Understanding VA Disability Rating Increases
If you are a veteran in Georgia already receiving VA disability benefits for PTSD or anxiety, you may wonder whether it’s possible to increase your rating. The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, occupational functioning, and social interactions. However, conditions like PTSD and anxiety can worsen over time, making it important to understand how to request a rating increase.
Increasing your rating is not automatic. The VA requires evidence showing that your symptoms have intensified and now result in greater impairment than previously documented. Proper preparation and documentation are crucial to support your claim.
When Can You Request an Increase?
You may be eligible to request an increase if:
- Your symptoms have worsened since your last VA evaluation
- You are experiencing additional challenges in work, school, or social settings
- You are now seeking more intensive treatment, including therapy or medication adjustments
Timing matters. The VA allows veterans to file a reconsideration or an increased evaluation claim at any time, but strong evidence of deterioration will improve the chances of approval.
Documenting Your Symptoms
To successfully increase your rating, the VA will want proof that your PTSD or anxiety significantly affects your life. This evidence can include:
- Medical records: Updated psychiatric evaluations, therapy notes, and medication changes.
- Functional impact statements: Detailed accounts of how symptoms interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or perform daily activities.
- Buddy statements: Letters from family members, friends, or coworkers describing observed changes in your behavior, mood, or functionality.
The more thorough and consistent your evidence, the stronger your claim will be.
How the VA Evaluates Increased Ratings
The VA uses specific criteria to determine whether an increase is warranted. They consider:
- Frequency and severity of symptoms
- Level of occupational and social impairment
- Hospitalizations or emergency care related to mental health
Ratings for PTSD and anxiety range from 0% to 100%, based on the impact on your ability to function. Demonstrating additional impairments that were not considered in your previous evaluation can justify a higher rating.
Practical Steps Before Filing
Before submitting a request for a rating increase, take these steps:
- Review your current VA rating decision to understand how your condition was previously evaluated.
- Track your symptoms over time, noting flare-ups, new challenges, or worsening conditions.
- Gather updated medical evidence, including new diagnoses, treatment plans, or therapy notes.
- Consider professional guidance to ensure your claim is submitted correctly and includes all necessary documentation.
By carefully documenting changes in your condition, you increase the likelihood that the VA will recognize the need for a higher rating.
Georgia Veterans’ Disability Attorneys
Requesting an increase in your VA disability rating can be complicated, and mistakes can delay approval or lead to denial. Affleck & Gordon assists veterans across Georgia in evaluating their current ratings, gathering supporting evidence, and filing claims for higher compensation. Our team ensures your symptoms are clearly documented and that your claim accurately reflects the impact of PTSD or anxiety on your daily life.
Contact Affleck & Gordon at (404) 990-3945 today to discuss your case and explore options for increasing your VA disability rating.
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