If you’ve been service-connected for a disability and your condition has gotten worse over time, you may be entitled to a VA disability rating increase.
Whether your pain has increased, your mobility has decreased, or your symptoms are impacting your daily life more than before — it’s important that your VA rating accurately reflects your current level of disability.

Many veterans assume that once they’re rated, that’s the end of the story. But that’s not true. The VA allows you to request a higher rating at any time if your condition has worsened — as long as you meet the criteria in the next rating. However, it’s important that you only request an increase IF you meet the criteria in the next rating. Otherwise it would be a waste of time!

In this guide, we’ll go over:

• How to file for an increased rating
• What evidence helps you the most
• When (and when not) to consider getting an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)
• And how to strengthen your claim without spending unnecessary money

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When You Can Request a VA Disability Increase

If your service-connected condition has worsened since your last VA rating decision, you can file a claim for an increase at any time.

You can file:

• Through VA.gov or your local VSO (Veterans Service Organization)
• Using VA Form 21-526EZ for a new claim
• Or VA Form 21-0995 (Supplemental Claim) if you’re submitting new and relevant evidence on an existing issue

You don’t need to wait for a certain time period — if your symptoms have worsened, you can file today.

Tip: Before filing, gather recent medical records or documentation that clearly show your condition has become more severe.

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Step-by-Step: How to File for an Increased Rating

1. Review Your Previous Decision Letter

Start by reading your most recent VA decision letter.
This letter lists the reasons the VA assigned your original rating and often cites the criteria under 38 CFR Part 4, which is the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

You can look up your condition in the VA Disability Rating Schedule to see what’s required for a higher percentage.

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2. Gather New Evidence

To show that your condition has worsened, you’ll want to submit evidence that the VA will use to evaluate your condition:

• Updated VA treatment records or private medical records
• Notes that show worsening pain, decreased function, or new symptoms
• Lay statements from family, coworkers, or friends describing what’s changed
• Personal statement
• Independent Medical Opinions (great for an increase or appeal for higher rating)
• Employment or work impact documentation, if relevant

Example: If your knee pain now limits your ability to stand or walk for long periods, make sure this is clearly documented in your medical records.

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3. File Your Request

Once you’ve gathered evidence, you can submit your claim online through VA.gov or with a VSO.
Make sure to specify that you’re seeking an increase for a service-connected condition, not a new claim.

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^{4. Prepare for a New C&P Exam}

In most cases, the VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to reassess your condition.
At this exam:

• Be honest about your symptoms — don’t downplay them.
• Describe your limitations as they are on your worst days.
• Bring any new evidence or documentation with you.

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What Evidence Strengthens a Rating Increase Claim

The VA bases your rating on how your condition affects your daily life and ability to function.
The most persuasive evidence includes:

• Medical documentation of worsening symptoms
• C&P exam findings showing reduced range of motion or increased limitations
• Independent Medical Opinion
• Lay statements describing the impact on work, relationships, and activities
• Personal statement
• Functional assessments or test results showing decline

The stronger and more consistent your evidence, the better your chances of a fair increase.

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When to Consider an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)

An Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) is a detailed written report from a private medical professional who reviews your records and provides their opinion about your condition — such as whether it has worsened or causes additional limitations. IMOs are an excellent piece of evidence when the veteran is trying to increase their rating for an individual condition. I like to think of IMOs as deep dives by a medical professional who knows what the VA is looking for and can spend more time to ensure a thorough evaluation versus the often short and rushed C&P exam. However, these typically cost money especially if you are going through an outside or independent provider.

IMOs can sometimes help when:

• Your C&P exam was incomplete or inaccurate
• You have conflicting medical reports
• You’re trying to show worsening of a condition

You can find doctors who provide these services in our Independent Medical Opinion Directory for Veterans.
(Note: These providers are independent professionals who charge for their services — do your own due diligence before hiring anyone.)

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Important: Don’t Assume You Need a Paid IMO

IMOs can be powerful, but they’re not required for most increase claims.
Before paying for one, explore these free or low-cost options:

• Request a re-evaluation from your VA provider (although this is typically not going to happen)
• Submit updated treatment notes or ask your doctor to complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
• Ask your VSO or accredited agent to review your file and see if additional evidence is needed. Some VSOs have doctors in your local area who can assist with IMOs for a lower amount or possibly free–just ask!

Disclaimer: An IMO can sometimes strengthen a claim, but there are no guarantees it will result in a higher rating. Every case is unique, and the VA makes the final decision based on all evidence of record.

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Free Ways to Strengthen Your Case

If you’re not ready to hire anyone, you can still do a lot to strengthen your claim:

• Make sure your VA medical records reflect your current symptoms
• Request a copy of your previous C&P exam to see what evidence the VA relied on
• Submit statements in support of claim (VA Form 21-4138) to describe your day-to-day impact
• Track your pain and limitations in a symptom journal

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What Happens After You File for an Increase

Once your claim is submitted, the VA will:

1. Schedule a C&P exam (if needed).
2. Review your new and old evidence.
3. Issue a rating decision letter.

If your increase is approved, your new rating will be retroactive to the date you filed.

Caution: If the VA believes your condition has improved, they can propose a reduction — though this is rare when recent evidence clearly shows worsening.

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Building a Long-Term Strategy

Getting an increase is part of a bigger picture.
Track your conditions, document everything, and stay proactive.
You can do this in a simple notebook or use tools like our VA Disability Strategy Dashboard (In Development) to map out your entire claim strategy.

If you’re new to VA claims or in the game for a while but want to increase your rating and want to organize your strategy, our VA Disability Strategy Dashboard is coming soon. It arms you with information and helps you develop a personal strategy you can use while working with your VSO. Sign up here and once it is developed you will get a notification.

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Final Thoughts

Requesting a VA rating increase doesn’t have to be complicated — it just takes preparation and persistence.
Your goal is to help the VA see the true current severity of your condition.

Whether you gather updated VA records, seek a new exam, or obtain an independent medical opinion, remember:

It’s all about helping the VA recognize the reality of your condition — and ensuring your rating reflects it fairly.

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Need Independent Medical Support?

Find independent doctors who provide medical opinions for VA disability increases in our Veterans Medical Opinion Directory.

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Disclaimer

The information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice.
The providers listed are independent professionals who charge for their services. Inclusion in any directory does not imply endorsement.
Always consult a VSO, accredited agent, or medical professional before making decisions about your claim.