Do you have a VA disability rating below 30%? If so, you could be missing out on important benefits. A 30% VA disability rating means the VA adds money to your monthly check for your spouse, children, and dependent parents. Keep reading to find out how Tucker Disability Law can help you get the VA disability rating increase that puts more money in your pocket.
Understanding the 30% Rating Threshold
When your VA disability rating reaches 30%, a significant change occurs in your benefits structure. You gain the ability to add dependents to your benefits package, including:
- Spouse
- Children under 18
- Children between 18-23 who are attending school
- Dependent parents
- Children who became permanently incapable of self-support before age 18
This addition can substantially increase your monthly compensation.
For example, a Veteran with a spouse and two children could receive several hundred dollars more per month once they reach the 30% threshold. This increase compounds with higher ratings – the more severe your disability rating, the more compensation you receive for dependents. To see what you could qualify for, check out our article on VA Disability Rates.
How Do I Get My VA Disability Rating Increased?
Let’s look at why you might deserve a higher rating.
- You were underrated. When you first applied for VA disability benefits, the rating process may not have captured the true extent of your conditions. Common reasons for this include:
- Incomplete medical documentation at the time
- Symptoms that weren’t fully developed yet
- Conditions that weren’t properly diagnosed
- Impact on daily life not fully documented
- Your condition was rated correctly at the time, but has now gotten worse. Signs include:
- Increased pain levels
- Reduced mobility
- More frequent symptoms
- Greater impact on work and daily activities
If you were initially underrated or if your symptoms have gotten worse and your current rating does not reflect the severity of your condition, the best way to get the VA to increase your rating is through strong medical records.
Here’s what we need from you:
- Get copies of all medical visits
- Take photos if you can see your condition
- Write down how your disability affects your daily life, work, and getting around
Your doctors are key:
- Ask for copies of all your medical records
- Get checked out if your condition has changed
- Keep a daily log of your symptoms. Tucker Disability Law’s exclusive Capability Journal is an excellent way to keep track of how your condition is affecting your ability to work and perform daily activities.
- Make sure your doctor writes down how your disability limits you
If all this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ll help you gather this evidence. The more proof we have, the stronger your case for a higher rating.
Secondary Conditions: Your Path to a Higher VA Disability Rating
Secondary service-connected disabilities often provide a path to reaching the 30% threshold. That’s because the VA will take all your qualifying conditions and add them together. For example, if you currently have a 10% rating for sleep apnea, but also suffer from PTSD and the VA rates that at 20%, you now have a combined rating of 30% and would qualify to add your dependents.
Common examples of secondary conditions include:
- Back problems developing from a service-connected knee injury
- Depression or anxiety stemming from chronic pain
- Sleep apnea related to PTSD
- Diabetes complications affecting multiple body systems
The Mental Health Component
Mental health conditions frequently merit significant ratings that can help achieve the 30% threshold. These include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Adjustment disorders
- Sleep disorders
The VA rating system recognizes how mental health conditions impact your ability to work and maintain relationships, often assigning ratings that help reach the dependent-qualification threshold.
How Tucker Disability Law Can Help You Increase Your VA Rating
Remember, you don’t have to navigate the complex VA system alone. Tucker Disability Law has helped thousands of Veterans reach the 30% threshold and beyond, ensuring they receive maximum benefits for themselves and their dependents.
Here’s How We Help:
Step 1: We do a comprehensive analysis of your diagnosis, drawing on decades of successful claims to spot opportunities other firms miss. Our experts know exactly what evidence strengthens your case and what red flags could trigger a VA denial.
Step 2: We activate our proven system to build your unbeatable case. Our team knows what evidence carries the most weight with the VA and how to get it. We methodically build the foundation for your victory with compelling medical evidence, precise documentation, and expert testimonials that demand attention.
Step 3: We transform our decades of success into action, challenging every VA pushback and navigating every hurdle in your path. While other firms might settle for partial wins, we press forward until you receive the maximum benefits you’ve earned. Your victory is our mission, and we don’t stop until it’s achieved.
The sooner you begin the process of increasing your rating, the sooner you can secure additional benefits for your dependents. Contact us today to start your journey toward higher compensation for you and your family.
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