How to File for VA Disability Increase Online (15-Step Tutorial)

Today, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider will teach you how to file for VA disability increase online at VA.gov.

This 15-step tutorial also includes helpful explanations and screenshots so you can follow along on the screen.

Before you begin your VA disability increase claim, I recommend you have your supporting evidence (e.g., medical records, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), Nexus Letters, personal statements, buddy letters) already saved in a folder on your laptop or desktop so you can quickly reference and attach them with your VA claim.

Step #1. Sign-in at VA.gov

There are multiple ways to sign-in at VA.gov including Login.gov, ID.me, DS logon, or MyHealtheVet.

Step #2. Click “File for Disability Compensation”

On the VA.gov homepage, click the link that says “File for disability compensation.” This will also allow you to open a new claim for an increase in VA disability. You can also click the “My VA” link at the top right-hand side of the page and find any open claims you might have.

Step #3. Begin the VA Form 21-526EZ Online for VA Disability Compensation Increase

Click the radio buttons and answer the questions. You want to check the button that says “I’m filing a claim for a new condition or for a condition that’s gotten worse.” Since you’re opening a new claim for a VA disability increase, you’ll file the standard VA Form 21-526EZ online.

Step #4. Continue a Current VA Disability Claim or Start a New Application

If you’ve already started a claim, but haven’t submitted it yet, you’ll click “Continue your application.” If you don’t already have an Intent to File or claim you’re still working on, click “Start a new application.”

Step #5. Open a New Intent to File or Continue Your Current One

If you already have an Intent to File, the system will notify you of that. If you don’t, by starting a new VA disability claim online, an Intent to File will open automatically. You’ll have one year to prepare and file your claim from the date of your Intent to File to get all your back pay.

Step #6. Confirm Your Basic Information and Answer Important VA Questions

The next few screens you’ll need to confirm your information. The first screen is to confirm or edit your contact information. The second screen is to notify the VA if you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless (if yes, your claim will be expedited). The third screen is to notify the VA if you’re terminally ill (if yes, you’re claim will be expedited). The fourth screen is to verify your service history and periods of active-duty service from your DD 214. Click “Continue.”

Step #7. Check the Second Box to Increase a Current Disability Rating

This screen is to let the VA know what type of claim you’re filing for: (1) A new condition that’s connected to your military service, (2) One or more of your rated service-connected conditions has gotten worse (increase claim). If you’re only filing for an increase on a current service connected disability, you will only check the second box, which says “One or more of my rated service connected conditions has gotten worse.” Click “Continue.”

Step #8. Check the Disabilities That Have Gotten Worse to Increase VA Disability Rating

Click the current service connected disabilities that have gotten worse—the conditions you’re filing for an increase in VA disability. You have the option to check more than one service connected condition. For example, you might want to file for an increase on three current service connected disabilities that have worsened over time.

Step #9. Answer If You Have Ever Been a Prisoner of War (POW)

You’ll answer if you’ve ever been a POW. Click “Yes” or “No” and then click “Continue.”

Step #10. Add Any Special Circumstances Such As Modifications Needed for Daily Living, Housebound Status, or Individual Unemployability

You’ll answer if there’s any special circumstances that apply to your situation. For example, you may also be eligible for these additional disability benefits: (1) Money to modify your home or vehicle to make it more accessible, (2) Home-based care if you need help with everyday activities or are housebound because of a service-connected condition or disability, and/or (3) Individual Unemployability benefits (this includes increased disability payments) if a service-connected condition or disability prevents you from keeping a job. Click “Yes” or “No” and then click “Continue.”

Step #11. Verify or Edit Your Summary of Conditions for VA Disability Benefits

Verify the conditions you’ve claimed in this VA disability application. If anything is not correct, you can edit and make changes. If everything looks correct, click “Continue.”

Step #12. Upload Supporting Evidence With Your Online VA Claim Increase Application

This section is mission critical. You’ll have the opportunity to upload supporting evidence as a part of your VA claim. You can upload VA medical records if you were treated at a VA medical center or clinic, or by a doctor through the TRICARE health care program. You can upload private medical records if you were treated by a private doctor, including a Veteran’s Choice doctor. A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and/or a Nexus Letter are examples of private medical records. You can also upload lay statements or other evidence. A lay statement is a written statement from family, friends, or coworkers to help support your claim. Lay statements are also called “buddy statements.” In most cases, you’ll only need your medical records to support your disability claim. But some claims—such as those for PTSD or military sexual trauma—could benefit from a lay or buddy statement. Within this section, there are multiple screens and opportunities to upload supporting evidence for your VA claim. Click “Continue.”

Step #13. Notification of a Possible VA Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P Exam)

This is a notification that you might be contacted by a third-party provider to schedule your VA C&P Exam. You’ll either have an in-person C&P exam (similar to a routine doctors visit), Telehealth C&P exam (video exam), or an ACE Exam (records only review). Scroll down and click “Continue.”

Step #14. Verify or Change Direct Deposit Information and Answer Whether You’re a VA Employee

You’ll have the option to add or change your direct deposit bank account information to receive your monthly VA disability compensation. You’ll also need to answer if you’re a VA employee. If you have no changes here, simply click “Continue.”

Step #15. Review Your Application and Submit Your VA Disability Increase Claim Online

This is the final screen before you submit your VA disability increase claim to the VA! I highly recommend you review your Veteran Details, Conditions, Supporting Evidence, and any Additional Information to ensure everything is current, accurate, and complete. You’ll need to review the critical note, and click the box that says, “I have read and accept the privacy policy.” Then click “Submit application.” On the next screen, you’ll receive a confirmation.

How to File for VA Disability Increase If You Need Hands-On Help

If you don’t want to do it yourself online, you can also choose to work with an accredited VSO to help you prepare and file your VA increase claim.

Selecting the appropriate level of representation for your VA claim is critical to getting the VA rating you deserve.

Click HERE to find a list of the best VSOs for VA disability claims.

Want to Increase Your VA Disability Rating? WE CAN HELP!

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About the Author

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Brian Reese

Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).

Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start. 

As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.

He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).