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Q563: I am receiving 20 percent for a back injury, I don't sleep at night due to the pain waking me up, how can I get my percentage raised?
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A1: Tell the VA that your SC disability has gotten worse. Also file a claim for the pain, secondary to the back injury. They have to accept that fact. When you go to a C&P exam be sure to emphasize the pain, as it is rated separately. (RH) 11/11/20
A2: I think your question is different than what you're asking. But if thats your question then I would answer it, Raising your rating doesn't improve your back condition or take away the pain. My advice is to get a history with the VA/other medical records about your back, THEN go for an increase in rating. (BA) 11/11/20
A3: Talk to a VSO and your doctor. Must show you were worst off after claim was resolved. (BB) 11/11/20
A4: Yes you can get your disability upgraded. Fill out a 21-526ez, submit that to the VA in Janesville, Wis., they will schedule you for a C&P exam to see if your condition has gotten worse. There may be the opportunity to also file for sleep apnea as secondary to your back injury as well as other pain that is secondary to that injury. (GR) 11/11/20
A5: I understand your chronic back pain. Gather all medical documents. If you have received care or test for your back through civilian doctors. Request that the VA obtain those records. You will need the doctors name, adddress, phone and dates of treatment and test.; in order for the VA to get the records. Once the documents have been recieved and processed through the VA, ask for a a C and P exam. You will have to prove that your back is worse. If you need further test to update your records, do so. Most important: keep a personal copy of all of your documents just in case they happen to get lost. Good Luck. Ask your veteran Service Offic er to help you with the process. (TP) 11/11/20
A6: You need to contact an Accredited Veterans Service Officer from the VFW, Am Legion, DAV, Am Vets, another Veterans Service Organization. You should also contact the VSO who assisted you with your initial claim. Without seeing your VA decision letter and talking to you regarding your claim it is difficult tp advise you properly. However, if an existing condition worsens you can file for an increase. If an existing condition creates a secondary issue that can be filed with proper rationale/documentation. Contact a VSO do not try to do it yourself with the VA. (GH) 11/11/20
A7: I would recommend getting the assistance of an accredited VSO to help you with reopening your claim. The claim for an increase would be done on a VA Form 21-526ez and submitted to the VA. The VA would then request you be scheduled for a C&P exam through one of the contractors the VA uses, ie., QTC, LHI, VES, etc. (DS) 3/22/24