How Can I Increase My VA Disability Rating from 70% to 100%?

Question from 70vet, How Can I Increase My VA Disability Rating from 70% to 100%?

Answer from AI:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns disability ratings to veterans based on the severity of their service-connected conditions. If you’re currently rated at 70% disability and want to increase your rating to 100%, you’ll need to demonstrate that your disabilities have worsened or that you have new disabilities related to your service.

Understanding VA Disability Ratings

The VA uses a Schedule for Rating Disabilities to determine the percentage of disability. This schedule is based on the average impairment in earning capacity caused by specific injuries or conditions.

Steps to Increase Your VA Disability Rating

1. File a claim for an increased rating: If your service-connected disability has worsened, you can file a claim for an increased rating. You’ll need to provide medical evidence showing that your condition has deteriorated.
2. Apply for a new service-connected disability: If you have a new disability that you believe is related to your service, you can file a new claim. Again, you’ll need to provide evidence linking this new disability to your service.
3. Apply for Individual Unemployability: If your disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This allows veterans who are less than 100% disabled according to the rating schedule to be compensated at the 100% rate if they are unable to work due to their service-connected disabilities.

Seeking Legal Advice

The process of increasing your VA disability rating can be complex and may require a detailed understanding of VA regulations and medical evidence. It’s often beneficial to consult with a legal professional or a VA-accredited representative who can guide you through the process and help you gather the necessary evidence.

Remember, each case is unique and what worked for one veteran may not work for another. Therefore, it’s important to get personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

Additional Resources

• The VA’s How to File a Claim page provides step-by-step instructions on filing a disability claim.
• The Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) can help you gather the medical evidence needed for your claim.

Please note that this information is intended to provide a general understanding of the process and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.