How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating in 2026

Your VA disability rating is not set in stone. If your service-connected condition has gotten worse since your last rating decision, you have every right to file for an increase and receive the compensation you deserve. Yet many veterans accept their initial rating and never look back, even as their conditions deteriorate year after year.

When Should You File for an Increase?

The right time to file is when you have clear evidence that your condition has worsened. Here are the signs that it may be time:

• Increased symptom frequency -- Your symptoms happen more often than when you received your current rating
• Greater severity -- When symptoms flare up, they hit harder than before
• New functional limitations -- Activities you could handle before are now difficult or impossible
• Treatment escalation -- You need stronger medication, more frequent appointments, or new interventions
• Work impact -- Your condition now affects your ability to hold a job, or you have had to cut hours or change roles
• Secondary conditions -- Your service-connected disability has caused new related problems

Step 1: Understand the Rating Criteria for Your Condition

Before gathering evidence, look up the diagnostic code for your condition in 38 CFR Part 4 (found in your original rating decision letter). Review the criteria for your current rating and the next higher level. This tells you exactly what symptoms and limitations the VA needs to see before granting a higher percentage.

For example, if you have PTSD rated at 30%, the 50% criteria requires "occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity." Knowing this, you can focus your evidence on documenting missed work, declining job performance, and relationship difficulties.

Step 2: Gather Strong Medical Evidence

Evidence is what wins or loses your claim. The VA will not increase your rating based on your word alone. You need documentation showing that your condition has objectively worsened.

Essential Evidence

• Recent treatment records -- VA and private medical records from the past 6-12 months showing ongoing or worsening symptoms
• Updated diagnostic tests -- New imaging, lab work, pulmonary function tests, sleep studies, or psychological assessments that show progression
• Medication history -- Records showing increased dosages, new prescriptions, or failed treatments
• Private medical opinion -- A letter from a doctor (ideally a specialist) explaining how your condition has worsened and why it meets higher rating criteria

Lay Evidence

• Personal statement -- Your own detailed account of how symptoms have changed, what activities you have lost, and how your worst days compare to before
• Buddy statements -- Written statements from your spouse, family members, or coworkers describing the worsening they have witnessed firsthand
• Employment records -- Documentation of reduced hours, accommodations, disciplinary actions due to your condition, or job loss

Step 3: Choose Your Filing Path

How you file depends on your situation:

Claim for Increase (VA Form 21-526EZ)

If your condition has genuinely worsened since your last rating decision, file a standard claim for increase. The VA will review your new evidence and likely schedule a new Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess your current severity.

Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995)

If you were recently denied an increase or received a lower rating than expected, file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence the VA has not seen before. This is the most common and effective path for veterans who were denied.

Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996)

If you believe the VA made an error in applying the rating criteria to your existing evidence, request a Higher-Level Review. A senior rater re-examines your file. No new evidence is allowed, but you can request an informal conference to point out specific mistakes.

Step 4: Prepare for the C&P Exam

The VA will almost certainly schedule a new C&P exam. This exam carries enormous weight in the rating decision. Prepare carefully:

• Review your medical records before the exam so you can speak accurately about your history
• Describe your worst days -- Do not minimize symptoms or tough it out during the appointment
• Bring documentation -- Carry copies of key medical records, buddy statements, and your personal statement
• Be specific about limitations -- Instead of saying "my back hurts," say "I cannot sit for more than 15 minutes before the pain forces me to stand, and I wake up 3-4 times per night"
• Do not miss the appointment -- A missed C&P exam typically results in denial. Reschedule immediately if you cannot attend.

Step 5: Monitor and Follow Up

After filing, check your claim status regularly at VA.gov. Respond promptly to any VA requests for additional information. If you obtain new evidence while your claim is pending, submit it right away through VA's QuickSubmit tool.

In 2026, typical processing times are:

Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Higher Ratings

Avoid these pitfalls when filing for an increase:

• Filing without evidence -- Feeling worse is not enough. You need medical documentation showing objective worsening.
• Understating symptoms at the C&P exam -- Military culture teaches you to push through pain. At your exam, honesty about your worst days is what gets you the right rating.
• Not filing an Intent to File first -- You lose months of potential back pay.
• Ignoring secondary conditions -- If your service-connected condition has caused new problems (like depression from chronic pain, or sleep apnea from PTSD), claim those too.
• Waiting too long -- Every month you delay is a month of increased benefits you are not receiving. File your Intent to File as soon as you recognize worsening.
• Going it alone when you need help -- Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like the VFW, DAV, and American Legion provide free claims assistance.

How Different Ratings Affect Your Benefits

Your disability rating does not just determine your monthly compensation. Crossing certain rating thresholds unlocks entirely new categories of benefits -- property tax exemptions, CHAMPVA healthcare for dependents, vocational rehabilitation, and more.

Use the Veterans Benefits Finder to see exactly which benefits become available at your current or expected rating. Even a 10% increase can open doors to benefits worth thousands of dollars annually beyond your direct compensation.