Increased rating claims

Separate from secondary claims (which add new conditions), an Increased Rating Claim asks VA to RAISE the rating of an existing service-connected condition that has worsened. File on Form 21-526EZ with new medical evidence showing the worsening.

When to file

• Symptoms have noticeably worsened since your last rating decision
• You’ve started using new treatments (CPAP for sleep apnea, prescription medications, etc.)
• Frequency, severity, or functional impact has increased
• You have a new DBQ from your provider documenting current severity

Effective date rule for increased ratings

If you can show the worsening occurred WITHIN 1 YEAR before you filed the increased rating claim, the effective date can be set as the date the worsening began (up to 1 year retroactive). Document the onset of worsening with medical records or symptom diary.

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