Question:
I want to request my temporary 100 percent rating be changed to T&P. Is there a VA form required or is the request submitted by letter to the Regional VA Office?
Jim's Reply:
There is no regulatory path or form that a veteran can choose to request to convert a temporary rating to a permanent rating. In fact, I recommend that veterans don't attempt to change a temporary rating other than to request the change when you're meeting with a C & P examiner at a scheduled future exam.
Temporary ratings come with a scheduled future exam that will occur at varying times depending on what the disabling condition and rating are. The examiner is the authority that will make a recommendation whether or not a disabling condition is static and unlikely to show future measurable improvement and is 100% permanent or if there is healing to be done and a 100% or permanent disability rating may not be warranted.
As with all things VA there is a process to ratings and if you step outside the process you can make a mess of your claim. All too often veterans who are adamant about pursuing a permanent 100% rating will find themselves at a C & P exam and later discover that their rating isn't 100% any longer. You stand a real chance of losing the 100% and the permanent status of the rating. We have to be careful what we ask for, VA can be a challenge to deal with.
If you're under age 55 or if the temp rating is for mental health it's even more likely that you won't be successful in seeking a permanent rating unless and until you have a scheduled future exam. The only exception I'd offer is that if you are placed in hospice care with a medical diagnosis of an end of life within 6 months, then it makes sense to petition VA for a permanent rating.
Otherwise, patience is a good idea. Wait for the process to get you to the future exam and ask the examiner to recommend a permanent rating. Good luck.