Hi Jim,
I have been thinking about asking for an increase in my PTSD rating. I am at 50 % now. I have been seeing a physiologist at the local VA for about a year and one half now. participated in a group with him also. I was reading through my medical records and he has stated multiple times that I suffer from chronic PTSD. not in the records but he has also told me I suffer from survivor guilt. Would it be safe to ask for a raise to 70 %?
Thanks so much Jim.
Reply:
I believe that would be safe. Veterans should seek an increase in an existing rating any time they believe that their condition is worse than the existing rating reflects.
However, any time we seek an increase, we always must recognize that the VA will review our folder and look for improvements to our condition(s) that may justify a decrease in the rating. That happens all too often and although that sort of action should concern any veteran, it's usually pretty simple to deal with.
Before you seek an increase, do your homework. Make sure you're eligible for the rating you'll ask for. You propose 70%. Now you have to justify that.
Start here http://www.vawatchdog.org/how-to-increase-an-existing-benefit--.html and learn some of the basic principles that are involved with seeking an increased rating.
Then, study the Schedule For Rating Disabilities http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/bookc.asp as well as the DBQ here http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0960P-3-ARE.pdf
Prepare for a denial. Denials seem to happen all too often, even when the rating increase is justified. When denied, you should appeal and use an attorney to guide the appeals process. Click http://www.vawatchdog.org/how-to-hire-a-veterans-law-attorney.html
Remember that this will take some time. The VA has a backlog of claims today that could delay the processing of your claim by as much as 2 years or more. While you wait, keep up the counseling and therapy and don't allow yourself to be discouraged.