How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating: A Veteran's Playbook

If you're already service-connected for a condition, you're not stuck at that rating forever. Conditions worsen. New symptoms appear. The VA allows you to file for an increase anytime you have evidence that your disability has gotten worse.

Most veterans don't realize this. They stay at 30% for years when they should be at 70%. Let's fix that.

When Should You File for an Increase?

File for an increase when:

• Your symptoms have worsened since your last rating decision
• New symptoms have developed related to the same condition
• You have new medical evidence (MRIs, treatment records, surgeries)
• You're rated at 0% but now have measurable symptoms
• You believe you were originally underrated (this is common)

You don't need the VA's permission. If you have a service-connected condition and new evidence, you can file.

Understanding Rating Increases: What the VA Looks For

The VA rates conditions based on severity and functional impairment. To increase your rating, you need to prove:

• Your condition has gotten worse (progression, new symptoms, increased frequency)
• It now meets the criteria for a higher rating (check the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities)
• The worsening is documented (medical records, doctor statements)

The VA doesn't care how much pain you're in. They care about what you can't do anymore.

Step-by-Step: How to File for an Increase

Step 1: Review the Rating Criteria for Your Condition

Every condition has a diagnostic code with specific criteria for each rating level. Look yours up in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (searchable at va.gov).

Example: Knee conditions (Code 5260)

• 10%: Slight limitation of motion
• 20%: Moderate limitation of flexion or extension
• 30%: Severe limitation of motion with instability
• 40%: Pronounced instability or ankylosis (stiffness)

Read the criteria for the next rating level up. That's what you need to prove.

Step 2: Gather New Medical Evidence

You need recent evidence showing your condition has worsened. Old records won't cut it.

Types of evidence that win increases:

• Updated diagnostic tests: MRI, X-ray, CT scan showing progression
• Treatment records: More frequent visits, new medications, procedures
• Doctor's letter: Statement explaining how the condition has worsened
• Range of motion measurements: For joint/spine issues (must show decreased mobility)
• Work limitations: If you had to change jobs, reduce hours, or stop working
• Symptom diary: Track pain, flare-ups, limitations over 30-60 days

💡 Pro Tip: See your doctor and explicitly say "My condition has gotten worse." Ask them to document the progression in your chart.

Step 3: Consider Secondary Conditions

Your original condition may have caused new issues. These count toward your combined rating.

Example:

• Original: Right knee rated at 10%
• Now: Right knee worsened to 20%, plus left knee pain from overcompensation (10%), plus lower back pain from limping (20%)
• Combined rating: Goes from 10% → 44% (rounds to 50%)

Don't just ask for an increase on one condition. Look for secondaries.

Step 4: File VA Form 21-526EZ (Increase Claim)

File online at VA.gov or through your VSO. In the form:

• Select "File for an increase in compensation"
• Choose the condition(s) you want increased
• Upload your new medical evidence
• Submit a personal statement explaining how your life has changed

⚠️ Watch Out: Once you file for an increase, the VA can reduce your rating if they find your condition improved. This is rare, but it happens. Only file if you have solid evidence of worsening.

Step 5: Attend Your New C&P Exam

The VA will likely order another C&P exam. This is your chance to show how much worse you are.

Before the exam:

• Review the rating criteria for the next level up
• Bring a written list of new symptoms and limitations
• Describe your worst days, not your best
• Don't downplay to seem tough

During the exam:

• Be specific: "I can't stand for more than 15 minutes without severe pain"
• Mention new symptoms: "I didn't have numbness before, but now my fingers go numb daily"
• Show functional loss: "I used to work full-time, but I had to go part-time because of flare-ups"

Common Increase Scenarios (And How to Win Them)

Scenario 1: Joint Rated at 10%, Now Needs Surgery

Condition: Knee injury rated 10%
Change: Now scheduled for knee replacement

Evidence to submit:

• MRI showing severe cartilage loss
• Orthopedic surgeon's letter recommending surgery
• Range of motion measurements showing decreased mobility

Likely outcome: Increase to 30% pre-surgery, temporary 100% during recovery, then re-rated

Scenario 2: PTSD Rated at 30%, Now Can't Work

Condition: PTSD rated 30%
Change: Symptoms worsened, lost job due to panic attacks

Evidence to submit:

• Updated psych evaluation showing increased symptom severity
• Treatment records: Increased therapy sessions, new medications
• Termination letter or disability leave paperwork
• Personal statement describing new limitations (can't be around people, nightmares every night, etc.)

Likely outcome: Increase to 50% or 70%

Scenario 3: Migraines Rated at 0%, Now Prostrating Attacks

Condition: Migraines rated 0%
Change: Now having severe headaches requiring bed rest

Evidence to submit:

• Headache diary showing frequency and severity
• Neurologist letter confirming "prostrating" migraines
• Prescription records (new/stronger meds)

Likely outcome: Increase to 30% or 50% (depending on frequency)

Scenario 4: Back Pain Rated at 10%, Now Has Radiculopathy

Condition: Lumbar strain rated 10%
Change: Now has sciatica (pain radiating down leg)

Evidence to submit:

• MRI showing nerve compression
• Doctor's notes documenting radiculopathy symptoms
• Range of motion test showing limited flexibility

Likely outcome: Increase to 20% or 40% (radiculopathy boosts the rating significantly)

💡 Pro Tip: Radiculopathy (nerve pain) is rated separately or boosts the existing back rating. Make sure the C&P examiner tests for it.

How VA Math Works: Combined Ratings

The VA doesn't add percentages. They use "VA math" (bilateral factor and combined ratings table).

Example:

• 30% + 20% ≠ 50%
• 30% + 20% = 44% (rounds to 40%)
• 30% + 20% + 10% = 49.6% (rounds to 50%)

Even a small 10% secondary condition can push you over a threshold. That's why secondary claims matter.

What If Your Increase Is Denied?

You have the same appeal options as an initial claim:

• Supplemental Claim: Submit new evidence of worsening
• Higher-Level Review: Challenge the decision if you think they made an error
• Board Appeal: Take it to a Veterans Law Judge

Don't give up. Many veterans win on appeal after being denied the first time.

Common Mistakes That Kill Increase Claims

Filing without new evidence. The VA won't increase you based on the same records they already reviewed. You need something new.

Saying "I'm fine" at the C&P exam. If you're having a good day, the examiner doesn't know your worst days exist. Be honest.

Not tracking symptoms. Vague statements like "it hurts a lot" don't cut it. Keep a journal with dates, pain levels, and activities you can't do.

Filing too soon. If you just got rated, wait until you have solid evidence of worsening. Premature increase claims often get denied.

How Long Does It Take?

Average processing time for increase claims: 4-6 months

During that time, you keep getting paid at your current rate. If approved, your increase is retroactive to the date you filed.

Will an Increase Affect My Benefits?

Higher ratings = more money. Here's what changes:

• Monthly compensation increases
• Back pay from the date you filed the increase
• At 30%+: You can add dependents for extra pay
• At 100%: You qualify for CHAMPVA (health insurance for family), commissary access, and more

Final Thoughts: Don't Settle

Most veterans are underrated. They accept their 10% or 30% and move on, not realizing their condition has worsened or that they qualify for more.

You're not being greedy. The VA rating system is designed to compensate you based on severity. If your condition worsened, you deserve a higher rating.

Here's your action plan:

1. Review the rating criteria for your conditions
2. See your doctor and document worsening symptoms
3. Gather new medical evidence (tests, records, letters)
4. File VA Form 21-526EZ for increase
5. Prepare for your C&P exam (bring evidence, describe worst days)
6. Appeal if denied

Thousands of veterans successfully increase their ratings every year. You can be one of them.

💡 Pro Tip: File for an increase and look for secondary conditions at the same time. Maximize your combined rating in one shot.