What Are Common Reasons the VA Denies Disability Rating Increase Requests?

Mar 4, 2026

It’s common for the VA to deny a disability rating increase request, but these denials are rarely final. When you work with a local Chicago, IL lawyer who understands how to “speak the language” of the VA, your appeal has a greater chance of being successful. Here’s the most common reasons that the VA denies and what you and your lawyer can do about it.

The Most Common Reasons the VA Denies a Disability Rating Increase Request

Not enough medical evidence
Pre-existing condition with evidence of aggravation
No evidence of how symptoms impact your life
No service connection nexus
Not considered a “disability” by VA standards
Not enough evidence for secondary service connection
Missing information
Missed deadline
Discrepancies in your claim

Medical Evidence

If the VA says you don’t have enough medical evidence, then usually they’re looking for an actual, formal diagnosis from a doctor. Just recording your symptoms alone isn’t enough. It’s also common for private doctors to submit records the VA won’t accept because they don’t follow a standard form. Or, the records could be outdated.

Pre-Existing Condition

If a condition existed before your service, it’s not eligible to be considered in your rating unless you can show proof that your service made it worse.

Symptom Impact

Though symptoms alone aren’t enough, you do have to show evidence of how severe your symptoms are. You’ll need documentation of their effect upon your work, daily life, or social life.

No Service Connection

You need the right evidence to prove that your current disability is linked to your military service, which usually involves having a strong nexus letter.

Not a “Disability”

This just means your disability, as evidenced so far, doesn’t meet their criteria. Usually this means they think it’s too mild or it’s temporary. More evidence from your doctor will often help here.

Secondary Service Connection

If you’ve got a secondary connection between your service and your condition, you have to show that your primary service-connected disability is what caused or aggravated your secondary one. Again, a nexus letter will be needed.

Missing Information

This means there’s a gap somewhere in your application or there are missing supporting documents or records.

Missed Deadline

If you miss the deadline for making a submission or appeal, the VA will reject it. If you know you’ll be late, request an extension. If you miss it entirely, your lawyer can help you file a supplementary claim.

Discrepancies

This means the VA thinks something between your records, statements, and supporting documentation doesn’t add up or creates some doubt. Your lawyer can help you bring it all into line.

Get Help With Your Claim in Chicago, IL

At the Comerford Law Office, our whole focus is veterans’ benefits. We make sure your claim is properly prepared, supported with the right evidence, and given the best chance for approval. Visit us now for help, or call our Chicago office at 312-863-8572. You can also reach our Highland, IN office at 219-333-2110 and our Jonesborough, TN office at 423-269-2222.

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