The VA Wayfinder — vawayfinder.org

Increasing Your Rating

If a service-connected condition has worsened, you can review whether an increased-rating claim fits and what evidence may show the current severity.

Your route checklist

4 steps

Step 01
Document that your condition has worsened
Gather current records relevant to the claimed increase. Describe typical symptoms and flare-ups accurately, including their frequency, duration, and effects on daily activities or work. A contemporaneous log may help you remember details, but VA weighs it with the full record.
Step 02
Consider secondary conditions
A condition may qualify for secondary service connection when competent evidence shows an already service-connected disability caused or aggravated it. Diagnosis pairs alone do not establish that link, and VA evaluates each claimed condition separately.
Step 03
File for an increase
Use VA Form 21-526EZ and identify the service-connected condition for which you seek an increase. If you aren't ready to submit it, check whether an Intent to File could establish a potential effective date; online filing can do this without a separate form. Submit relevant current records and competent statements, and include a medical opinion only when it addresses an actual evidence question.
Step 04
Prepare if VA requests a new C&P exam
VA may request a new C&P exam if it needs more information about current severity. Describe typical symptoms and flare-ups accurately, including their frequency, duration, and functional impact. If you later disagree with the decision, review the available decision-review lanes.

Key Phone Numbers

VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000

VA Health: 1-877-222-8387

Crisis Line: 988 (press 1)

Key Websites

VA.gov — File claims, manage benefits

vawayfinder.org — Guides & navigator

VA.gov/vso — Find free VSO help

21-0966: Intent to File (when needed)

21-526EZ: Disability Claim

21-686c: Add Dependents

21-10210: Buddy Statement