Filing for a Rating Increase

Last week I took you back to "GROUND ZERO!" What is Ground Zero? 

"GROUND ZERO" is filing your brand new claim. Click here to read -> Veterans Guide to VA Claim Filing.

This week I want to discuss something that a ton of veterans face every day. False rating or to keep it plain an simple. The veteran feels as if the rating is wrong or not enough! Follow these steps carefully and you should be successful.

Determine exactly what your current ratings are before you proceed.  Dig out those original award letters so that you know exactly what sort of benefits and ratings you have. Don't just guess at it, get the facts. You may need to check your records at the eBenefits site.

This will be a good time to initiate the VA Form 21-0966.                 Using the VA Form 21-0966 will establish the effective date of your claim to increase the ratings of your existing benefits. Look at the ratings table for your existing benefit --->>>The Schedule For Rating Disabilities is your guide to what you may be eligible for. You may learn that your current rating is already at the maximum or that you're current rating is seriously deficient. Do not rely on VA to obtain your civilian records.

You have to research it to know. Gather your evidence and records to support the increase.​ If there are civilian medical records, you have to gather those for yourself.           

It's time to file the claim. ​Use VA Form 21-526EZ                                              Be as precise as you can to describe just what it is that you want. Provide supporting evidence.

That’s it! You're done.

WARNING:                                                                    Any time we ask VA to open our file to make any adjustment, we open ourselves up to a complete review of all ratings.  Many veterans get an unpleasant surprise when they discover that their request for an increase leads to a proposal to decrease a rating. You have an absolute right to be rated appropriately for each disabling condition you may have incurred during your honorable military service. If you feel that your rating is not correct for your condition, by all means seek an increase. Before you do...be sure that you can't lose. Check your current condition's symptoms against the standards you find in VA Rating Schedule Match your physical or mental health status to the ones you find there. If you are confident that you can prove your entitlement to a higher rating, go for it.

If not, sometimes its just best to leave things alone.