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Feeling like your VA rating doesn’t reflect the real impact of your service-connected condition? You’re not alone; thousands of veterans discover the same thing each year.
The good news is that there are several ways to increase your VA rating, and with the right evidence and strategy, you can get the benefits you rightfully deserve.
In this post, we’ll break down how the VA rates conditions, eight proven ways to get one, and insider tips to make the process easier.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The VA evaluates service-connected conditions using the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) and assigns ratings ranging from 0% to 100%.
- You may qualify for a higher VA disability rating if your condition worsens, you have secondary conditions, you appeal a low decision, or you’re eligible for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate.
- To improve your chances of increasing your VA rating, organize your records, highlight key evidence, prepare for your C&P exam, track symptoms, gather statements, and submit updated exams or DBQs.
Why File to Increase Your VA Disability Rating?
Filing for an increased VA rating ensures your compensation accurately reflects the severity of your service-connected conditions.
Over time, many disabilities worsen, or new symptoms develop, and your current rating may no longer match your daily challenges.
An increased rating can boost your monthly benefits, qualify you for additional programs, and secure the resources you need to manage your condition.
How the VA Rates Conditions
The VA assigns disability ratings in 10% increments, ranging from 0% to 100%, based on criteria outlined in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).
Each rating reflects the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities.
If you have multiple service-connected conditions, the VA uses a combined ratings table to calculate your overall disability. The VA doesn’t use simple addition, so two 50% ratings, for example, do not equal 100%.
>>View Our VA Disability Calculator
8 Proven Ways to Increase Your VA Disability Rating
1. File a New VA Claim for an Unclaimed Condition
Even if years have passed since you left the service, you can still file for conditions you’ve never claimed before.
If approved, this adds to your combined VA rating and could significantly boost your compensation.
Many veterans overlook conditions that developed slowly over time, like hearing loss, sleep apnea, or arthritis, but these may still qualify.
Pro Tip: The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving the benefits you rightfully deserve.
>>View Our A-Z List of Disability Ratings by Condition
2. File for an Increase if Your Condition Worsens
The easiest way to increase your VA disability rating is to file a new claim online for conditions already service-connected at 0% or higher.
You’ll need to open a new claim on VA.gov and select “I’m filing a claim for a new condition or one that’s gotten worse.”
Be sure to upload new medical evidence like medical records, disability benefits questionnaires (DBQs), and nexus letters to prove that your symptoms have worsened.
A DBQ from a private provider can make your claim “decision-ready,” which may allow the VA to approve it faster without another compensation & pension (C&P) exam.
Pro Tip: If your condition wasn’t diagnosed in service, lacks documentation in your records, or you’ve been out for over 12 months, consider getting a nexus letter to prove service connection. Without one, you may not have the medical evidence needed to link your disability to service.
3. File For VA Secondary Conditions
Secondary conditions are new disabilities caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected condition.
Examples include PTSD leading to sleep apnea or back pain causing radiculopathy. A strong nexus letter from a qualified licensed provider can make all the difference in proving the link.
Don’t overlook secondary claims; they often push your combined rating higher and may unlock access to additional benefits you wouldn’t otherwise qualify for.
Learn More: How are VA Secondary Conditions Calculated?
4. Claim VA Presumptive Conditions
The VA automatically presumes that certain conditions are service-related based on specific exposures or service locations.
VA presumptive conditions are easier to win since you only need to prove that you served in an eligible location during the qualifying period and later developed the condition.
Examples of presumptive conditions include Agent Orange–related heart disease, Gulf War illnesses, and burn pit exposure conditions.
If you meet the criteria, you don’t need to provide additional proof of service connection.
Pro Tip: Check regularly for new presumptive conditions; your disability might qualify for VA benefits, even if it didn’t before.
>>View Our List of New Presumptive Conditions
5. Apply for TDIU (Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability)
If your service-connected conditions prevent you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU.
TDIU pays at the 100% rate, even if your combined rating is below 100%.
To qualify for schedular TDIU, the following statement must be true:
- You can’t hold down a steady job that supports you financially because of your service-connected disability. (Odd jobs don’t count)
In addition, ONE of these must be true:
- You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- You have 2 or more service-connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.
Learn More: VA TDIU Approval Rate
6. File a New Claim for Service Connection via Aggravation
Another powerful way to increase your VA disability rating is through aggravation claims.
These fall into two categories:
- Aggravation of a pre-service condition, and
- Secondary service connection by aggravation
For example, if you entered service with flat feet and military duty worsened the condition beyond its natural progression, you may qualify for service connection through aggravation.
Similarly, if a service-connected disability worsens another condition, like PTSD medications causing weight gain that aggravates sleep apnea, you can file a secondary claim.
Learn More: What is VA Disability Aggravated Service Connection?
7. Appeal a Low VA Rating Decision
If you disagree with the VA’s decision on your claim, you have the right to appeal.
You can:
- File a Supplemental Claim
- Request a Higher-Level Review
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
In some cases, you can strengthen your case by submitting new, relevant evidence that the VA didn’t consider before (available with a Supplemental Claim or certain Board Appeal dockets, but not with Higher-Level Review).
An appeal can feel overwhelming, but it’s often worth pursuing, especially if you believe your disability is underrated or if the VA missed essential details.
Learn More: How to Appeal a VA Disability Claim Denial
8. File a New Claim for Special Monthly Compensation
Another way to boost your VA disability benefits is by filing for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), an extra benefit for veterans or eligible dependents with specific disabilities or combinations of disabilities.
SMC is designed to compensate for higher levels of impairment or the need for additional care.
Common qualifying situations include loss of use of a limb or creative organ, blindness, severe hearing loss, housebound status, need for aid with daily activities, or multiple disabilities that create significant impairment.
Learn More: VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): What It Is and How to Get It!
Tips for Increasing Your VA Disability Rating
While nothing is guaranteed, these tips are worth considering when seeking a higher VA disability rating.
- Keep your evidence organized by clearly labeling records and making them easy for the VA rater to review and access.
- Highlight key pages in your medical records that clearly show your condition and its severity.
- Prepare for your C&P exam by understanding what will be evaluated, answering questions honestly, and providing a thorough description of your symptoms.
- Maintain a symptom journal to track changes over time.
- Include supporting statements from family, friends, or coworkers who can describe how your condition affects your daily life.
- Submit updated medical exams or DBQs to strengthen your claim further.
Conclusion
Increasing your VA disability rating can feel overwhelming, but knowing your options can make the path clearer and easier to navigate.
Whether your condition has worsened, you have secondary conditions, qualify for TDIU, or meet criteria for SMC or presumptive conditions, a strategic approach with strong evidence can make a real difference.
Use symptom journals, updated medical exams, DBQs, and nexus letters, and don’t hesitate to appeal or request a re-evaluation if you believe your rating doesn’t reflect your true level of impairment.
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- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you through the claims process.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my VA disability rating increased?
You can file a new claim on VA.gov, submit new medical evidence that shows your condition has worsened, or provide proof of secondary conditions linked to your service-connected disability. You may also appeal a past decision, apply for TDIU if you can’t work, or file for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if you meet the criteria.
How often can I request a VA rating increase?
There’s no limit; you can file whenever your service-connected condition worsens but be prepared with updated medical evidence.
What happens after you file for an increased VA rating?
After you file for an increased VA rating, the VA reviews your claim and any new evidence you submit. They may schedule you for a C&P exam to evaluate your condition. Once all evidence is reviewed, the VA issues a new decision, which could result in an increased rating, the same rating, or in some cases, a proposed reduction if they believe your condition has improved. Finally, you’ll receive a decision letter explaining the outcome.
Does the VA automatically increase ratings?
No, the VA doesn’t automatically increase ratings. You must file a claim for an increase and provide medical evidence showing that your service-connected condition has worsened. The VA may schedule a re-examination if they believe your condition could improve, but increases aren’t automatic.
Do I need a nexus letter for every VA rating increase claim?
Not always. Nexus letters are most beneficial for secondary conditions, service connection via aggravation, or claims where medical evidence from service is limited.
Can the VA lower my rating if I ask for an increase?
It’s possible. If a review shows improvement, the VA can propose a reduction. Always file with strong, current evidence.
Can I work while receiving TDIU?
You may earn income from marginal or protected employment, but full-time, substantially gainful work can disqualify you.
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.
