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For many veterans, achieving a 100% VA disability rating is the holy grail of benefits.
Going from 80% to 100% VA disability can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right strategy and approach.
This post will outline key strategies that can jumpstart your VA disability rating increase.
Let’s get started!
See Also: The Top 20 Benefits of 80% VA Disability!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- You can request an increase from 80% to 100% VA disability if your service-connected condition has worsened, impacting your daily life and ability to work.
- You may increase your VA rating if your primary service-connected condition caused a secondary condition.
- You may qualify for total disability based on individual unemployability if your service-connected disability prevents you from securing and maintaining substantial gainful employment.
The Difference Between 80% and 100% VA Disability
So, what’s the difference between an 80% and 100% VA disability rating? One of the biggest factors is that a 100% disability rating entitles you to higher monthly compensation compared to an 80% rating.
For example, if you have an 80% VA disability rating with no dependents, you’ll receive roughly $1,700 less a month than someone with a 100% rating. That’s over $20,000 a year!
Once you start factoring in dependents, you’re looking at a big chunk of change being left on the table if you qualify for a 100% VA disability rating.
View the Veterans Disability Compensation Rates
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating. We CAN HELP.
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How to Go From 80% to 100% VA Disability
File for a VA Increase Claim for an Existing Service-Connected Disability
Unfortunately, it’s common for service-connected disabilities to worsen over time. However, you may be eligible for a higher VA disability rating if this happens to you.
If your condition has worsened, you can request an increase by filing VA Form 21-526EZ online, by mail, by fax, or in person at a VA regional office.
To strengthen your VA increase claim, be sure to include:
- VA medical records and hospital records
- Private medical records and hospital records
- Medical Evidence (e.g., DBQ) and Supporting statements
Note: You aren’t required to submit evidence to support your claim, but the VA may require you to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess the severity of your condition.
File a VA Claim for a Secondary Service-Connected Condition
Some conditions develop because of primary service-connected disabilities. For example, if you have a knee injury, you might later develop hip or back issues due to altered movement.
The VA considers these secondary conditions, which may lead to a higher VA rating.
To file for a secondary service connection, you must prove the following:
- Current medical diagnosis of the secondary condition
- Existing service-connected disability
- A clear medical nexus (link) between the primary and secondary condition (The best way to help prove this is with a strong Nexus Letter)
Check out our VA Disability Calculator to determine your combined VA rating.
File an Appeal
You can file an appeal if you don’t agree with the VA’s initial decision on your claim or if you feel they made an error.
While an appeal doesn’t guarantee a higher rating, it may lead you on the path to a 100% VA disability rating.
Your appeal options are:
- File a Higher-Level Review to ask for a higher-level reviewer to review your case. (You can’t submit new evidence.)
- File a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence that the VA didn’t have when they reviewed your case.
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to have a Veterans Law Judge review your case.
When submitting a Supplemental Claim, you’ll want to include new and relevant evidence:
- New evidence is information the VA hasn’t considered before.
- Relevant evidence is information that proves or disproves something in your claim.
Apply for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Did you know that you may qualify for VA compensation at the 100% disability rate if your service-connected disability prevents you from securing and maintaining substantial gainful employment?
Even if your combined disability rating is below 100%, TDIU allows you to receive compensation at the 100% rate.
To qualify for TDIU, you must meet one of two primary criteria:
- Have a single service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, or
- Have two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% and a combined rating of 70% or higher
Using the SEM Method to Increase VA Disability
How does VA Claims Insider help veterans?
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You’ll also receive VA disability expert Brian Reese’s SEM Method Blueprint—a proven formula that has helped over 25,000 veterans win their VA disability claims faster:
Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating and Compensation You Deserve FASTER!
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About the Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
