VA Disability Glossary – Key Terms Every Veteran Should Know

Increased Rating Claim

  • An Increased Rating Claim is a request submitted to the VA by a veteran who believes their service-connected condition has worsened and/or should be assigned a higher disability rating. A higher rating can lead to increased monthly compensation and possibly make the veteran eligible for additional VA benefits.

    Veterans can file an increased rating claim at any time if their symptoms have become more severe, more frequent, or have led to new complications that impact their ability to function or work.

  • You may want to file if:

    • Your condition has worsened since your last VA decision

    • Your symptoms now meet the criteria for a higher rating under the VA’s rating schedule

    • You’ve developed secondary conditions related to the original disability

    • You believe the VA underrated your condition

    Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Every case is unique, and legal advice can help clarify your options.

  • If you want to appeal for an increased rating, and you are within the one year window from the date you received your rating decision, you have three appeal options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

    1. Supplemental Claim

    2. Higher-Level Review

    3. Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)

    Note: Click on an appeal option to get an explanation of each and what steps to take.

    If you are outside of the one year window to file for an appeal, you can consider filing a new claim for an increased rating.

    • You can submit any NEW documentation or evidence that supports your service-connected disability as worsened.

    • VA will treat this like any new claim and may require a new Compensation & Pension exam.

    • If you have never filed an increased rating claim on a particular issue, use VA Form 21-526EZ to file online or in person at a VA regional office.

    • If you have previously filed an increased rating claim on an issue and been denied, file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new and relevant evidence.

  • At Greene & Marusak, we know how to gather the medical evidence, lay statements, and legal arguments needed to support a claim for a higher rating. If you are struggling with worsening symptoms, reach out to our team.

    Give us a call at (844) 483-8737

Back to Glossary