There are four legitimate paths to a higher VA combined rating: file for an increase on a condition that's gotten worse, claim secondary conditions, claim new direct conditions, and fix an error in an existing rating. Each needs evidence aimed at that specific path — and because VA combines ratings rather than adding them, where each new percentage lands decides whether your number actually moves.
Straight talk first
"How do I get my rating up?" is the question I hear most, and the answer isn't one thing — it's four. Most veterans only think about the first one (my condition got worse) and miss the bigger lever: the secondaries their service-connected conditions have quietly caused over the years. Stack the right new conditions and document the worsening of existing ones, and the combined number climbs. The key is matching the evidence to the path.
This builds on how VA combined ratings work.
Path 1: file for an increase (worsening condition)
If an already service-connected condition has gotten worse, file an increased-rating claim on VA Form 21-526EZ with current medical evidence — ideally a DBQ documenting the new severity against the rating criteria. Effective-date bonus: under 38 CFR 3.400(o)(2), the increase can reach back to the earliest date it's factually ascertainable the condition worsened, if you file within a year (see effective date rules).
One honest caveat: filing for an increase puts that condition back in front of a rater, and a rating can be reduced if evidence shows genuine improvement — though long-held and permanent ratings carry protections. File when the evidence truly shows worsening.
Path 2: claim secondary conditions
This is the most-missed path. A service-connected condition can cause or aggravate others — and each new secondary gets its own rating that combines into your total. Sleep apnea, radiculopathy off a back condition, depression secondary to chronic pain — these are where real points often hide.
Path 3: claim new direct conditions
Conditions you never claimed — the stuff you "rubbed dirt on" — may still be service-connectable directly. Same three elements as any claim: diagnosis, in-service cause, and a nexus. See how to file your own claim.
Path 4: fix an error
Sometimes the rating you have is simply wrong — a missed bilateral factor, an under-evaluated condition, or a C&P exam that didn't capture your severity. The decision-review lanes (especially a Higher-Level Review for a clear error) are built for this.
Watch the combined math
Because VA combines, a new 20% doesn't add 20 points — it acts on what's left. So the strategic move is documenting your higher-percentage conditions well and stacking conditions that actually move the rounded number. Run scenarios in the VA Combined Rating Calculator. And if you can't work but can't reach 100% on paper, look at TDIU.
Pointman is education-only and not VA-accredited; we help you understand the right path and what generally matters.
Key takeaways
- Four paths: increase (worsening), secondaries, new conditions, fix errors.
- File increases on 21-526EZ with current evidence; 3.400(o)(2) can backdate the increase.
- Secondaries are the most-missed points; each combines into your total.
- VA combines (doesn't add) — document high-percentage conditions and check the math.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I increase my VA disability rating?
- There are four main paths: file for an increased rating on a condition that has worsened, claim secondary conditions caused by a service-connected one, claim new direct conditions, or challenge an error in an existing rating. Each requires evidence aimed at the specific path.
- What form do I use to file for an increase?
- VA Form 21-526EZ, the same application used for a new disability claim. You're asking VA to re-evaluate a condition that has gotten worse, supported by current medical evidence of the worsening.
- Does filing for an increase risk lowering my rating?
- VA can re-evaluate the condition you put at issue, and in some cases a rating can be reduced if the evidence shows improvement — though protected ratings (for example, those held a long time or marked permanent) have safeguards. File when the evidence genuinely shows worsening.
- How far back can an increase be paid?
- Under 38 CFR 3.400(o)(2), an increase can be effective from the earliest date it's factually ascertainable the condition worsened, if you file within one year of that date — otherwise the date of claim. Documenting when it worsened can buy back pay.
Sources
- VA — How to file a VA disability claim (including increases): https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
- 38 CFR 3.400(o) — effective dates for increases: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.400
- 38 CFR 4.25 — combined ratings table: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.25
- VA — Evidence needed for your disability claim: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/
