How to Request a Higher VA Disability Rating

When and how to ask the VA to reconsider your rating

You can request a higher VA disability rating at any time after the VA assigns your initial rating. The VA calls this a claim for increase, and it works differently from your original claim — you are not starting over, but asking the VA to look at your condition again and assign a higher percentage if it has worsened or if new evidence shows it was always worse than rated.

The VA will not automatically raise your rating as your condition changes. You have to tell them. The process takes several months, and you will need medical records or statements that show your disability is more severe than the VA's current assessment. There is no penalty for requesting an increase, and you keep your current rating while the VA reviews your request.

Key Takeaways

• A claim for increase asks the VA to assign a higher percentage rating to a condition they have already rated, based on new or additional evidence of worsening.
• You can file a claim for increase using VA Form 21-526EZ online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
• Medical evidence — such as treatment records, test results, or a statement from your doctor about how your condition affects daily life — is what the VA uses to decide whether to increase your rating.
• The VA typically takes three to six months to decide a claim for increase, and you will receive a decision letter explaining their rating and the effective date of any increase.
• If you disagree with the VA's decision, you can file a notice of disagreement or appeal within one year of the decision date.

What counts as evidence for a rating increase

The VA will look at medical records from your doctors, hospitals, or clinics that show your condition has worsened or that your symptoms are more severe than the original rating reflected. This includes treatment notes, lab results, imaging reports, and medication lists. If you have been hospitalized, had surgery, or started new treatment since your last rating, those records are strong evidence.

You can also submit a statement from your own doctor describing how your disability affects your ability to work, exercise, sleep, or manage daily tasks. This statement does not have to be long — a letter from your VA doctor, private doctor, or nurse practitioner that explains your current symptoms and limitations can be enough. The VA will also order a new examination if they think one is necessary, and they will pay for it.

Do not submit records that are older than your current rating unless they show a clear pattern of worsening. The VA is looking for evidence that something has changed since they last rated you, not evidence that supports the rating you already have.

How to file a claim for increase

You have three ways to file: online through VA.gov using VA Form 21-526EZ, by mail, or in person at your local VA regional office. The online method is fastest because the VA can begin reviewing your claim as soon as you submit it, and you can track its progress on your VA.gov account.

To file online, log into VA.gov with your username and password, go to your disability claims, and select "File a claim for increase." You will answer questions about which condition you want increased and upload your medical evidence. You do not have to upload everything at once — you can submit your claim and add records later, though the sooner you add them, the sooner the VA can make a decision.

If you file by mail, send VA Form 21-526EZ and your medical records to your regional VA office. You can find the address on the VA website by entering your state. If you file in person, bring your records with you and a VA representative can help you fill out the form on the spot.

What happens after you file

Once you submit your claim, the VA will send you a receipt notice confirming they received it. You can check the status anytime by logging into VA.gov and looking at your claims. The VA will review your medical evidence and may order a new examination to see your current condition. If they do, they will send you an appointment letter with the date and location.

The examination is free and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The examiner will ask about your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and may perform tests or measurements. This examination becomes part of your file and helps the VA decide whether to increase your rating. You do not need to prepare anything special — just be honest about how your condition affects you.

After the examination (or after reviewing your records if no exam is needed), the VA will issue a decision letter. This letter tells you whether they increased your rating, what the new percentage is, and when the increase takes effect. If they increased your rating, your monthly payment will go up starting the month after the effective date. If they denied the increase, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Understanding effective dates for rating increases

The effective date is the date your new, higher rating begins. In most cases, the effective date is the date you filed your claim for increase. This means if you file on March 15 and the VA approves an increase in June, your higher payment starts in March, and you will receive back pay for the months between March and June.

There is one exception: if your condition worsened on a specific date that you can prove with medical records (such as a surgery date or hospitalization date), the VA may set the effective date to that date instead. This is rare and requires clear documentation, but it is worth mentioning in your claim if it applies to you.

When to consider getting help with your claim

You can file a claim for increase on your own, and many veterans do. However, if your condition is complex, if you have been denied an increase before, or if you are not sure what medical evidence to submit, a Veterans Service Officer or VA-accredited representative can help you gather records and present your case. These services are free through Veterans Service Organizations, and some charge a fee only if they win an appeal on your behalf.

A representative can be especially useful if you are filing an appeal after a denial. They know how the VA rates different conditions and can help you frame your evidence in a way that addresses the VA's reasons for the denial. You can find a free Veterans Service Officer through your state's veterans affairs office or through organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim for increase if I was just rated?

Yes. There is no waiting period. However, if your condition has not changed since your rating, the VA will likely deny the increase. File when you have new medical evidence showing your condition is worse than the current rating reflects.

What if the VA orders an examination but I cannot make the appointment?

Call the VA examination center or the phone number on your appointment letter and ask to reschedule. Missing an appointment can delay your claim, but you can reschedule without penalty. If you have a legitimate reason you cannot attend, explain it when you call.

How much will my payment increase if my rating goes up?

The amount depends on your new rating percentage and the VA's current payment rates, which change each year. You can see the current rates on VA.gov. For example, a veteran with no dependents rated at 50 percent receives a different amount than one rated at 60 percent, and the difference increases if you have a spouse or children.

Can I file a claim for increase while an appeal is pending?

Yes. You can file a new claim for increase even if you are appealing a previous denial. However, if your new claim is based on the same evidence and the same condition, the VA may combine them. Talk to a Veterans Service Officer before filing if you already have an appeal in progress.

What if the VA increases my rating but not as much as I expected?

You can file a notice of disagreement or appeal within one year of the decision date. You will need to explain why you believe the rating should be higher and submit additional evidence if you have it. An appeal does not erase your increase — you keep the higher rating while the appeal is being decided.