How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating

Mission Brief

Your symptoms got worse or a new complication surfaced—and the VA rating no longer matches the damage. This playbook shows you how to prove the increase without losing ground.

We start by mapping your current rating against the diagnostic code in 38 CFR Part 4. When you can document that you meet the next higher level, the VA owes you the bump. From there, we’ll line up medical exams, lay evidence, and filing tactics—whether you’re submitting a new 21-526EZ, a Supplemental Claim, or stacking secondary issues.

The goal: walk in with airtight evidence, keep your effective date locked, and update every dependent or secondary claim affected by the change.

• Check the code: highlight exact language describing the higher percentages so you know what proof you need.
• Track worsening symptoms: use logs, buddy letters, and specialist notes to show frequency, duration, and functional loss over time.
• Choose the right filing lane: new evidence for the same condition pairs well with a supplemental claim, while new secondary issues might need their own filing.

Key Takeaways

• Audit your diagnostic codes and highlight the exact CFR language for the next higher percentage.
• Document worsening symptoms with fresh medical notes, lay statements, and workplace evidence before you file.
• Pick the correct lane—supplemental with new evidence or 21-526EZ—and rebut lowball C&P exams immediately.

Situation Brief

VA ratings fall behind when flare-ups worsen, surgeries fail, or complications spill into new body systems. The VA owes you a higher percentage when you can show measurable loss of function that meets the next diagnostic code threshold.

Pro tip: If you are already at 95% combined, plan secondary or unemployability strategies before you file so you do not cap out at 100% without maximizing retro pay.

Rating Increase Prep Checklist

Follow this sequence before you submit any forms so you know exactly what rating you are chasing and why the evidence proves it.

• Review the last decision letter and annotate the diagnostic codes and percentages applied.
• Gather new medical records, specialist notes, and therapy logs that document worsening symptoms within the last 12 months.
• Update lay statements from family, coworkers, or supervisors describing how your limitations have escalated.
• Capture employment changes: lost hours, accommodations, disciplinary write-ups, or inability to perform critical tasks.
• Decide whether you need an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) or DBQ to document the increase, especially for complex or contested conditions.
• Choose the right form: VA Form 21-526EZ for a new claim/increase or VA Form 20-0995 if you are inside the one-year appeal window with new evidence.

File intent-to-file paperwork if you need time to gather records—protecting the effective date is half the battle.

Step-by-Step Playbook

1. Audit your current rating decision: Identify the diagnostic codes and percentage descriptions so you know what the VA measured last time.
2. Document the worsening: Collect new medical evidence, therapy notes, and lay statements that show increased frequency, duration, or functional loss.
3. Align evidence with CFR language: Match your new documentation to the higher percentage criteria and highlight exact phrases the rater needs to see.
4. Select the filing lane: Use VA Form 20-0995 if you are within a year and have new evidence, or VA Form 21-526EZ if you are outside the window or filing secondary issues too.
5. Submit and track the claim: Upload exhibits with clear labels, keep the Claim Prep Checklist updated, and set reminders for VA.gov status checks.
6. Respond to VA requests fast: If the VA orders exams or asks for more evidence, push it within days so the claim never stalls.

If your condition triggers unemployability, file VA Form 21-8940 in parallel so you can pursue TDIU while the increase claim is pending.

Evidence Arsenal

To justify an increased rating you need current, detailed proof that mirrors the CFR language. Organize it so the rater can connect the dots in seconds.

Reminder: Always label uploads with condition, exhibit number, and date so the rater can cross-reference quickly.

Intel & Tools

Keep the tempo hot after you file—monitor status, log every VA contact, and prep backup strategies if the increase stalls.

• Weekly status checks: screenshot VA.gov updates, annotate your tracker with who you spoke with and next actions.
• Exam readiness: if an updated C&P exam is ordered, revisit the C&P Exam Playbook and rehearse your symptom story.
• Secondary scouting: note any new conditions caused by meds or biomechanics so you can file them as secondary claims once the increase lands.

The rater needs a clean paper trail—keep logs, emails, and uploads synced so any reviewer can retrace your steps in minutes.

Next Actions & Support

Every denial or lowball resets a one-year clock—log those deadlines the day the letter hits your mailbox.