Step 1: Understand How VA Disability Ratings Work

Before you start the process, it’s essential to understand how the VA disability rating system works. The VA uses a whole person rating system, where individual disabilities are rated in percentage increments (10%, 20%, 30%, etc.). However, the ratings are not added together in a straightforward way. Instead, the VA uses the Whole Person Method to combine ratings, which means you may not get a "straight sum" of your individual ratings.

For example, if you already have an 80% disability rating, that doesn’t mean you can automatically add a new 20% rating to get to 100%. The combined rating system takes into account the overall impact of all your disabilities on your ability to function.

Step 2: Identify the Disabilities That Contribute to Your Rating

Your first step in increasing your disability rating is to identify the specific conditions that make up your current rating. If you’re already at 80%, you may have multiple disabilities that together add up to this total. Start by reviewing the VA’s decision letter to understand your current ratings.

• List All Conditions: Take note of all the conditions that are currently service-connected and contributing to your rating. Some of these conditions may have worsened over time, which could give you an opportunity to increase your rating.
• Focus on Conditions That Have Worsened: If any of your existing service-connected conditions have worsened, you might be eligible for an increase in rating for those specific conditions.

Step 3: Gather Medical Evidence and Documentation

The VA requires solid medical evidence to support any claim for an increased rating. Without proper documentation, your chances of getting your rating increased will be much lower.

• Schedule a New VA Examination: If your condition has worsened, the VA may require a new Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to reassess the severity of your disability. Ensure that the examiner fully documents the extent of your condition and its impact on your life.
• Obtain Updated Medical Records: If you’ve had any treatments, surgeries, or hospital visits related to your disability, make sure those medical records are included in your claim. This includes both VA and private healthcare providers.
• Document Daily Impact: Be specific about how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. Include details such as how your condition limits your movement, social interactions, and employment opportunities.
  

Step 4: File a Claim for an Increase in Disability Rating

Once you have your updated medical records and documentation, you can file a claim for an increased disability rating with the VA. There are a few different ways to do this:

• Submit Online: You can file a claim online through the VA’s eBenefits portal at www.ebenefits.va.gov.
• Submit by Mail: You can also complete VA Form 21-526EZ and mail it to the appropriate VA office.
• Submit Through a VA Representative: If you work with a VA-accredited representative or a veterans' service organization (VSO), they can help you prepare and submit your claim.

Step 5: Use the VA’s “Increase Your Rating” Program

If your condition has worsened or you believe that your current rating doesn’t accurately reflect the severity of your disability, you may be eligible for an increased rating. In some cases, veterans who are already rated at 80% may be eligible for an increase to 100% if their service-connected disabilities have become more disabling over time.

• Increased Rating Claim: You’ll need to show that your condition has become more severe than originally rated. The VA will evaluate your updated medical evidence and determine whether a higher rating is warranted.

Step 6: Consider “Unemployability” (TDIU)

If you’re rated at 80% but your disabilities prevent you from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU allows the VA to treat you as if you have a 100% disability rating if your service-connected conditions are preventing you from working.

To qualify for TDIU, you must meet specific criteria:

• You must be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to your service-connected disabilities.
• You may qualify for TDIU if you have a single disability rated at 60% or multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70%, with at least one disability rated at 40% or more.

If you’re unable to work due to your service-connected conditions, filing a claim for TDIU could effectively raise your disability rating to 100%, even if your combined percentage is less than 100%.

Step 7: Appeal the Decision (If Necessary)

If your request for an increased rating is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can take time, but it is an important option if you feel your case was not adequately considered.

• File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD): If the VA denies your claim, you can file an NOD to challenge the decision.
• Consider a Higher-Level Review: If you disagree with the decision, you may ask for a higher-level review, where a senior reviewer looks at your claim again.
• Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA): If your claim is still denied after the NOD, you can appeal to the BVA, where a judge will review your case.