Here is a guide showing you how to increase VA disability rating. But first, as a veteran, you understand the importance of your VA disability rating. It directly impacts the benefits you receive, which are crucial for your well-being. But what happens if your condition worsens, or you were initially rated too low?
That’s where understanding how to increase your VA disability rating comes in. This guide provides a roadmap to help you appeal for a higher rating. This journey might seem challenging, but remember you’re not alone, and securing a fair rating can significantly impact your quality of life.
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Table of Contents:
- Understanding VA Disability Ratings and Increases
- When Can You Apply for an Increased Rating?
- Gathering Your Evidence to Build a Strong Case
- Filing Your VA Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
- FAQs About How to Increase Va Disability Rating
- Conclusion
Understanding VA Disability Ratings and Increases
Before we explain how it’s crucial to understand how the VA determines disability ratings. The VA uses a system to assess the severity of your service-connected disability and assign a disability rating, typically in increments of 10%.
This percentage reflects how much your condition is presumed to affect your ability to work. This is crucial because your disability rating directly impacts your monthly compensation. For instance, a higher disability rating translates to a larger monthly payment. So, aiming for a higher rating is about securing the financial support you deserve.
The VA rating is based on three different factors, according to the VA:
Factors Influencing Your VA Disability Rating:
- Average Impairment of Earning Capacity: This determines how much your service-connected condition affects your ability to work.
- Symptom Severity: This assesses the intensity and frequency of your symptoms—the more severe and frequent your symptoms, the higher the potential rating.
- Impact on Daily Functioning: This examines how your condition limits your daily activities. This considers the challenges you face in areas like self-care, mobility, and social interaction.
Read the 10 easiest VA disability claims here.
When Can You Apply for an Increased Rating?
It’s natural to wonder when the right time is to pursue an increase in your VA disability rating. There are a few common scenarios where filing for an increase becomes a strategic move:
Deterioration of Service-Connected Conditions:
The most common reason veterans seek an increase is the worsening of a service-connected condition. For instance, if you were initially rated for hearing loss that has progressively declined, affecting your daily life more than before, it’s a clear sign to consider filing for an increase.
Development of New Symptoms:
Sometimes, a service-connected disability can cause new symptoms or lead to additional medical complications over time. These developments might not have been present during your initial evaluation. Seeking an increased rating becomes essential to reflect these changes.
Incorrect Initial Rating:
It’s not uncommon for veterans to believe they received an incorrect rating. This could stem from insufficient medical evidence during the initial application, inadequate representation, or a misunderstanding of your condition’s severity.
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Gathering Your Evidence to Build a Strong Case
Just like with your initial VA disability claim, the key to a successful increase lies in the strength of your evidence. Gathering the right documentation helps you present a comprehensive picture of your condition’s impact. The VA requires compelling evidence to support your claim.
Medical Records
Updated medical records are essential. They should reflect the worsening of your existing service-connected condition or document new symptoms related to a previous condition. Ensure the records clearly link these developments to your service. When requesting updated medical records, consider scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider specifically for a VA claim review.
If you can show evidence that your service-connected disability is noticeably worse, the VA should allow you to undergo a new evaluation to support an increased rating claim.
Personal Statements
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted personal statement. It allows you to explain how your condition has worsened and its impact on your daily activities, work, relationships, and overall well-being. Describe the progression of your symptoms since your last rating decision. Use descriptive language to paint a clear picture for the decision-makers.
Buddy Statements
These statements are similar to personal statements, but this time, they’re from someone who has witnessed your struggles firsthand—a spouse, a friend, a fellow veteran, or even a caregiver. A well-written buddy statement can provide a different perspective, offering specific instances and observations that strengthen your case.
Choose people who have interacted with you regularly and can attest to the progression of your condition. Ensure they clearly state their relationship with you and how their observations relate to your disability.
Filing Your VA Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing the proper steps can alleviate stress. Here’s a clear outline to guide you through each step:
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Start by confirming if you’re eligible for an increased rating. The VA generally requires a change in your condition’s severity since your last evaluation. If you can confidently attest to a worsening or the emergence of new symptoms linked to a service-connected condition, then proceeding with filing for an increase is appropriate.
2. File Your Claim
You have several options for officially filing your claim:
- Online: This often preferred method lets you apply directly through the VA website, typically via the VA.gov portal.
- By Mail: If paperwork feels more comfortable, download the VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.
- In-Person: Visit your nearest VA regional office and submit the required form directly.