Increased ratings
Think your VA rating is too low?
Ratings are not permanent. If your condition has worsened or you have related conditions, you may request an increased rating or file a decision review. Combined ratings use whole-person math, not simple addition.
Calls are answered by an automated intake assistant and may be recorded with your consent.
What is the difference between an increased rating claim and a decision review?
An increased rating claim is used when a service-connected condition has gotten worse since the last rating decision. You submit evidence of the current severity. A decision review (Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board appeal) is used when you disagree with how the VA rated the condition in an existing decision.
For decisions on or after February 19, 2019, the one-year window and continuous pursuit rules under 38 C.F.R. § 3.2500(h) can apply to decision reviews and help preserve the original effective date.
What evidence shows a condition has worsened?
Current medical records, treatment notes, and a recent compensation and pension exam that documents increased symptoms or functional limits are relevant. The VA rates based on the severity described in the rating schedule for that condition. Talk to your doctor about documenting how the condition affects you now. This page does not provide medical advice.
The decision letter from the prior rating will show what evidence was previously considered.
How does combined-rating math work?
Combined ratings do not add percentages. They use the "whole person" method in 38 C.F.R. § 4.25. Each additional rating is applied to the remaining unimpaired portion of the person. For example, a 50% rating leaves 50% of the person unimpaired. A second 30% rating is applied to that remaining 50%, which is 15%. Adding 50% + 15% equals 65%, which rounds to 70%.
The bilateral factor in 38 C.F.R. § 4.26 can add a small additional percentage when conditions affect both sides of the body (for example, both arms or both legs) before the whole-person combination is applied.
You can explore the math further on our VA rating calculator page.
Can secondary conditions raise my combined rating?
Yes. A secondary condition is a disability that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition (38 C.F.R. § 3.310). If service connection is granted for the secondary condition, it is combined with your other ratings using the whole-person method. This can increase the overall combined rating even if the primary conditions stay the same.
What is the pyramiding rule?
The VA will not pay twice for the same disability under different diagnoses. 38 C.F.R. § 4.14 prohibits pyramiding’assigning multiple ratings for the same manifestation or symptom. The rating schedule chooses the most appropriate diagnostic code for the condition.
When can a law firm help with a rating issue?
Accredited attorneys and agents may not charge for work before the VA’s initial decision (38 U.S.C. § 5904(c)(1)). After that, fees are usually contingent on past-due benefits. Twenty percent or less is presumed reasonable; more than 33⅓% is presumed unreasonable. At 20% or less the VA can pay the attorney directly from back pay (38 C.F.R. § 14.636). Veterans Service Organizations help for free.
VA Disability Help is a marketing service. Requests submitted here are reviewed by Milberg, PLLC. Submitting a request does not create an attorney-client relationship. Check accreditation at the VA OGC site.
Frequently asked questions
How are multiple VA ratings combined?
What is the bilateral factor?
Can I get service connection for a secondary condition?
What is pyramiding?
Does an increased rating affect my effective date?
See if a law firm can review your VA decision
Takes about 2 minutes. There is no charge to request a review.