📈 Increasing Your Rating

Before filing for an increase, build your evidence. Get current medical records showing the worsening. If you haven't been to the doctor recently, go now and be completely honest about your worst days. Keep a log of how your condition affects your daily life, work, and relationships. This documentation is the foundation of your increase claim.

A secondary condition is something caused or worsened by your already service-connected disability. For example: a service-connected knee injury that led to a back condition, or PTSD that caused sleep apnea or migraines. Secondary conditions are a separate claim but can significantly increase your overall combined rating.

Use VA Form 21-526EZ — the same form as your original claim, but you're filing for an increase on an existing condition. File an Intent to File first to lock in your effective date. Include updated medical evidence, a new nexus or medical opinion letter if possible, and buddy statements describing how things have gotten worse.

The VA will almost certainly schedule a new C&P exam for an increase claim. This is your chance to show the current severity of your condition. Describe your worst days, not your best. Don't downplay symptoms. If the exam doesn't go well, remember — you can always file a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence.