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Reviewed July 31, 2026

File a claim for an increased VA disability rating

File an increased claim when VA has already service-connected a condition and that condition has become more severe. This is different from appealing the original decision or filing a Supplemental Claim for a denied condition.

Start with the type of change

An increased claim concerns the current severity of a condition VA already recognizes as service connected. A new condition, secondary condition, denial, or legal disagreement may require a different route.

Confirm that the condition is already service connected

Review the latest VA decision and rating code sheet or benefit information. Identify the exact condition and current percentage. If VA denied service connection, an increased claim is not the correct way to challenge that denial.

Document the worsening

VA says an increased claim needs up-to-date medical or lay evidence showing that the disability has worsened. Useful evidence can include recent examinations, treatment notes, test results, hospitalization records, statements about functional limits, and information about the effect on work and daily activities.

File through the current disability-claim process

  1. Sign in to the official VA disability application or use the current VA Form 21-526EZ instructions.
  2. Select the already service-connected condition and identify that you are seeking an increase.
  3. Upload available evidence or identify records VA should request.
  4. Save the submission confirmation and monitor the claim.

Prepare for a possible C&P exam

VA may schedule a claim examination when it needs more information about current severity. Confirm the appointment, update your contact information, and submit new non-VA records through an approved channel rather than relying on the examiner to add them.

Review the effective-date rule

For increases, VA may use the earliest date when the evidence shows the disability became worse if it receives the request within one year of that date. Otherwise, the effective date is generally tied to when VA receives the claim. The facts and evidence control the result.

Read the new decision carefully

Check each condition, percentage, combined rating, effective date, and any deferred issue. If you disagree with the decision, use the review option and deadline stated in the notice rather than repeatedly filing the same increase request.

Official sources

Related resources