Prepare a Claim for an Increased VA Rating

Identify What Has Changed Since the Award

An increased-rating claim asks VA to evaluate worsening of a condition it has already recognized as service connected. Begin with the condition’s exact name in your award. Write what you could do before, what is harder now, and approximately when the change occurred.

If your position is that VA evaluated the earlier record incorrectly, examine decision review as well. A later worsening and an earlier rating error are different issues, even if both involve the same condition. Do not assume a new increase application protects the deadline for challenging the previous decision.

Sources: VA: Types of Disability Claims · VA: Higher-Level Reviews

Document a Pattern, Not Just an Adjective

A statement that symptoms are worse is a starting point. Add frequency, duration, severity, and effects on ordinary activities. Explain recurring episodes as well as your condition on a relatively good day. Use dates or honest approximations; do not invent precision where you cannot remember.

For example, compare how long you could stand during household tasks before and after the change, what breaks became necessary, and whether someone now helps. This does not establish a particular percentage. It gives your account a practical context that treatment records and an examination can support or clarify.

Sources: 38 CFR 4.1: Essentials of Evaluative Rating · VA: Evidence Needed for Your Disability Claim

Assemble Evidence That Shows the Change

Collect relevant recent treatment notes, testing, and medical explanations. Identify records you do not have by provider, facility, and treatment dates so VA can locate them or request authorization when needed. A witness can describe changes personally observed at home or work without trying to make a medical diagnosis.

Organize by condition and time period. A brief cover sheet explaining why a report matters can help you and your representative keep the record coherent. Avoid sending unrelated records repeatedly. If records disagree with your recollection, describe the difference honestly and seek clarification rather than editing the underlying document.

• Record treatment changes and relevant testing.
• Describe missed tasks, assistance, and recurring limitations.
• Keep witness accounts specific to firsthand observations.
• Retain readable copies and submission confirmations.

Sources: VA: Evidence Needed for Your Disability Claim

Prepare for a Requested C&P Exam

VA may schedule a compensation and pension examination if it needs more information. Confirm the appointment and request needed accommodations through the official scheduling contact. The exam gathers evidence for the claim; it is not a treatment visit or a decision on your award.

Submit new non-VA records through the proper VA channel before the appointment when possible. Do not rely on handing them to the examiner, who cannot submit them for you. Explain your normal limitations and fluctuations accurately. If you cannot attend, contact the scheduler promptly and document the reason rather than simply missing the appointment.

Sources: VA: Claim Exam (C&P Exam)

Consider Timing and the Scope of Review

An intent to file may help protect a potential start date while you prepare, but you must complete the claim within the applicable period. For some increases, evidence showing when the disability worsened during the preceding year can matter to the effective date. Earlier payment is not guaranteed merely because you report a longstanding problem.

An increase request requires evaluation of current severity. The outcome may be an increase, continuation, or other action supported by the evidence and applicable protections. Avoid relying on blanket assurances that a filing can never lead to review of the existing evaluation.

Sources: VA: Your Intent to File a Claim · VA: Effective Dates · 38 CFR 3.327: Reexaminations

Follow Through After Filing

Keep the application confirmation and a list of submitted evidence. Check official requests and respond through the correct channel. When the decision arrives, compare the awarded percentage, effective date, and reasons with the change you documented. A higher individual rating may not move the combined rating into another rounded level.

If service-connected limitations prevent substantially gainful work, review Individual Unemployability separately instead of assuming the only possible solution is a higher schedular percentage. A VA-accredited representative can help assess the relationship between the evidence, an increase request, and any review of a previous decision.

Sources: VA: The Disability Claim Process · 38 CFR 4.25: Combined Ratings Table · VA: Individual Unemployability · VA: Get Help From an Accredited Representative

Common Questions