The Fear is Real, But the Math is On Your Side
In the veteran community, we hear it every day: “I’m at 70%, and I deserve 100%, but I’m terrified to poke the bear.”
The “Bear” is the VA. The fear is that by opening a new claim, the VA will re-examine your existing disabilities and reduce your monthly check. It is a valid fear—but only if you go in unprepared.
At Woobie, we don’t just file claims; we build fortresses around them. Here is the truth about rating reductions and how to protect yourself.
When Can the VA Actually Reduce You?
The VA cannot simply lower your rating because they feel like it. They must follow strict legal guidelines (38 CFR). A reduction generally requires:
- Material Improvement: Medical evidence proving your condition has significantly improved over time.
- Proposed Reduction: They must send you a letter proposing the reduction and give you 60 days to respond.
How We “Bear-Proof” Your Claim
The difference between a reduction and an increase is medical evidence.
- The “Shark” Way: They throw spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks. This exposes your file to scrutiny without protection.
- The Woobie Way: We review your entire medical file before we submit. We ensure your current symptoms match the higher rating criteria.
If your medical evidence shows your condition has worsened, the “Bear” has no teeth.
The Woobie Promise
We hold a 90% first-time approval rate because we don’t guess. If filing for an increase puts you at risk, we will tell you not to file. That’s the difference between a partner and a mill.
Ready to file without fear?