If your mental health condition has worsened since your last VA rating, you deserve compensation that reflects your current struggles. Many veterans don’t realize they can file for an increase when their symptoms progress. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to document worsening symptoms and build a winning claim for a higher mental health rating.
When to File for an Increase
Key Indicators It’s Time
Increased dosages or additional medications
More sessions or crisis interventions
Any psychiatric admissions
Missed days, performance issues, job loss
Divorce, separation, isolation
Panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, psychosis
Can’t maintain hygiene or leave home
Symptoms persist despite treatment
Important: There’s no mandatory waiting period to file for an increase. If your condition has genuinely worsened, you can file at any time.
Understanding Rating Criteria
Focus on documenting symptoms that push you into the next rating level. The biggest monthly increases come at 50% → 70% and 70% → 100%.
Documenting Worsening Symptoms
Create a Clear Comparison
At Last Rating
- Working full-time
- Married, some conflicts
- Monthly therapy
- One medication
- Occasional panic attacks
- Some social activities
Current Status
- Lost job, can’t work
- Divorced, isolated
- Weekly therapy + crisis calls
- Multiple medications
- Daily panic attacks
- Complete social withdrawal
The key is showing clear progression. VA needs to see that your condition has significantly worsened, not just fluctuated within normal bounds.
Building Your Evidence Package
Critical Documentation
Medical Evidence
- All treatment records since last rating
- Psychiatric hospitalizations
- Emergency room visits for mental health
- Medication changes and side effects
- Therapy session notes showing severity
- Any psychological testing results
Functional Impact
- Employment records showing problems
- Termination letters citing performance
- Disability/FMLA paperwork
- Divorce papers mentioning mental health
- Police reports if applicable
- Financial records showing impact
Supporting Statements
- Detailed personal statement
- Spouse/family observations
- Employer or coworker statements
- Friend testimonies about changes
- Clergy or counselor letters
The Filing Process
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather All Evidence
Collect medical records, create timeline, obtain statements. Don’t file until your package is complete.
File VA Form 21-526EZ
Select “claim for increase” and specify your mental health condition. Upload all supporting documents.
Write Personal Statement
Detail how symptoms have worsened. Be specific about dates, incidents, and functional impact.
Consider New Nexus Letter
If symptoms have significantly changed, a current medical opinion can strengthen your claim.
Prepare for C&P Exam
Review your evidence. Be ready to explain worsening. Don’t minimize symptoms.
Track Your Claim
Monitor VA.gov. Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
Risk Assessment
Could Your Rating Decrease?
Yes, filing for an increase opens your entire claim for review. However, VA must show sustained improvement to reduce your rating.
Low Risk Factors
- Consistent treatment records
- Documented worsening
- Multiple hospitalizations
- Medication increases
- Job loss due to symptoms
Higher Risk Factors
- Gaps in treatment
- Improvement notes in records
- Working full-time
- Active social life
- Reduced medications
Maximizing Your Success
Proven Strategies
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Track bad days, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and functional limitations for at least 30 days before filing.
- Match Language to Criteria: Review the rating criteria and use similar language in your statements when describing symptoms.
- Be Specific About Impact: Instead of “I have trouble at work,” say “I’ve been written up 3 times for missing deadlines due to concentration problems.”
- Include Bad Day Descriptions: VA rates based on your worst symptoms, not your average or good days.
- Document Treatment Compliance: Show you’re following treatment but still worsening despite best efforts.
- Explain Coping Mechanisms: If you’re managing better in some areas, explain the extraordinary efforts required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing Too Soon: Ensure you have substantial evidence of worsening, not just a bad month
- Incomplete Records: Missing treatment records can make it appear you’re not that sick
- Minimizing at C&P: This isn’t the time to be stoic – be honest about severity
- Forgetting Functional Impact: Focus on how symptoms affect daily life, not just their existence
- No Comparison Timeline: Failing to show clear progression from last rating
- Giving Up After Denial: Many increases are won on appeal with better evidence
When to Get Professional Help
Consider professional assistance if:
- Your claim involves multiple mental health conditions
- You’ve been denied an increase before
- Your symptoms are complex or unusual
- You need a strong medical opinion
- You’re jumping multiple rating levels
- You have limited treatment records
Ready to Get the Rating You Deserve?
Don’t let worsening mental health go uncompensated. Get expert help documenting your symptoms and building a winning claim for increase.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about increasing VA mental health ratings. Each case is unique. Consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
