Rating Appeals
Help When Your VA Disability Rating Is Too Low
A rating increase appeal challenges the percentage VA assigned to your service-connected condition.
A VA disability rating determines your monthly compensation amount. If your rating does not accurately reflect your condition's severity, you may challenge the percentage or effective date through an available decision-review option, especially where relevant medical evidence was missed.
When a rating increase makes sense
- Your condition has worsened since the original rating
- The C&P examination didn't capture the full severity
- You have new medical evidence, such as imaging, specialist opinions, or treatment records
- The rating decision applied the wrong diagnostic code
Appeal pathways for a rating dispute
The same three AMA lanes apply: Supplemental Claim (with new evidence), Higher-Level Review (no new evidence), or Board appeal. See our overview of appeal lanes.
Evidence that strengthens a rating appeal
- Specialist medical opinions speaking to functional limitations
- Records showing frequency of flare-ups, hospitalizations, or treatment
- Independent medical opinions (IMOs) from VA disability specialists
- Lay statements from family or co-workers documenting symptoms
Request a free rating-decision review or call (202) 934-2954.
Last reviewed by Cross & York Editorial Team. Content reviewed against VA.gov and Federal Register sources.