Rating Ledger

Guides

How to Request a VA Rating Increase

By Rating Ledger · Published October 20, 2026

A ledger of 100 squares for a 50% and a 40% rating combining to 70%

To ask VA for a higher rating, file VA Form 21-526EZ, the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, for the condition that has worsened. The same form covers new conditions and increases. It can be filed online, by mail, in person at a regional office, or through a VA-accredited representative, and VSO representatives help free of charge.

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  1. 150% alone $1,132.90
  2. 2Next step, 60% $1,435.02
Monthly pay for a veteran alone at each rating, steps to scale; the step from 50% to 60% is marked.

Before filing: read the criteria

An increase is decided against the rating schedule, not against how much the condition hurts in general. Each condition page on this site lists what the schedule requires for every level of its diagnostic code. For example, sleep apnea moves from 30% to 50% when a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine is required, and hypertension moves from 10% to 20% at diastolic readings predominantly 110 or more.

Evidence VA weighs

VA's page lists VA and private medical records and statements from people who know you, such as family, friends or fellow service members. VA also reviews service records and may schedule a claim exam (C&P exam). You do not have to send evidence with the claim, and you have up to a year from the date VA receives it to add more.

Keep your date

If you start the online application and save it, the start date counts as your claim date as long as you finish within 365 days. On paper, an intent to file holds the date the same way. The date matters because back pay runs from the effective date.

How long it takes

VA's page reported an average of 68.2 days to complete disability-related claims in September 2026.

What the next step is worth

Each condition's rating feeds the combined rating, so an increase on one condition does not move the total by the same amount. A condition going from 30% to 50% next to an existing 40% changes the pair from 58 (60%) to 70 (70%). At the combined level, moving from 50% to 60% adds $302.12 a month for a veteran alone. The calculator shows the effect of a change on your own ratings, and the pay pages list each step for every family.

A decision can also go the other way: VA rates the condition as it is at the time of the decision. Ask a free accredited VSO representative to look at the evidence before filing.

Sources

Questions

Which form asks for a higher VA rating?

VA Form 21-526EZ, the same application used for a new disability claim. It can be filed online, by mail, in person or with an accredited representative.

How long does VA take?

VA's page gave an average of 68.2 days to complete disability-related claims in September 2026.

Can I keep an earlier effective date while I gather evidence?

Yes. Starting an application, or submitting an intent to file on paper, holds the date if the claim is completed within 365 days.

Run your own ratings. Enter each rating and your dependents to see the combined rating, every Table I step and the monthly amount. Open the calculator.

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