Applying For Increase In Rating

[littlemacr]

How do I request a rating increase? Do I just write a letter to the VARO requesting an increase, or do I have to file another claim for the increase?

Thanks for the help,

Rae

[john999]

Just write the letter to your regional office and state that your condition has worsened and you request an increase in compensation. The VA will then probably set up a C&P exam at some future date. Send the letter certified mail return receipt.

[Guest Morgan]

Rae,

I advise you to research your medical condition in the ratings manual (Tbird recently added links to it on this board), find out the criteria that most closely matches your current level of disability. Then along with your letter requesting the increase, send all medical records that substantiates your worsened condition (increased disability). If possible, include a statement from your primary care physician and/or specialist stating the worsened signs or symptoms. On each page of supporting medical information, mark (star, highlight, underline, etc.) pertinent information.

I did this with my husband's claim and avoided the hassle and delay of a VA exam. Supposedly, exams are ordered only when the claim cannot be decided with the evidence on file. If you include unquestionable supporting medical evidence, it could save time in making the decision. If all evidence on file is favorable, the claim must be approved. My theory is, why give some in-a-hurry, don't-care C&P examiner a chance to wreck your claim?

Of course, you are entitled to a VA exam as part of its duty to assist, so if you need it, request it.

Carrie

[john999]

You want to protect your effective date so that is why I say to file for the increase as soon as you can. You can send the evidence later. If you wait until you have all your evidence you may sacrifice an earlier effective date which translates into money. You will have plenty of time to send in evidence. The VA is most likely going to send you for a C&P exam regardless.

[Guest Morgan]

You are exactly right, John. Forgot that part, didn't I? ;) Very important to preserve effective date.

I first sent in a short letter stating that I was planning to file a claim for [insert particular condition--naming it is important] and asking VA to consider my letter as an informal claim and to expect medical evidence and details to support the claim to follow. Three exams were canceled for my husband after I sent in the evidence as I described. The RO stated in the decision that no further duty to assist was necessary as the case could be decided by evidence on file. Is was decided in his favor.

So good to have hadit folks fixin' the chinks in the armor. You are always so helpful and knowledgeable.

Carrie

Edited November 10, 2005 by Morgan

[littlemacr]

Thank you all for the help. Guess I will be writing a letter this weekend. I also need to get copies of my records from the VA clinic I go to.

Have a nice weekend, and to all veterans......THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !!

Rae