In most cases, if you are looking to increase your VA disability benefits rating, you only need to write a letter to your VA regional office requesting an increased disability rating.
If you believe your service-related condition has worsened and your believe an increase in your disability rating is warranted, you should complete and file a form 21-526EZ . This form should be mailed certified mail return receipt requested to the VA Regional Office (VARO).
Once you’ve sent the form, the VARO notifies you that the request was received, and the necessary medical evidence will be requested. Additionally, VARO may schedule a Compensation and Pension exam, the medical records will be analyzed, and the VA will make a determination regarding your request for an increase.
When you ask for an increase in your rating, you should know that the VA will review your entire benefits claim. This can sometimes have a positive outcome; however, the VA can also reduce your rating and even terminate your benefits if after their review they believe your condition has improved.
Your first step toward a ratings increase should be to get the opinion of a doctor or an attorney as to whether your request could be successful. Be sure that the request you make is really for an actual disability that has worsened over time. Know the type of request to make. If your benefits were awarded within the last year, you may need to file an appeal rather than send a request for a rating increase. An appeal typically requires that you submit forms within a specific time. It is important to comply with any deadlines. However, if it’s been more than a year since you were awarded benefits, you can fill out the simple form to request a ratings increase.
Next, you should gather your medical evidence. The VA wants proof that justifies a request for a disability rating increase. You must provide medical evidence supporting your claim that your disability has worsened. If you’ve been treated by VA doctors, this means submitting the name and address of the military facility or VA medical center that has your records. If you’ve been treated by your own private physician, Form 21-4142 must accompany your increase request. It authorizes the release of your records to the VA.
How to Track Your Request
Once you have filed for rating increase tracking the status of your request is best done through VA.gov, which provides real-time updates. Here are the steps to checking the status of your new claim:
- Sign In: Go to VA.gov and sign in using Login.gov or ID.me.
- Navigate to Dashboard: Click on "VA Benefits and Health Care" and select "Disability".
- Check Status: Click "Check your claim or appeal status".
- View Details: Click on your active claim (labeled "Increase" or by the condition name) to see the current stage, request for evidence, and download decision letters.
Statuses you may see include:
- Received: The VA has your request.
- Under Review: The VA is reviewing your submitted evidence.
- Gathering Evidence: The VA may request more medical records or a C&P exam.
- Review of Evidence: The VA is reviewing all gathered evidence.
- Preparation for Decision: A decision is being drafted.
- Pending Decision Approval: Final approval is pending.
- Preparation for Notification: A decision has been made, and the packet is being sent.
- Complete: The process is finished.
If you cannot access the website, you can call to speak to a representative.
- Phone Number: 1-800-827-1000
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET
- Tip: Have your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or VA file number ready.
. You can also visit your local VA Regional Office for assistance.
Tips for Tracking Your Increase Request
- Monitor for C&P Exams: While in the "Gathering Evidence" phase, ensure you do not miss any Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam appointments, as this can delay your claim.
- Check "Files" Tab: On VA.gov, check the "Files" tab regularly to see if the VA has requested specific, additional evidence (e.g., new private medical records).
- Check Frequency: Checking once a week is usually sufficient. Checking daily will not speed up the process,
Our final piece of advice: Be patient. The average time for processing a claim increase can be 125 to 244 days, depending on the complexity of your situation.
Our VA Attorneys Can Answer Your Questions
If you need to request an increase in your VA disability benefits rating or need help appealing a decrease in benefits, contact the VA accredited attorneys at Cuddigan Law today for a free evaluation of your individual situation. For more information on filing a successful claim or appealing a decision, click on the following link to order our free book, The Essential Guide to VA Disability Claims.
