How Can Veterans Increase VA Disability Rating For Service-Connected Conditions?
If your condition linked to your service has worsened over time, you might need to request the VA to increase your disability rating. Yet, it's crucial to grasp the full process of increasing your VA disability rating. Whenever you ask the VA to review your disability rating again, there's a possibility they might decrease or remove your benefits.
When pursuing a higher VA disability rating, you can submit a claim for increased disability, include more conditions in a claim, or appeal to a higher board.
Five Steps To Increase Your VA Disability Rating
When veterans' conditions decline following an initial rating, they can apply for enhanced benefits. They need current proof showing the deterioration of the disability.
Here are the Five stages for improving your VA disability rating:
- Understand What To Expect Before Asking For An Increase
- Figure out the requests you'll need to submit
- Gather medical evidence
- Fill out VA Form 21-526EZ
- Challenge the VA's decision if needed
Understand What To Expect Before Asking For An Increase
It's vital to realize that when you request the VA to review your disability rating again, there's always the possibility they might lower or even cease your benefits.
Your VA disability rating will be raised only when your service-related condition has deteriorated over time. Numerous veterans mistakenly request a higher VA disability rating primarily for financial reasons rather than due to worsening their disability.
Know What Requests You Will Need To Make
If over a year has passed since you received VA disability benefits, you'll have to ask the VA for a reassessment. VA can assist you in completing the required VA Form 21-526EZ for this purpose.
If you have been granted VA disability benefits in under a year, you should initiate an appeal.
Gather Medical Evidence
The VA won't raise your disability rating unless there is medical proof indicating a deterioration in your service-connected disability. If you observe a decline in your condition, you should arrange a meeting with a healthcare expert who understands VA terminology and criteria.
If you received treatment from a private physician, you should complete Form 21-4142 along with your request for a higher VA disability rating. This form allows your personal doctor to share your details with the VA.
Fill Out Form 21-526EZ
If more than a year has passed since you were granted VA disability benefits, you'll be required to complete Form 21-526EZ. Alongside this form, include medical proof illustrating the deterioration of your service-connected condition. Additionally, you can enclose a letter detailing your reasons for believing your VA disability rating should be raised.
If the duration is less than a year since you obtained VA disability compensation, an alternate procedure must be followed to challenge the decision.
Appealing For Your VA Disability Benefits Increase
Veterans who think their disability rating is inaccurate and they deserve a higher rating may appeal their VA rating decision. Veterans who obtained a decision prior to February 19, 2019, might still be navigating their appeals via the former system. If a veteran submitted their VA disability claim after February 19, 2019, their appeal is automatically processed within the AMA system.
Within this system, veterans have three choices for a VA appeal:
Higher-Level Review (HLR)
The VA assesses the claim using evidence already present in the veteran's record.
Supplemental Claim
The VA reevaluates the veteran's claim with fresh and pertinent evidence.
Appeal To The Board Of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)
A Veterans Law Judge examines the veteran's claim.
There isn't a single "best" method for appeals. The appropriate approach for appealing a decision is chosen based on your specific situation.
