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A fair and accurate VA disability rating is vital for every disabled American Veteran. Not only does it reflect a commitment to honoring the sacrifices made to protect our country, but it can also significantly impact a Veteran’s financial situation. The severity of a Vet’s disability determines the amount of tax-free monthly payments, access to healthcare, and in some cases, the eligibility for state-specific benefit programs.
With so much at stake, it’s important to note that VA disability ratings are not permanent. If your condition worsens or a new impairment develops, there are ways to have your rating reviewed for accuracy. Pursuing a VA disability increase is often necessary to ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
When to Request a VA Disability Increase
As mentioned, several reasons justify a review of your VA disability rating. It’s not unusual for the initial assessment of a Veteran’s disabilities to be based on insufficient documentation, resulting in a rating that does not meet expectations. Service-connected conditions can also worsen over time, making the initial rating inaccurate. Unfortunately, most Vets are unfamiliar with the VA’s guidelines and may not realize a higher rating is possible.
In addition, service-connected conditions often lead to what is considered VA secondary conditions – a new disability caused by the existing one. Anxiety or migraines caused by tinnitus, heart disease brought on by high blood pressure, arthritis stemming from joint injuries, and sleep apnea connected to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are just some of the most common VA secondary conditions that Veterans may face.
If you believe your current VA disability rating does not accurately reflect your health, it may be time to request a review. Worsening symptoms, new ailments, or an initial medical evaluation that failed to address your condition fully are all reasonable causes to update your claim for disability benefits.
The Impact of a VA Rating Review
While most Veterans understand that VA ratings are based on a percentage scale of 0 to 100%, the math behind the rating can be less clear.
Symptoms from a single condition that become more severe can lead to a straightforward increase based on the added impact on a Vet’s daily life. However, when a Veteran is diagnosed with multiple service-connected conditions, an overall disability rating is given using a more complex method the VA refers to as the “whole person theory.” While no one can be considered more than 100% disabled under this approach, having more than one disability results in a combined rating that accounts for the total impact on a Veteran’s health. Secondary conditions and new service-connected conditions are likely to lead to a higher rating and increased monthly benefits.
Increasing your rating is also not only the path to increased benefit eligibility. Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the maximum compensation, but there are circumstances where those with a lower rating also receive the highest benefits. This classification, known as Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), is available to Vets who cannot work because of a disability related to their service in the military.
Eligibility for TDIU requires at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling or two or more service-connected disabilities, with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more. Veterans qualifying for TDIU are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment that supports them financially.
VA Rating Increases Require Quality Medical Evidence
Whether you are looking for a fair rating of your sole disability, need to file a claim for secondary conditions, or have a disability that requires a new initial claim, putting together the proper documentation and keeping updated records is crucial. Any chance to receive a VA disability rating increase begins by applying for a rating review or submitting an initial claim that is strengthened by comprehensive evidence of your condition, including medical records and treatment notes.
The documentation necessary to request a rating increase from the VA, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are evidence-based documents prepared by qualified and credible medical experts and are essential to a successful claim. The Department of Veterans Administration ultimately makes the final decision on your request and relies heavily on this medical evidence for disability rating reviews.
The important role of medical evidence is one of the reasons REE Medical works with a network of doctors nationwide who believe that Veterans deserve the very best our country has to offer. We are passionate about providing Veterans the respect, competency, and clarity that comes from comprehensive examinations and accurate disability documentation.
If you’re ready to pursue a VA disability increase in 2024, consider starting with a proven process that has provided medical evidence to tens of thousands of Veterans obtain quality medical evidence. Start a proven process that has provided more than 60,000 Veterans with quality medical evidence for their VA disability claim – Contact REE Medical Today.