has worsened. "I feel worse" isn't enough. Your doctor saying "patient reports increased pain" isn't enough. You need documentation showing objective worsening: increased treatment requirements, new functional limitations, progression on imaging or tests.

Take the extra few weeks to gather solid evidence. A well-documented claim filed in April beats a weak claim filed in January—because the well-documented claim actually wins.

Medical Records

Current medical records are the foundation of your increase claim. These should include:

• Recent VA medical records showing ongoing treatment and current symptom severity

• Private doctor visit notes documenting worsening symptoms and functional limitations

• Emergency room visits or hospitalizations related to your condition

• Test results showing disease progression (imaging, labs, psychological testing, etc.)

• Medication records showing increased dosages or new prescriptions

• Physical therapy or specialist treatment notes

The VA will review these records to see if they document actual worsening compared to the records that supported your previous rating. Consistent documentation over time showing progressive worsening is more compelling than a single report.

Lay Statements

Lay statements from you, your spouse, family members, friends, or coworkers provide crucial context about how your condition has worsened and affects your daily life. These statements should be specific and detailed:

• Describe specific activities you could do before but cannot do now

• Provide examples of how symptoms have increased in frequency and severity

• Explain how your condition affects work, relationships, social activities, and self-care

• Compare your current functioning to how you were when you received your last rating

• Include dates and timeframes when possible to show progressive worsening

A well-written lay statement from someone who sees you regularly can be as powerful as medical evidence because it demonstrates real-world functional impact.

Nexus Letters and Medical Opinions

A nexus letter or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) from a physician can dramatically strengthen your claim. This is a letter from a doctor (ideally a specialist in your condition) that:

• Reviews your medical history and current medical evidence

• Explains how your condition has worsened since your last rating

• Describes your current symptoms and functional limitations

• References the diagnostic code criteria for your condition

• Provides a medical opinion on what rating percentage your current symptoms warrant

• Explains why the increase is medically justified

A strong nexus letter directly addresses the rating criteria in 38 CFR Part 4 and explains why your current symptoms meet the requirements for a higher rating percentage. This helps the VA rater understand why an increase is warranted based on established criteria.

The C&P Exam

The VA will likely order a new C&P exam to assess your current condition. This exam is critical - the examiner's findings will carry significant weight in the rating decision. Prepare thoroughly by:

• Bringing all relevant medical records to the exam

• Creating a written summary of how your symptoms have worsened

• Preparing specific examples of increased functional limitations

• Being honest and thorough about your worst symptoms

• Not downplaying symptoms or trying to appear tougher than you feel

The C&P examiner needs to understand your condition on your worst days, not just how you happen to feel during the brief exam appointment.

Choosing Your Appeal Path

Under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), you have three options for seeking a rating increase: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal. Understanding which path to choose is crucial for success.

Supplemental Claim

A Supplemental Claim is the most common and often most effective path for rating increases. This option allows you to submit new and relevant evidence that wasn't part of the record when the VA made its previous decision. Choose a Supplemental Claim when:

• You have new medical records showing worsening of your condition

• You can obtain a nexus letter or Independent Medical Opinion

• You have new lay statements documenting increased limitations

• Your condition has clearly worsened since your last rating decision

• You want the opportunity to have a new C&P exam

Supplemental Claims are decided by the same level of review as your original claim. The VA will review all the evidence - both old and new - and make a fresh determination. If the VA needs more information, they'll order a new C&P exam. Processing takes an average of 100-125 days.

Higher-Level Review

A Higher-Level Review involves a senior VA rater reviewing the same evidence that was already in your file, looking for errors in the previous decision. You cannot submit new evidence with a Higher-Level Review. Choose this option when:

• You believe the VA made a clear error in interpreting your existing medical evidence

• Your records clearly show symptoms that meet criteria for a higher rating, but the VA misapplied the rating schedule

• The previous decision contains factual errors or misstatements about your condition

• You don't have significant new evidence but believe the existing evidence should have resulted in a higher rating

Higher-Level Reviews are faster than Supplemental Claims (120-150 days average) but are only effective when clear errors exist in how the evidence was evaluated. No new evidence can be considered, and no new exam will be ordered.

Board Appeal

A Board Appeal takes your case directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, where a Veterans Law Judge will review your case. There are three Board Appeal lanes:

• Direct Review: Fastest option, uses only existing evidence, no hearing, decision in 180-365 days

• Evidence Submission: Allows you to submit new evidence, no hearing, decision in 2-3 years

• Hearing: Allows you to submit evidence and testify at a hearing before a judge, decision in 3-4 years

Board Appeals take significantly longer than Supplemental Claims or Higher-Level Reviews. They're typically reserved for complex cases, cases where the legal interpretation of regulations is disputed, or cases that have already gone through multiple rounds of Supplemental Claims or Higher-Level Reviews without success.

Which Path to Choose

For most rating increase requests, a Supplemental Claim is the best choice. It allows you to submit new evidence, get a new examination, and doesn't take as long as a Board Appeal. Reserve Higher-Level Reviews for situations where you can point to specific clear errors in how your evidence was evaluated. Save Board Appeals for complex cases that haven't been resolved through the other two options.

The Filing Process

Understanding the step-by-step process for filing a rating increase helps ensure you submit a complete, well-documented claim.

Step 1: File an Intent to File

Before you begin gathering evidence, file an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966). This establishes your effective date and gives you up to one year to submit your formal claim. During this year, you can gather medical records, obtain medical opinions, and build a strong case without losing your effective date. File your Intent to File through VA.gov, eBenefits, or by mailing the form.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

Collect all medical records, treatment notes, test results, and other documentation showing your condition has worsened. Request records from all your treating physicians. Create a timeline showing how your condition has progressed. Consider obtaining an Independent Medical Opinion. Draft a detailed personal statement describing how your condition has worsened and what you cannot do now that you could do before.

Step 3: Complete Your Claim

File your Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995 or your Higher-Level Review using VA Form 20-0996. You can file online through VA.gov (recommended), by mail, in person at a VA regional office, or with help from a Veterans Service Organization. On the form, clearly identify which condition(s) you're claiming have worsened and indicate what new evidence you're providing.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Evidence

Upload or mail all your supporting evidence with your claim. Include medical records, lay statements, nexus letters, and any other documentation. If using VA.gov, you can upload documents directly. If mailing, send certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of submission. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Step 5: Attend Your C&P Exam

If the VA orders a C&P exam, you'll receive notification with the date, time, and location. Prepare thoroughly, bring relevant documents, and be honest about your symptoms and limitations. Missing your C&P exam can result in denial of your claim, so reschedule immediately if you cannot make the appointment.

Step 6: Monitor Your Claim

Check your claim status regularly on VA.gov. The VA may request additional information - respond promptly to any requests. If you obtain new relevant evidence while your claim is pending, submit it immediately rather than waiting for a decision.

Step 7: Review Your Decision

When you receive your decision letter, review it carefully. If approved, verify the effective date and new rating percentage are correct. If denied or if you received less of an increase than warranted, review the reasons given. You can request a copy of the C&P exam report to see what the examiner documented. Decide whether to file another Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board.

Understanding Reduction Risks

One of the biggest concerns veterans have about filing for an increase is whether their current rating could be reduced. While reductions are possible, understanding the rules helps you assess and minimize this risk.

When Reductions Can Occur

The VA can propose a rating reduction if examination evidence shows your condition has improved since your last rating. However, they must follow specific procedures:

• Provide 60 days advance written notice before the reduction takes effect

• Explain the evidence supporting the proposed reduction

• Give you the right to submit additional evidence or request a hearing

• Continue your current compensation during the appeal period if you contest the reduction

The VA cannot reduce a rating based on a single examination showing temporary improvement. For stabilized ratings (in place 5+ years), they must show sustained improvement over time.

Protected and Stabilized Ratings

Certain ratings have stronger protections against reduction:

• Protected ratings (20+ years): Cannot be reduced except for fraud. If your rating has been in place continuously for 20 years or more, it's essentially permanent regardless of improvement.

• Stabilized ratings (5+ years): Can only be reduced if the VA proves sustained improvement. A single good exam isn't enough - they must show your condition has genuinely improved and the improvement is stable.

• Ratings under 5 years: Can be reduced more easily if evidence shows improvement, though proper procedures must still be followed.

Minimizing Reduction Risk

To minimize the risk of reduction when filing for an increase:

• Only file when genuinely worsened: Don't file for increases based on exaggeration or hope - only file when your condition has truly deteriorated

• Have strong supporting evidence: Medical records clearly documenting worsening make it harder for the VA to claim improvement

• Be consistent in reporting: Inconsistencies between what you report to the examiner and your medical records raise red flags

• Understand the criteria: Know what symptoms correspond to your current rating vs. the higher rating you're seeking

• Consider your rating's age: Stabilized and protected ratings have stronger safeguards

If a Reduction is Proposed

If the VA proposes to reduce your rating, act immediately. You have 60 days to respond. Submit additional evidence showing your condition hasn't improved, get updated statements from your doctors, consider obtaining an Independent Medical Opinion, and request a hearing if appropriate. Your current compensation continues during the appeal period as long as you contest the reduction within 60 days.

Maximizing Your Success

While the VA disability system can be complex, following proven strategies significantly improves your chances of a successful rating increase.

Watch Out: Be very careful who you hire to help with your increase claim. Some companies will take 20-40% of your backpay. Let me do the math for you: if you go from 50% to 70%, that could be $30,000-$50,000 in backpay. A company taking 40% just took $20,000 from you.

For filing paperwork. For work you could do yourself with proper guidance—or pay a flat fee for.

Work With Professionals

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), VA-accredited agents, and attorneys specialize in VA disability claims and understand the rating criteria, know what evidence the VA needs, and can identify opportunities you might miss. Many VSOs provide free services, while agents and attorneys typically work on contingency (taking a percentage only if you win increased compensation). Professional help can be the difference between approval and denial.

Focus on Functional Limitations

The VA rates disability based on functional impairment, not diagnosis or pain alone. When documenting your worsening condition, focus on what you cannot do:

• Specific activities you've had to give up or modify

• How long you can perform activities before symptoms force you to stop

• How your condition affects work, relationships, and daily life

• What accommodations or assistance you now require

• How your condition on worst days compares to before

Understand the Rating Criteria

Review the diagnostic code criteria for your condition in 38 CFR Part 4. Understand what symptoms and limitations correspond to the rating percentage you're seeking. Make sure your evidence specifically addresses these criteria. When talking to doctors or examiners, mention symptoms that align with the higher rating criteria. The VA can only rate based on documented symptoms that match the regulatory criteria.

Be Strategic About Multiple Conditions

If you have multiple conditions that have worsened, consider filing for increases on all of them simultaneously. Even small increases can push your combined rating into a higher bracket due to the rounding rules. For example, going from 64% to 65% combined rating means jumping from 60% to 70% compensation due to rounding - a significant increase in monthly payment. Use our VA disability calculator to see how different rating increases would affect your total combined rating.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of your symptoms, limitations, medical appointments, and how your condition affects your life. A symptom journal showing daily struggles is powerful evidence. Save all medical records, medication lists, and treatment notes. Document interactions with the VA, including dates you submitted evidence, when you attended exams, and what was discussed. Thorough documentation protects you and strengthens your claim.

Don't Give Up After Denials

Many rating increases are denied initially but succeed on subsequent claims with better evidence. If denied, carefully review the decision to understand why. Obtain the C&P exam report to see what was documented. Identify gaps in your evidence and address them. Consider getting an Independent Medical Opinion that directly rebuts the C&P examiner's findings. File a new Supplemental Claim with stronger evidence. Persistence with proper documentation often leads to success.

Consider TDIU as an Alternative

If your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) even if your schedular ratings don't reach 100%. TDIU pays at the 100% rate and may be easier to achieve than getting multiple rating increases. Eligibility generally requires at least one condition rated 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or more with at least one condition rated 40% or higher.