How to Increase My VA Disability Rating

Why You Should Increase Your VA Disability Rating?

For many veteran homebuyers, a higher VA disability rating is about more than just increasing monthly, tax-free compensation—though that’s certainly important. In 2025, a 10% rating provides $171 a month, while 100% can jump to $3,946 or more. Beyond the monthly payment, here’s why this matters for homeownership:

• Funding Fee Waiver: Veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability often don’t have to pay the VA funding fee when obtaining a VA loan, saving you thousands of dollars.
• Property Tax Exemptions: Many states offer partial or full property tax exemptions for veterans with certain disability ratings, dramatically lowering your monthly housing costs.
• Stronger Loan Application: Steady, tax-free disability compensation can improve your debt-to-income ratio, giving lenders more confidence in your mortgage approval.
• Long-Term Financial Security: If your disability worsens, higher compensation can help cover health-related costs, home modifications for accessibility, or any unforeseen challenges.

Real-World Example: A veteran with a 50% disability rating might save thousands in closing costs thanks to a waived funding fee. Over time, property tax exemptions can free up significant cash for principal payments, home improvements, or savings.

Step-by-Step: How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating

Think of increasing your VA disability rating as part of your larger financial plan for homeownership. A few extra percentage points can make a big difference in how comfortably you can manage a mortgage. Below is your playbook for boosting your rating.

1. Check Your Current Rating

• Where to Look: Log in to VA.gov or eBenefits to see your most recent rating decision.
• New to Ratings? If you haven’t established a service-connected rating yet, file an initial claim using VA Form 21-526EZ.

2. Look for Worsening Conditions

Ask yourself if a service-connected disability has worsened. Maybe your back pain has gone from moderate to severe, or your PTSD symptoms are flaring up more often. Keep a diary of symptom frequency, severity, and how these issues affect your daily life (e.g., missed work, trouble sleeping, or difficulty climbing stairs in your new house).

3. Gather Evidence

Evidence is the foundation of a successful rating increase. Focus on these key items:

1. Medical Records: Visit your doctor or specialist regularly and collect records of tests, medications, and treatments.
2. Buddy Statements: Letters from friends, family, or co-workers who’ve witnessed how your condition impacts daily tasks.
3. Personal Statement: Write a clear narrative of how your condition has deteriorated, including limitations and daily challenges.

Pro Tip for Homebuyers: A strong paper trail not only supports your disability claim but also shows stable benefits when talking with mortgage lenders.

4. File a Claim for Increase

You have a few options:

• Increased Rating Claim: If a current disability has simply gotten worse (e.g., a 20% shoulder injury that’s more debilitating now).
• Secondary Condition Claim: If a new disability stems from a rated condition (e.g., knee pain leading to back problems).
• New Condition Claim: If you’ve discovered a new service-connected condition that wasn’t in your original filing.

File online at VA.gov for faster processing. If you need more time to gather evidence, submit an “intent to file” to lock in your effective date.

5. Ace the C&P Exam

• Expect a Call: The VA or a contracted provider may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate your current condition.
• Be Honest: Show up prepared, and do not minimize your symptoms. Describe how they interfere with everyday life, including any homeownership tasks.
• Bring Your Records: If you have relevant medical documents or statements, bring them along.

Homeowner Insight: Explaining how your condition affects your ability to maintain a home can validate the severity of your disability.

6. Appeal If Needed

If the VA denies your claim or you believe the rating is too low, you have one year to appeal. Choose from:

• Higher-Level Review: Another VA official re-examines your case with no new evidence.
• Supplemental Claim: You submit new evidence for reconsideration.
• Board Appeal: The Board of Veterans’ Appeals takes a more in-depth look at your case.

Seek assistance from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)—organizations like the American Legion or Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provide free help. A good VSO can make the appeals process smoother and increase your chances of success.

Types of Claims to Boost Your Rating

Choosing the right claim type is crucial. While each route can raise your monthly compensation—and potentially improve your home-buying position—some are more applicable to specific situations:

1. Increased Rating: If you currently have a 20% rating for a back injury and it’s getting worse, file for an increase.
2. Secondary Conditions: If your service-connected injury leads to another condition (e.g., an ankle injury causing hip or knee issues), claim it as secondary.
3. TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability): If your disabilities prevent you from working, TDIU pays at the 100% rate—even if your combined rating is below 100%.

Real-World Example: A veteran initially rated at 50% for a knee injury could move closer to 100% by adding secondary claims like chronic back pain. Reaching 100% could waive the VA funding fee on a home loan and offer significant property tax exemptions in certain states.

What Evidence Really Works?

The VA heavily weighs objective medical evidence but also considers personal testimonies. Here’s a quick look at what carries the most weight:

How Long Does It Take?

Filing Time: Submitting a fully developed claim online usually takes 3–6 months for a decision.
Appeals: Could stretch beyond a year. Higher-Level Reviews are quicker; Board Appeals are slower.

Tip for Homebuyers: The sooner you file, the sooner you could qualify for increased benefits or a funding fee waiver—both can help you plan financially before committing to a mortgage.

What’s a Realistic Increase?

VA ratings move in 10% increments, from 0% to 100%:

• 10%–20% jump: Often applies to moderate worsening of symptoms.
• 30%–50%: Covers more serious declines in health.
• 70% or higher: Indicates significant impairment, possibly affecting your ability to work.

A better rating could reduce or eliminate your VA funding fee, saving you money on your mortgage.

Rating Increase Example Table (2025 Payments)

Homeownership Angle: At 70% or higher, you might qualify for significant property tax breaks. Some states offer total exemptions at 100%, which can considerably lower your monthly housing expenses.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak Evidence: Simply stating “My condition got worse” is insufficient without supporting medical documentation.
• Missing Deadlines: You have one year from a decision to file an appeal—don’t let it expire.
• No VSO Support: Veterans Service Officers can prevent many errors; failing to use them is a missed opportunity.

Example: A veteran missed the appeal deadline while focused on house hunting and lost the chance to secure a higher rating in time for a lower mortgage rate.

Tips to Max Out Your Rating

• Get Private Opinions: Non-VA doctors may catch details missed by VA examiners.
• File Secondary Claims Early: Secondary conditions can boost your total rating significantly.
• Track Symptoms Daily: Apps or journals can show consistent proof of severity.
• Use a VSO: Free help from DAV or American Legion can increase your odds of success.

Fun Fact: Many veterans don’t realize that secondary conditions (like a chronic back issue stemming from a knee injury) can raise their rating enough to waive the VA funding fee and unlock better property tax exemptions.

What If You’re Stuck at 100%?

Already at 100%? You could explore Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if you have especially severe disabilities, like limb loss or need for daily aid. SMC can exceed the standard 100% compensation rate—sometimes $4,500+ per month—helpful for covering accessibility modifications such as wheelchair ramps or widened doorways.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often can I request an increase?

You can request an increase any time there’s new evidence or a worsening of your condition. There’s no limit, but updated medical proof is necessary each time.

2. Can I appeal an old rating?

You have one year from the decision date to appeal. After that, you generally need to file a new claim to revisit your rating.

3. Do I need a lawyer?

Not necessarily. A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can often provide free, high-quality assistance. Lawyers can be beneficial for more complex or disputed cases.

4. What if my condition isn’t currently service-connected?

You must prove a link to your military service. If you can’t establish that link, it won’t qualify for VA disability benefits.

5. Does a rating increase affect my home loan benefits?

A higher rating typically enhances your benefits by potentially waiving the VA funding fee and strengthening your finances for mortgage approval.

6. How important is the C&P exam?

It’s very important. The exam is often the VA’s primary piece of evidence. Arrive prepared and be honest about your limitations.

7. Can I lose my current rating by asking for more?

While rare, it’s possible if the VA sees evidence that your condition has improved. Solid medical documentation typically prevents this.

8. What’s the fastest way to get an increase?

Filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) online with comprehensive evidence can shorten the review period to around 3–4 months.

9. Can secondary conditions boost me to 100%?

Absolutely. Stacking multiple secondary conditions can push your overall rating to 100% or make you eligible for TDIU.

10. Is TDIU worth it?

If you’re unable to work due to service-connected disabilities, TDIU pays at the 100% rate, reducing financial strain and aiding your home-buying plans.

Additional Resources

• VA.gov Home Loan Section – Official VA page detailing eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.
• State Veterans Affairs Offices – Explore local benefits like property tax relief.

Putting It All Together

Increasing your VA disability rating is about fair compensation for your service and financial empowerment for your future. For veteran homebuyers, that extra financial boost can make qualifying for a VA loan easier, reduce or eliminate funding fees, and help with long-term housing costs. By methodically gathering evidence, filing the correct claim, and appealing if necessary, you can secure the rating that truly reflects your condition.

Next Steps

1. Start Tracking: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms and gather medical records now.
2. File Early: Don’t wait if you suspect your condition has worsened. Lock in your effective date with an “intent to file.”
3. Explore Homeownership Benefits: Take advantage of an increased disability rating to possibly waive your funding fee and enhance mortgage approval.

Remember, you’re not alone. VSOs such as the DAV and American Legion are here to guide you. Stay persistent, and don’t underestimate the power of proper documentation. Your service earned you these benefits—make the most of them on your journey to owning a home.