How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating: 7 Key Steps for Veterans

If your service-connected condition has become worse since your last VA rating, you may be wondering how to increase your VA disability rating and what you can do to support your claim.

There is no guaranteed shortcut to a higher VA rating. The strongest approach is to give the Department of Veterans Affairs accurate, current evidence showing how your condition affects you today.

That may include updated medical records, treatment history, diagnostic testing, statements from people who know you, and other evidence that documents the severity of your disability.

This guide explains how to increase your VA disability rating, when an increased claim may be appropriate, what evidence can help, common mistakes to avoid, and what to expect during the process.

Understanding How VA Disability Ratings Work

The Department of Veterans Affairs assigns disability ratings based on how much a service-connected condition affects your daily life and ability to work.

Ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. Even a small increase can make a meaningful difference in your monthly benefits.

For example:

• Moving from 40% to 50% can significantly increase compensation
• Higher ratings may unlock additional healthcare benefits
• Dependents may qualify for extra support and programs

The VA evaluates several key factors when determining your rating:

• Medical records and treatment history
• Service records linking your condition to military duty
• Results from Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams
• Evidence showing how the condition affects work and daily life

Many veterans receive lower ratings initially simply because the VA didn’t receive enough evidence during the first claim.

Can You Increase Your VA Disability Rating?

Yes. If you already have a service-connected disability and the condition has become worse, you can file an increased claim to request a higher level of compensation.

VA defines an increased claim as a claim for more compensation for a disability that VA has already determined is service connected and that has gotten worse. VA says current evidence from a medical professional can show that worsening, and lay evidence may also be submitted.

The important distinction is this:

Your age, the amount of money you need, or the length of time you have had your rating does not automatically qualify you for a higher percentage.

The evidence needs to show that your service-connected disability now meets the criteria for a higher evaluation.

How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating: 7 Key Steps

1. Review Your Current VA Rating Decision

Before filing anything, start with the VA decision that established your current rating.

Look carefully at:

• The condition that was service connected
• Your current disability percentage
• The symptoms considered by VA
• The evidence used to assign the rating
• The reasons VA gave for the percentage assigned
• The rating criteria that apply to your condition

This review can help you identify what has changed since your last decision.

For example, you may have originally received a 10% rating for a knee condition when your symptoms were relatively manageable. Years later, you may experience increased pain, reduced range of motion, instability, or difficulty standing and walking.

The important question isn’t simply, “Can I get a higher rating?”

Instead, ask:
“What has changed, and can I document that change?”

That is the foundation of a strong increased-rating claim.

2. Document How Your Condition Has Worsened

One of the most important steps in learning how to increase your VA disability rating is documenting what your condition looks like now.

Don’t rely only on the diagnosis.

Explain what you actually experience.

Depending on your condition, document things such as:

• How often symptoms occur
• How severe symptoms become
• How long flare-ups last
• Changes in mobility
• Sleep disruption
• Difficulty concentrating
• Medication changes
• Missed work
• Difficulty completing household activities
• Limitations involving exercise or physical activity
• Changes in relationships or social activities

For example, saying “my back hurts” provides limited information.

A more useful description may explain that your back pain causes you to stop working after a certain period, makes standing difficult, or causes recurring flare-ups that interfere with normal activities.

Your evidence should be accurate and specific, not exaggerated.

3. Gather Current Medical Evidence

Medical evidence is one of the most important parts of an increased VA disability claim.

VA specifically states that an increased claim requires current evidence showing that a service-connected disability has gotten worse. Examples can include medical records or medical opinions from healthcare providers.

Depending on your condition, useful evidence may include:

• VA treatment records
• Private medical records
• Specialist evaluations
• Diagnostic tests
• Imaging reports
• Physical therapy records
• Medication history
• Treatment notes
• Medical opinions
• Records documenting functional limitations

You don’t necessarily need a brand-new diagnosis. If your existing service-connected condition has become more severe, the goal is to document that change.

VA also encourages veterans to submit supporting evidence with their claim when possible.

What Should Medical Evidence Show?

Strong evidence should help answer questions such as:

• What symptoms are present?
• How frequently do they occur?
• How severe are they?
• What treatment is required?
• Has the condition become worse?
• What activities can you no longer perform normally?
• How does the condition affect your work or everyday life?

The exact evidence needed depends on the disability being evaluated.

4. Look for Secondary Conditions

Another important part of understanding how to increase your VA disability rating is recognizing when a new condition may be secondary to an existing service-connected disability.

A secondary service-connected claim involves a new physical or mental condition that is linked to a disability VA has already determined is service connected. VA may require medical or other supporting evidence establishing that connection.

Examples can include:

• Arthritis associated with a service-connected knee injury
• A mental health condition associated with another service-connected condition
• A condition caused or aggravated by treatment or limitations related to an existing disability

The specific medical relationship matters.

A secondary condition does not automatically result in a higher combined rating. If VA grants service connection for the additional condition, it will assign a rating according to the applicable criteria, and that rating may affect the veteran’s combined disability rating.

This is why reviewing your overall medical history can be important when a service-connected condition has changed.

5. File the Correct Increased-Rating Claim

Once you have evidence showing that your service-connected condition has worsened, you can file an increased disability claim.

VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, is the standard form used for disability compensation claims, including increased disability compensation. The current form revision is dated January 2026.

You can apply online through VA or submit the appropriate application and supporting evidence.

When filing, make sure the information is complete and that your evidence clearly supports the condition and symptoms you’re claiming.

Increased Claim vs. Other VA Options

It’s important to choose the right type of claim.

Increased claim:
Used when a service-connected disability has become worse and you want a higher evaluation.

Secondary claim:
Used when you have a new condition that is linked to an existing service-connected disability.

Supplemental claim:
Used when VA previously denied a claim and you have new and relevant evidence.

Decision review:
May be appropriate when you disagree with a previous VA decision rather than simply claiming that an already service-connected condition has worsened.

Choosing the correct path can prevent unnecessary confusion and delays.

6. Prepare Carefully for Your C&P Exam

VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension, or C&P, exam when additional information is needed to decide your claim.

The exam can help VA determine the severity of your disability and assign an appropriate rating. Not every veteran needs an exam; VA says it may rely on existing medical evidence when there is enough information available.

If you attend a C&P exam:

• Be honest
• Describe your symptoms accurately
• Explain how frequently they occur
• Describe your worst periods as well as typical days
• Explain functional limitations
• Don’t intentionally exaggerate
• Don’t minimize your symptoms because you’re uncomfortable discussing them

A common mistake is simply saying, “I’m okay,” because the veteran has learned to live with the condition.

Instead, explain what “okay” actually means in your daily life.

For example:

“I can still work, but I have to take breaks every hour because standing increases my pain.”

Specific examples can give the examiner a clearer understanding of your functional limitations.

7. Use Lay Statements When They Add Useful Evidence

Medical records aren’t the only type of evidence that can help.

Lay evidence can describe what people have personally observed about your condition.

Depending on the situation, statements may come from:

• A spouse
• Family member
• Friend
• Coworker
• Fellow service member
• Caregiver

VA recognizes lay evidence as a potential form of supporting evidence for increased claims.

A useful statement should focus on actual observations.

For example, a spouse might explain that you regularly wake up because of pain, have difficulty climbing stairs, or need help with certain household tasks.

A coworker might describe changes in your ability to complete physical duties or maintain your normal work schedule.

The goal isn’t to make the statement dramatic.

The goal is to provide a clear picture of how your disability affects your everyday life.

How VA Determines Your Disability Rating

Understanding how VA ratings work is essential when you’re researching how to increase your VA disability rating.

VA expresses disability evaluations as percentages representing how much a disability affects overall health and the ability to function. VA bases ratings on evidence such as medical reports, test results, C&P examinations when needed, and other relevant information.

The applicable rating criteria depend on the specific disability.

This means a veteran shouldn’t focus only on reaching a particular percentage.

Instead, focus on whether your documented symptoms meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the rating schedule applicable to your condition.

VA Combined Ratings Don’t Work Like Simple Addition

Veterans with multiple disabilities should also understand that VA does not simply add individual percentages together.

VA uses a combined-rating method based on the “whole person” concept.

For example, a veteran with several individual ratings may expect those percentages to add directly to 100%. VA’s calculation can produce a different combined rating.

This is one reason a new service-connected condition or increased evaluation doesn’t always produce the final percentage a veteran expects.

What Evidence Can Help Increase a VA Disability Rating?

There isn’t one universal evidence checklist for every disability.

The most useful evidence depends on the condition and the rating criteria involved.

However, veterans may consider gathering:

Medical Evidence

• Recent VA treatment records
• Private healthcare records
• Specialist reports
• Diagnostic testing
• Imaging
• Medication records
• Treatment history
• Medical opinions

Functional Evidence

• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty standing
• Problems lifting objects
• Sleep disruption
• Concentration problems
• Difficulty completing work tasks
• Missed work
• Limitations with household activities

Lay Evidence

• Spouse statements
• Family statements
• Coworker statements
• Buddy statements
• Caregiver observations

VA’s evidence guidance confirms that medical records, medical opinions, and lay evidence can play a role depending on the type of claim.

Common Mistakes That Can Slow Down a VA Rating Increase

Knowing how to increase your VA disability rating also means understanding what can make the process more difficult.

Mistake 1: Filing Without Current Evidence

If your condition has worsened but your evidence doesn’t show the change, VA may not have enough information to support a higher evaluation.

Mistake 2: Treating a Diagnosis as the Entire Claim

Having a diagnosis is important, but the rating also depends on the severity and functional impact described by the applicable criteria.

Mistake 3: Exaggerating Symptoms

Don’t make your condition sound worse than it is.

Accurate evidence is more valuable than dramatic statements.

Mistake 4: Minimizing Your Symptoms

The opposite problem can also occur.

Some veterans have lived with their symptoms for years and don’t realize how much their condition affects daily life.

Describe the reality of your condition honestly.

Mistake 5: Missing a Scheduled C&P Exam

If VA schedules an exam, take it seriously and attend unless there is a legitimate reason you cannot.

VA may need the examination to obtain information required to decide the claim.

Mistake 6: Assuming Every New Condition Is Automatically Secondary

A condition may be related to an existing service-connected disability, but the relationship still needs to be supported by appropriate evidence.

Mistake 7: Assuming There Is a Guaranteed Fast Track

There is no universal shortcut that guarantees a faster or higher VA rating.

The best way to reduce avoidable delays is to submit a complete, accurate claim with relevant supporting evidence.

How Long Does a VA Disability Rating Increase Take?

There is no single processing time that applies to every increased-rating claim.

VA says processing time depends on factors such as the type and complexity of the claim, the number of disabilities claimed, and how long it takes to obtain the evidence needed to make a decision.

As of June 2026, VA reported an average of 71.3 days for disability-related claims, but this is an overall average and should not be treated as a guaranteed timeline for an individual increased-rating claim.

Your claim may take longer if:

• Additional medical evidence is needed
• Multiple conditions are involved
• A C&P exam is required
• Records take time to obtain
• The case is unusually complex
• Additional development is necessary

You can check your claim status online while you wait.

Can an Accredited Representative Help With a VA Rating Increase?

Veterans can file their own claims, but they may also choose to work with a VA-accredited representative.

VA recognizes three primary types of accredited representatives:

• Veterans Service Organization representatives
• Accredited attorneys
• Accredited claims agents

An accredited representative may help a veteran file a claim or request a decision review.

If you choose professional assistance, verify the person’s accreditation through VA’s official accreditation search rather than relying solely on advertising or online reviews.

Professional assistance should never be presented as a guarantee of a higher rating. The VA makes the final determination based on the evidence and applicable rules.

Should You Try to Increase Your VA Disability Rating?

If your service-connected condition has genuinely become worse, it may be worth reviewing your current rating and medical evidence.

Ask yourself:

• Has my condition become more severe?
• Are my symptoms occurring more often?
• Do I need additional treatment?
• Has my medication changed?
• Has my mobility or daily functioning declined?
• Has my condition started affecting my work?
• Has a new condition developed that may be related to an existing service-connected disability?

If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, consider reviewing the evidence supporting your current rating.

The goal isn’t simply to obtain a bigger percentage.

The goal is to make sure your VA disability rating accurately reflects the severity of your service-connected condition.

A Practical Checklist for Increasing Your VA Disability Rating

Before submitting an increased-rating claim, review this checklist:

Medical Records

• Current treatment records
• Specialist reports
• Diagnostic testing
• Medication history
• Evidence of worsening symptoms

Personal Evidence

• Written description of symptoms
• Examples of daily limitations
• Work-related impact
• Flare-up information
• Relevant lay statements

Claim Preparation

• Review your current VA decision
• Identify the service-connected condition
• Determine whether the condition has worsened
• Consider whether a secondary condition may exist
• Choose the appropriate claim type
• Submit relevant supporting evidence
• Attend any scheduled C&P exam

A well-organized claim makes it easier for VA to understand what has changed and why you’re requesting a higher evaluation.

How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating

Understanding how to increase your VA disability rating starts with one simple principle: focus on evidence that accurately shows the current severity of your service-connected condition.

There is no guaranteed shortcut to a higher rating.

Instead, veterans should focus on documenting worsening symptoms, obtaining relevant medical evidence, identifying legitimate secondary conditions, submitting the appropriate claim, and accurately describing functional limitations.

If VA has already recognized your condition as service connected and your symptoms have become worse, an increased claim may be appropriate.

If you’re unsure which claim option fits your situation, consider speaking with a VA-accredited representative or another qualified source of veterans’ benefits assistance.

Your rating should reflect the evidence and the severity of your service-connected disability—not an estimate, assumption, or promise.