When to File for an Increase
You can file for an increased rating at any time if your service-connected condition has gotten worse. The VA does not have a waiting period between claims. However, timing matters. The best time to file is when you have recent medical evidence showing your condition has worsened since your last rating decision. Look for triggers like new symptoms, increased frequency of flare-ups, or additional limitations in your daily activities or work.
If you have been treated at a VA facility, your records are already in the system. If you see private doctors, you will need to either submit those records yourself or give the VA authorization to obtain them. Recent records within the last 12 months carry the most weight.
Evidence You Need
The single most important piece of evidence for an increase claim is a current medical record showing your condition has worsened. This can be VA treatment records, private medical records, or a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by your doctor. The DBQ is particularly powerful because it uses the exact criteria the VA rater will evaluate.
Tip: Ask your doctor to fill out the appropriate DBQ for your condition. These are publicly available forms that directly map to the VA rating criteria. A well-completed DBQ can be the difference between a denial and an approval.
Beyond medical records, consider submitting buddy statements from family members, friends, or coworkers who can describe how your condition has worsened over time. Personal statements describing how your condition affects your daily life, work, and relationships also carry significant weight.
The Filing Process Step by Step
Start by filing VA Form 21-526EZ, which you can submit online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at your local VA regional office. Select "increase" as the claim type and identify the specific condition you are claiming has worsened. Upload all supporting evidence at the time of filing to avoid delays.
After filing, the VA will likely schedule you for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. This exam is critical. The examiner will assess the current severity of your condition using the rating criteria specific to your disability. Be honest and thorough. Describe your worst days, not your best.
What Happens After You File
The VA will review your claim, which typically takes 3 to 6 months. You can check your claim status online at VA.gov. If the VA grants an increase, your new rating and back pay will be effective from the date you filed your claim. If denied, you have the option to file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not downplay your symptoms during the C&P exam. Describe your condition on your worst days.
- Do not file without recent medical evidence. A bare claim with no supporting documentation is much harder to approve.
- Do not miss your C&P exam. A missed exam almost always results in a denial.
- Do not wait too long after your condition worsens. The effective date is based on when you file, not when the condition got worse.
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