How to increase your VA disability rating

Your VA disability rating is not permanent. If a service-connected condition has gotten worse, you can file for a higher rating — and a higher rating means more tax-free monthly compensation. Many veterans leave money on the table simply because they never refile after their health declines.

When it makes sense to file for an increase

  • A rated condition is measurably worse than when it was last evaluated (more frequent symptoms, new treatment, new limitations at work or home).
  • You have new medical evidence — recent exams, imaging, or a doctor's statement documenting the worsening.
  • A condition has caused a new secondary condition (for example, depression secondary to chronic pain) that isn't rated yet.
  • You're unable to work because of service-connected conditions — you may qualify for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), which pays at the 100% rate even if your combined schedular rating is lower.

The evidence that moves the needle

Ratings are based on how severely a condition limits you, measured against the VA's rating schedule. The strongest claims include:

  • Current VA or private treatment records showing the worsening over time.
  • A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) or a detailed provider statement tied to the rating criteria.
  • "Lay" statements from you, family, or coworkers describing day-to-day impact (buddy statements).

What the process looks like

You file a claim for increased evaluation, the VA reviews your evidence, and it usually schedules a C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam. Go to it, and be honest about your worst days — describe frequency, severity, and how the condition affects work and daily life. A decision follows, and if granted, the increase is generally effective from your claim date (sometimes earlier if records show the worsening began within the year before you filed).

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Know the risk. Filing for an increase re-opens that condition for review — a rating can go down if the evidence shows improvement. Ratings held for 20 years are generally protected from reduction below their lowest level, and ratings in place for 5 years can't be reduced without sustained improvement. Weigh a marginal case carefully.

How to file

  1. Gather your evidence (records, DBQ, statements).
  2. File a claim for increased disability compensation at VA.gov, or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
  3. Consider an Intent to File first to lock in your effective date while you prepare.

Related MilDeck tools: see how a higher rating combines with your others in the VA Math calculator, check the money a dependent adds with the dependent add-on calculator, estimate retroactive pay with the VA back pay estimator, and browse the full 2026 rate tables. New toxic-exposure presumptives may also raise your rating — see the PACT Act guide.

General information, not legal advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Confirm specifics with the VA or an accredited VSO. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov).

Frequently asked questions

Can filing for an increase lower my VA rating?

It can — filing reopens that condition for review. But a rating in place 5 years can’t be reduced without sustained improvement, and a rating held 20 years is largely protected from reduction.

What is TDIU?

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability pays at the 100% rate when service-connected conditions prevent you from keeping suitable work — even if your combined schedular rating is below 100%.

What evidence best supports an increase?

Current treatment records showing the worsening, a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) or provider statement tied to the rating criteria, and lay/buddy statements about day-to-day impact.