Reaching a 100% disability rating from the VA is a significant milestone for veterans. It offers both substantial financial and healthcare benefits.
However, increasing your disability rating from 80% to 100% can seem like a daunting task.
Whether you’re seeking more compensation, better healthcare, or additional benefits, it’s important to understand the steps involved in achieving that higher rating.
In this blog, we’ll explain why a 100% rating is beneficial and the practical strategies you can use to increase your rating.
It can be done whether by submitting new evidence, filing for additional conditions, or pursuing other options.
Understanding the VA Disability Rating System
The VA disability rating system is designed to assess the severity of a veteran’s service-connected disabilities. It also determines the level of compensation.
Ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings corresponding to more severe disabilities. However, the system doesn’t simply add percentages together.
Instead, the VA uses a combined ratings table to determine a veteran’s overall disability rating, which doesn’t follow a simple arithmetic sum.
For example, if you have one 50% disability and one 30% disability, your overall rating will not be 80% but 65%, according to the VA’s formula. There are many calculators online for this.
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam determines a veteran’s disability rating. It assesses the severity of their conditions and how much they interfere with daily life.
In cases where multiple conditions exist, the VA considers the impact of each and how they combine.
The difference between an 80% and a 100% disability rating can be significant. Veterans with an 80% rating receive substantial benefits. However, a 100% rating opens up additional compensation, healthcare options, and benefits.
Achieving a 100% rating also ensures the highest level of financial support and may unlock eligibility for programs like Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
Why You Might Want to Increase Your Rating to 100%
Increasing your VA disability rating from 80% to 100% can have a profound impact on your quality of life and financial security.
First and foremost, veterans rated at 100% receive the highest level of monthly compensation from the VA, which can significantly ease financial burdens.
This increase in compensation is particularly helpful for veterans with multiple or severe conditions that limit their ability to work or maintain daily activities.
Beyond the financial benefits, a 100% rating opens doors to more extensive healthcare coverage, including-
- Access to VA medical centers
- Mental health services and,
- Specialized treatments
- Free dental care
- Prescription medications
- Other critical services
Additionally, achieving a 100% rating can improve your dependents’ benefits. Veterans with a 100% rating are eligible to receive more support for spouses and children.
In some cases, family members may be eligible for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) or Survivors’ Benefits.
Lastly, a 100% rating can provide a sense of closure and security, ensuring that you and your family receive the full range of benefits due to your service.
Ways to Increase Your VA Disability Rating
Increasing your VA disability rating from 80% to 100% is not always an easy process. However, there are several ways to strengthen your case and potentially achieve a higher rating.
Here are a few strategies veterans can pursue to improve their disability rating-
Submit New Medical Evidence
If your service-connected condition has worsened since your initial rating, submitting updated medical evidence can help. This may include-
- Recent medical records
- Doctor opinions
- Diagnostic tests and,
- Treatment plans that show the progression of your disability
Ensure that the medical evidence is specific and clearly demonstrates the severity of your condition.
File for New Service-Connected Conditions
If you have developed additional conditions that are related to your service or have secondary conditions caused by existing disabilities, filing new claims can increase your rating.
For example, a back condition might cause knee pain, and filing for the knee condition could boost your overall rating if it is service-connected.
Reopen Your Claim for Reconsideration
If your initial claim was denied or you believe the decision does not reflect your condition’s severity, you can reopen your claim.
The process for reopening a claim involves providing new evidence that wasn’t previously considered or showing that the condition has worsened.
Appeal the VA’s Decision
If you disagree with the VA’s rating decision, you have the option to file an appeal. Depending on the nature of the appeal, you can-
- Pursue a Supplemental Claim
- Request a Higher-Level Review or
- Take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
Each option allows you to challenge the VA’s decision and present additional evidence.
The Role of Individual Unemployability (TDIU) in Increasing Your Rating
In some cases, a veteran may not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating based on the VA’s combined rating system but still be unable to maintain gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities.
For these veterans, the Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefit may offer an alternative path to 100% compensation.
TDIU is available to veterans who are-
- Rated 70% or higher for one disability or
- Have multiple disabilities that combine to at least 70% but whose conditions prevent them from working.
The VA recognizes that some veterans, despite their disability rating, are unable to hold a full-time job. You must provide evidence of it to apply for TDIU.
This could include medical records, employer statements, or personal affidavits that demonstrate the impact of their conditions on daily functioning.
If granted, TDIU provides the same compensation as a 100% disability rating. It applies even if the veteran’s combined rating doesn’t reach 100%.
If you fall within the latter, applying for a TDIU will be all the more beneficial to you.
Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking an Increase
When pursuing an increase in your VA disability rating, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can delay or negatively impact your claim.
One common mistake is incomplete or inaccurate medical evidence. Ensure that all documentation accurately reflects the severity and progression of your condition.
Another pitfall is missing deadlines. The VA has strict timelines for filing claims, appeals, and submitting additional evidence. Missing these deadlines can result in claim denial or unnecessary delays.
Additionally, not seeking professional help can hinder your chances of success. Some such professionals are- accredited VA representatives, attorneys, or VSOs.
Finally, not thoroughly documenting your condition can make it harder to show the extent of your disability. Keep detailed records of treatments, doctor visits, and any worsening symptoms to strengthen your case.
How to Prepare for a Successful VA Disability Increase Claim
Proper preparation is key to ensuring the success of your VA disability increase claim. Start by gathering all relevant medical documentation.
That includes the most recent treatment records, specialist opinions, and diagnostic results. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of securing a higher rating.
Next, stay organized and track all communications with the VA. Keep copies of letters, emails, and notes from phone calls with VA representatives.
Doing so will help maintain an accurate record and ensure that no crucial information is missed.
It’s also helpful to prepare for your C&P exam. Be honest about how your disabilities affect your daily life and work, and discuss any new or worsening symptoms.
You may also want to bring any supporting documents to the exam.
Lastly, consider working with a VA-accredited representative to guide you through the process. This can help you avoid mistakes and maximize your chances of success.
Conclusion
Increasing your VA disability rating from 80% to 100% is possible with the right strategies and preparation.
Avoid common mistakes, such as incomplete documentation or missing deadlines, by staying organized and seeking professional assistance.
This process requires patience and persistence. However, with the proper approach, you can maximize your benefits and ensure you receive the compensation and healthcare you deserve.