As a veteran, navigating the process of increasing your VA disability rating can seem complex, but it’s an essential step for securing the benefits you deserve.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire process, including updates on how the housing market and economic factors may affect your benefits.
Table of Contents
Why Consider Increasing Your VA Disability Rating?
If your service-connected disability has worsened since your original rating or if you believe your initial rating does not reflect the severity of your condition, you can request an increase. This can lead to higher monthly payments and access to additional benefits, such as:
- Higher monthly compensation based on an increased disability rating.
- Healthcare benefits through the VA for more severe disabilities.
- Housing adaptations under the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program if your disability impacts your mobility.
- Educational benefits under the GI Bill, potentially increased if your rating changes.
Current VA Disability Ratings and Compensation
Your VA disability rating determines your monthly compensation. Here’s a breakdown of the current ratings and compensation as of 2024:
| VA Disability Rating | Monthly Compensation (Single Veteran) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $165.92 |
| 20% | $327.99 |
| 30% | $508.05 |
| 40% | $731.86 |
| 50% | $1,041.82 |
| 60% | $1,319.65 |
| 70% | $1,662.31 |
| 80% | $1,933.15 |
| 90% | $2,172.39 |
| 100% | $3,621.95 |
Note: These amounts can increase based on dependents, spouse, or special circumstances. You can find more detailed information directly from the VA’s compensation rates page.
Steps to Request an Increase in Your VA Disability Rating
1. Assess Your Current Condition
Determine if your condition has worsened. This can include:
- Increased pain or discomfort.
- More frequent hospital visits.
- A worsening mental health condition, such as PTSD.
2. Gather Medical Evidence
You’ll need updated medical records and reports that show a deterioration in your health. Key pieces of evidence include:
- Recent medical examinations.
- Doctor’s notes that indicate an increase in the severity of your symptoms.
- Statements from family members or caregivers about how the condition impacts your daily life.
3. File a VA Form 21-526EZ
Submit a formal request for a rating increase through VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation). You can:
- File online via eBenefits or VA.gov.
- Submit by mail to the regional VA office.
- Work with a VSO (Veteran Service Organization) for assistance.
4. Prepare for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam
After filing your claim, you’ll likely be scheduled for a C&P exam, where a VA doctor will evaluate your condition and determine the extent of your disability. Be honest and thorough during this examination, ensuring you explain how your condition affects your daily life.
5. Await the VA’s Decision
The VA typically takes several months to process disability rating increase requests. During this time, the VA will review your evidence and exam results to determine if an increased rating is warranted.
The Housing Market and Its Effect on VA Benefits
An increasing VA disability rating can open doors to additional housing benefits, including:
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants: For veterans with service-connected disabilities that impact mobility, these grants help you purchase or modify homes to accommodate your needs.
- VA Home Loan Guaranty: Veterans with a higher disability rating may qualify for a VA-backed home loan with no down payment required.
Current Housing Market Insights
The housing market has been volatile in recent years, especially post-pandemic. Home prices remain high in many areas, and interest rates for mortgages have seen fluctuations. As of 2024:
- Average U.S. home price: $389,000, according to the National Association of Realtors.
- Mortgage interest rates: Varying between 6.5% and 7.5% for a 30-year fixed mortgage.
Why it matters for veterans:
- A higher disability rating can help you secure better terms for your VA home loan.
- Adaptations funded through VA grants may be necessary in a competitive housing market where new, accessible homes are scarce.
Statistics and Trends in VA Disability Ratings
Over recent years, more veterans have been seeking increases in their disability ratings. Here’s a quick snapshot of current statistics:
| Year | Number of Veterans Requesting Increases | Average VA Disability Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1.3 million | 30% |
| 2020 | 1.45 million | 32% |
| 2021 | 1.55 million | 33% |
| 2022 | 1.65 million | 35% |
| 2023 | 1.75 million | 36% |
These statistics show a steady increase in the number of veterans requesting higher ratings. Many factors contribute to this rise, including more awareness of benefits and worsening conditions over time.
Common Challenges When Seeking a Rating Increase
Requesting a rating increase can sometimes come with challenges. Here are a few common obstacles:
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: If you don’t have recent medical documentation to back up your claim, it can lead to denial.
- C&P Exam Results: The C&P exam can be stressful, and sometimes veterans feel the examiner doesn’t fully understand their condition.
- Waiting Time: Processing claims for an increased rating can take several months, depending on the complexity of the case and backlog at the VA.
VA Resources to Increase Your Disability Rating
Here’s a detailed list of places to call and websites to visit when seeking to increase your VA disability rating. This list includes official VA resources, legal assistance organizations, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), and medical support services to help you gather the necessary evidence, file the correct paperwork, and navigate the appeals process.
1. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Resources
VA Benefits Hotline
- Phone: 1-800-827-1000
- Purpose: Contact for questions about VA disability claims, benefits, and filing status. The hotline connects you to VA representatives who can provide personalized assistance regarding increasing your disability rating.
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET
eBenefits
- Website: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/
- Purpose: eBenefits is the official VA portal for managing your disability benefits. You can file a claim for an increase in your disability rating, track the status of your application, and upload medical records.
VA.gov
- Website: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
- Purpose: This is the primary site for filing or appealing a disability claim. It also provides access to tools for uploading medical records and viewing your disability rating history.
- Services Available:
- File or appeal claims for disability benefits.
- View compensation rates and special benefits for increased ratings.
Veterans Crisis Line
- Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
- Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Purpose: If your mental health is deteriorating due to service-connected disabilities such as PTSD or anxiety, reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line for immediate support. This can be crucial if you’re seeking a disability rating increase related to mental health conditions.
2. Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
VSOs are nonprofit organizations that help veterans navigate the VA claims process, including rating increases. These organizations can provide representation, help gather evidence, and ensure that your claim is properly filed.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Phone: 1-877-426-2838
- Website: https://www.dav.org/
- Purpose: DAV offers free services to help veterans and their families increase their disability ratings, file new claims, and appeal denials.
- Services Provided:
- Assistance with gathering medical evidence.
- Representation at VA hearings and appeals.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Phone: 1-833-VFW-VETS (1-833-839-8387)
- Website: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/va-claims-separation-benefits
- Purpose: The VFW helps veterans file claims for disability increases and represents them in front of the VA. Their services are available to all veterans, not just VFW members.
- Services Provided:
- Help with gathering medical records.
- Representation during appeals and hearings.
American Legion
- Phone: 1-800-433-3318
- Website: https://www.legion.org/veteransbenefits
- Purpose: The American Legion assists veterans with disability claims and provides free representation for those seeking a rating increase. They can guide veterans through the medical evidence process and ensure the VA has everything they need for a proper decision.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
- Phone: 1-800-424-8200
- Website: https://www.pva.org/
- Purpose: PVA specializes in helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and other severe disabilities increase their ratings and gain access to adaptive housing grants and healthcare services.
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
- Phone: 1-202-265-8305
- Website: https://www.nvlsp.org/
- Purpose: NVLSP offers free legal services to veterans looking to file claims or appeals with the VA. They can help veterans understand their rights and increase their disability ratings through legal avenues.
3. Legal Representation and Assistance
If you’re having difficulty navigating the VA system, legal representation may help. Several organizations and law firms specialize in veterans’ disability claims and can assist with appeals for increased ratings.
Veterans Law Group
- Phone: 1-888-811-0523
- Website: https://www.veteranslaw.com/
- Purpose: Veterans Law Group focuses exclusively on disability claims and appeals. They can help veterans file for increases in their ratings and represent them through the entire VA process.
Bergmann & Moore
- Phone: 1-877-838-2889
- Website: https://www.vetlawyers.com/
- Purpose: This law firm specializes in veterans’ disability law, helping veterans increase their ratings and secure the benefits they deserve. They have expertise in appeals and can represent veterans in court if necessary.
4. Medical Resources for Disability Documentation
You’ll need comprehensive medical documentation to prove that your service-connected condition has worsened. The following are excellent resources for gathering medical evidence.
VA Medical Centers (VAMCs)
- Website: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
- Purpose: VA medical centers provide the healthcare services you need to document your worsening condition. You can request copies of your medical records and obtain updated evaluations to submit with your request for a rating increase.
My HealtheVet
- Website: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
- Purpose: My HealtheVet allows you to access your VA medical records online, manage appointments, and communicate with your VA healthcare team. This is a vital resource for gathering up-to-date medical evidence for your disability increase claim.
Veteran Evaluation Services (VES)
- Phone: 1-877-637-8387
- Website: https://www.ves.com/
- Purpose: VES conducts independent medical examinations for veterans, often used by the VA to evaluate the severity of a veteran’s disability. These exams can provide additional evidence for an increase in your rating.
5. Appeal Support Services
If the VA denies your request for a rating increase, these organizations can help you file an appeal.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
- Website: https://www.bva.va.gov/
- Purpose: The BVA reviews appeals on decisions made by the VA regional offices. If your claim for a disability increase is denied, you can appeal the decision through this board.
Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) Resources
- Website: https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/appeals.asp
- Purpose: AMA streamlines the VA’s appeals process. You can visit this page for resources on the new, faster methods of appealing a denied claim, including how to submit evidence through a higher-level review or file a supplemental claim.
6. Disability Compensation Lawyers
For complex cases or appeals, a specialized lawyer can be a crucial resource. Here are a few top firms specializing in VA disability claims:
Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD
- Phone: 1-800-544-9144
- Website: https://cck-law.com/
- Purpose: CCK represents veterans in disability rating increases and appeals. They specialize in complicated cases where detailed medical evidence and expert testimony are needed to secure an increased rating.
Woods and Woods, LLC
- Phone: 1-800-544-2108
- Website: https://www.woodslawyers.com/
- Purpose: Woods and Woods helps veterans increase their VA disability ratings and appeal denied claims. They work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case.
These resources and organizations will provide you with the tools, support, and representation needed to increase your VA disability rating. From free assistance with Veteran Service Organizations to legal representation from specialized law firms, the above options should help you navigate the VA system and secure the benefits you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to get a decision on a VA disability increase?
It typically takes 3 to 6 months for the VA to process a claim for an increase in your disability rating. This timeline can vary based on the complexity of your case and the VA’s current backlog.
2. Can my VA disability rating be reduced if I request an increase?
Yes, when you request a review, the VA will re-examine your condition. If they find that your condition has improved, your rating could be reduced. However, this is rare, especially if you have thorough medical documentation.
3. What should I do if my request for a rating increase is denied?
If your request is denied, you can file an appeal. It’s important to review the denial letter to understand why and ensure that you provide the necessary evidence in your appeal.
4. How does a higher VA disability rating affect my housing benefits?
A higher rating can increase your eligibility for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants, which help veterans with severe disabilities adapt or purchase homes. You may also qualify for better terms on a VA home loan.
5. Does the VA require me to attend a C&P exam for every rating increase request?
In most cases, the VA will schedule a C&P exam to assess the current severity of your condition, though some increases can be granted based on existing medical evidence without an exam.
6. Can I submit private medical records for my rating increase request?
Yes, private medical records are often essential. You can submit private medical documentation along with VA records to support your claim.
7. What happens if my condition improves after a rating increase?
If your condition improves, the VA may request a re-examination and could lower your rating. However, many conditions are considered static, meaning the VA does not expect improvement, and those ratings are less likely to change.
8. Is there a time limit for requesting a rating increase?
No, there’s no time limit for requesting an increase. You can file for an increase whenever you believe your condition has worsened.
