VA Ratings Guide

Author: Col. James R. Whitfield (Ret.)

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Anxiety in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Anxiety: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 30%, 50%, 70%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Anxiety?

    Yes — if your anxiety has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Anxiety Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    30% Moderate-severe symptoms, significant occupational impairment
    50% Severe symptoms, reduced reliability and productivity
    70% Deficiencies in most areas — work, school, family relations

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your anxiety has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your anxiety — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Depression in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Depression: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Depression?

    Yes — if your depression has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Depression Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    30% Moderate-severe symptoms, significant occupational impairment
    50% Severe symptoms, reduced reliability and productivity
    70% Deficiencies in most areas — work, school, family relations
    100% Total occupational and social impairment

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your depression has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your depression — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for TBI in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for TBI: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 10%, 40%, 70%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for TBI?

    Yes — if your tbi has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    TBI Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    10% Mild symptoms, minimal occupational impairment
    40% Severe symptoms, considerable occupational impairment
    70% Deficiencies in most areas — work, school, family relations

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your tbi has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your tbi — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Migraines in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Migraines: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 10%, 30%, 50%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Migraines?

    Yes — if your migraines has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Migraines Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    10% Mild symptoms, minimal occupational impairment
    30% Moderate-severe symptoms, significant occupational impairment
    50% Severe symptoms, reduced reliability and productivity

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your migraines has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your migraines — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Hearing Loss in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Hearing Loss: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 10%, 30%, 50%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Hearing Loss?

    Yes — if your hearing loss has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Hearing Loss Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    10% Mild symptoms, minimal occupational impairment
    30% Moderate-severe symptoms, significant occupational impairment
    50% Severe symptoms, reduced reliability and productivity

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your hearing loss has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your hearing loss — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Tinnitus in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Tinnitus: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 10%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Tinnitus?

    Yes — if your tinnitus has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Tinnitus Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    10% Mild symptoms, minimal occupational impairment

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your tinnitus has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your tinnitus — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Knee Conditions in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Knee Conditions: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 10%, 20%, 30%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Knee Conditions?

    Yes — if your knee conditions has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Knee Conditions Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    10% Mild symptoms, minimal occupational impairment
    20% Moderate symptoms, some occupational impairment
    30% Moderate-severe symptoms, significant occupational impairment

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your knee conditions has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your knee conditions — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Back Pain in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Back Pain: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 10%, 20%, 40%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Back Pain?

    Yes — if your back pain has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Back Pain Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    10% Mild symptoms, minimal occupational impairment
    20% Moderate symptoms, some occupational impairment
    40% Severe symptoms, considerable occupational impairment

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your back pain has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your back pain — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for Sleep Apnea in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for Sleep Apnea: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 30%, 50%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for Sleep Apnea?

    Yes — if your sleep apnea has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    Sleep Apnea Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    30% Moderate-severe symptoms, significant occupational impairment
    50% Severe symptoms, reduced reliability and productivity

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your sleep apnea has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your sleep apnea — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.

  • How to Increase Your VA Rating for PTSD in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

    VA Rating Increase for PTSD: Key Facts

    Available Rating Levels 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
    How to Request Increase File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence
    What Triggers an Increase Worsening symptoms documented by a physician
    Processing Time 4–6 months average for supplemental claims
    Back Pay if Granted From the date VA received your supplemental claim

    Can You Increase Your VA Rating for PTSD?

    Yes — if your ptsd has worsened since your last VA rating, you are entitled to a higher rating. VA is required to rate your condition at its current severity, not at the severity it was when you were first rated. Many veterans continue living with a rating that no longer reflects how bad their condition has become, leaving significant compensation on the table.

    PTSD Rating Levels: What Each Percentage Requires

    Rating General Criteria
    30% Moderate-severe symptoms, significant occupational impairment
    50% Severe symptoms, reduced reliability and productivity
    70% Deficiencies in most areas — work, school, family relations
    100% Total occupational and social impairment

    Step-by-Step: How to File for a Rating Increase

    1. Document the worsening. See your treating physician and specifically tell them your ptsd has worsened. Get a medical opinion that documents the current severity and states that your condition has progressed since your last VA evaluation.
    2. Request a copy of your current rating decision. Review the criteria VA used to assign your current rating. Identify which criteria you now meet at a higher level.
    3. File VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim). This is the correct lane for rating increases when you have new evidence (updated medical records showing worsening). Do not file a new initial claim.
    4. Submit new and relevant evidence. This includes updated medical records, a physician’s statement documenting worsening, buddy statements from family members or coworkers, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to your condition.
    5. Attend your C&P exam. VA will likely schedule a new C&P exam to evaluate your current severity. Describe your worst days — not your average days.

    What Counts as “New and Relevant Evidence” for a Rating Increase

    • Updated medical records showing worsening symptoms or new complications
    • A physician’s letter explicitly stating your condition has worsened and documenting current severity
    • Hospitalization records, emergency room visits, or specialist referrals related to your condition
    • Buddy statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your condition has changed
    • Employment records showing missed work, reduced hours, or job loss due to your condition
    • A private DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) completed by your treating physician

    Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): The Alternative Path to 100%

    If your ptsd — alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions — prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%. To qualify, you generally need a single condition rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40%. TDIU is often faster to obtain than a schedular 100% rating.