How to Go From 80 to 100 VA Disability
I served in the military for 10 years, and during that time I was injured in combat. As a result of my injuries, I was awarded an 80% VA disability rating. However, I believe that my injuries are more severe than what the VA has rated them, and I am entitled to a 100% VA disability rating.
I have been working with a VA claims agent to help me get my VA disability rating increased. My agent has helped me gather evidence to support my claim, and we have submitted a supplemental claim to the VA. We are currently waiting for a decision from the VA.
Filing a Supplemental Claim
If you believe that your VA disability rating is too low, you can file a supplemental claim. A supplemental claim is a request to the VA to review your existing disability rating and increase it based on new evidence.
To file a supplemental claim, you will need to submit a VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Increase of Disability Compensation. You can also submit additional evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, or lay statements.
Evidence to Support Your Claim
The most important part of filing a supplemental claim is providing evidence to support your claim. The VA will consider all of the evidence that you submit, so it is important to provide as much evidence as possible.
Some types of evidence that you can submit include:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Lay statements
- VA examination reports
- Independent medical opinions
The VA Decision Process
Once you have filed a supplemental claim, the VA will review your claim and make a decision. The VA will consider all of the evidence that you submit, as well as the evidence that is already in your file.
The VA may grant your claim, deny your claim, or grant your claim in part. If the VA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Tips for Increasing Your VA Disability Rating
There are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of getting your VA disability rating increased.
- Gather as much evidence as possible. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the more likely you are to be successful.
- Get help from a VA claims agent. A VA claims agent can help you gather evidence, file your claim, and appeal the decision if necessary.
- Be patient. The VA claims process can take time. Don’t give up if you don’t get a decision right away.
FAQ on VA Disability Ratings
Q: What is a VA disability rating?
A: A VA disability rating is a percentage that represents the severity of your disability. The VA uses a rating system to determine how much compensation you are entitled to receive.
Q: How do I get a VA disability rating?
A: You can get a VA disability rating by filing a VA Form 21-526, Application for Disability Compensation. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, or lay statements.
Q: Can I appeal my VA disability rating?
A: Yes, you can appeal your VA disability rating if you believe that the VA made a mistake. You have one year from the date of the VA’s decision to file an appeal.
Conclusion
If you believe that your VA disability rating is too low, you can file a supplemental claim. The VA will review your claim and make a decision based on the evidence that you submit. If you are not satisfied with the VA’s decision, you have the right to appeal.
Are you interested in learning more about VA disability benefits? If so, please visit the VA website or contact your local VA office.
