Increased Rating

Understanding Increased
Rating Claims

An increased rating appeal allows a veteran to seek a higher disability evaluation when VA has underrated a service-connected condition, or the condition has worsened since VA last assigned the rating. Disability ratings are intended to reflect the current severity of a condition. Veterans may be entitled to additional compensation if their symptoms are more frequent, severe, or result in greater functional impairment than their current assigned rating reflects.

How To File

To support an increased rating appeal, veterans should provide evidence showing that their condition has worsened. This may include medical records, treatment notes, lay statements, or other evidence demonstrating the impact of the condition on daily activities and functioning. VA will review the evidence and may schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination. If the evidence supports a higher evaluation under VA’s rating criteria, the veteran’s monthly compensation may be increased accordingly. 

When to seek an increased rating: 
  • Your condition has worsened since your last VA decision 
  • Your symptoms now meet the criteria for a higher rating under the VA’s rating schedule 
  • You’ve developed secondary conditions related to the original disability 
  • You believe the VA underrated your condition 
Within the one year window

If you want to appeal for an increased rating, and you are within the one year window from the date you received your rating decision, you have three appeal options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

  • Supplemental Claim
  • Higher-Level Review
  • Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
Outside of the one year window

If you are outside of the one year window to file for an appeal, you can consider filing a new claim for an increased rating.

  • You can submit any NEW documentation or evidence that supports your service-connected disability as worsened.
  • VA will treat this like any new claim and may require a new Compensation & Pension exam.
  • If you have never filed an increased rating claim on a particular issue, use VA Form 21-526EZ to file online or in person at a VA regional office.
  • If you have previously filed an increased rating claim on an issue and been denied, file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new and relevant evidence.
Greene & Marusak VA Disability Law

Let Us Help You Build A Strong Case

At Greene & Marusak, we know how to gather the medical evidence, lay statements, and legal arguments needed to support a claim for a higher rating. If you are struggling with worsening symptoms, reach out to our team.

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