How Often Does the VA Reevaluate Disability Ratings?
Do you believe that your disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is too low? You may have questions about how a disability rating can be changed or how a disability rating can be increased. You may have more specific questions like how to increase your disability rating from 60% to 100%. You may wonder if there is a limit to how many times or how often VA disability ratings are changed. We can provide answers to those questions and more right here at VA Benefits Attorneys.
When Does the VA Review Disability Ratings?
Many veterans may not realize that when they apply for service-connected disability and receive a disability rating, that their disability rating can be reevaluated and changed. A veteran’s given disability rating is the basis for their monthly disability compensation, and that disability rating can be reviewed and reevaluated at different time intervals and under routine circumstances. Veterans with a better understanding of how and when disability ratings are reevaluated can better prepare veterans for this eventuality to get the legal help and support they need.
Routine Reevaluations of VA Disability Ratings
There are select circumstances that will prompt routine reevaluations of VA disability ratings that are based on a timetable for some service-connected injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions. These reviews are most often triggered when a service-connected disability rating is expected to improve over time.
Here is a better look at the routine reevaluations that veterans can expect to encounter:
- 2 – 5 Year Reevaluation: When a veteran has a service-connected medical condition that is expected to improve, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical professionals may schedule a routine exam in the 2 – 5 year timeframe after your initial disability rating is established to reevaluate your medical condition.
- When Evidence Dictates: VA disability ratings may be reevaluated when new or additional evidence is found that may influence your disability rating. When new evidence shows that a veteran’s disability has improved, the VA may mandate that the veteran schedule another appointment to have their disability rating reevaluated.
What Is the 5-Year Rule for VA Disability Ratings?
Many veterans do not know that when a veteran maintains the same disability rating for a set period of time, it is protected from reduction or elimination under set guidelines that include the 5-Year Rule. The 5-Year Rule establishes that if a disability rating remains at the same — or is increased — for five continuous years, the disability is considered stabilized. The VA cannot reduce your disability rating unless multiple medical examinations show “significant and sustained improvement”.
Veteran disability ratings are afforded even more protection with a 10-Year Rule and 20-Year Rule that provide additional protections. The 10-Year Rule states that if a veteran maintains the same disability rating for a period of 10 years or longer, the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot eliminate your service connection unless fraud is found. With the 20-Year Rule, the veteran’s disability rating cannot be reduced to a rating lower than its lowest rating in that same 20-year period. Veterans with a 100% or Permanent and Total (P&T)disability rating are not subject to reevaluations.
READ MORE: What Are VA Disability Rates for Compensation?
Veterans with a service-connected injury, illness, or medical condition may have questions about their disability ratings. Many veterans want to know — how often does the VA reevaluate disability ratings — and we have the answers at VA Benefits Attorneys.
