Maybe your condition has gotten worse.
Maybe your life has changed since your last claim.
Or maybe you’ve always felt like your rating didn’t reflect the reality you live with every day.
Whatever brought you here, this article will help you figure out whether now’s the time to request a VA rating increase — and how to approach it with thorough medical documentation.
First: Why a Rating Increase Matters
Your VA disability rating isn’t just a number — it determines:
- How much monthly compensation you receive
- What additional benefits you may be eligible for
- Whether your spouse or dependents qualify for support
- Access to housing, healthcare, and education programs
A move from 40% to 70% can mean:
- Hundreds more per month
- Free VA healthcare
- New eligibility for Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
So the stakes are real — and the potential impact is big.
Signs You Might Qualify for an Increase
Not sure if you have a case? You might if:
✅ Your symptoms have worsened since your last rating
✅ You’ve developed new complications from a service-connected condition
✅ You’ve started new medications, treatments, or therapies
✅ Your condition is now affecting your ability to work
✅ You believe your original rating was too low
You don’t need a catastrophic event to qualify — just a change in your functional limitations or medical evidence that wasn’t considered the first time.
How to Strengthen Your Request
If you decide to pursue an increase, here’s what helps: