Veterans receiving current benefits at 70% VA disability—around $1,600/month—can potentially boost compensation to over $3,600/month by increasing their rating to 100%. This can be done through secondary condition claims, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), or filing for increased severity. Proper documentation, C&P exam prep, and expert guidance are key to success.
Is it even possible to jump from 70% to 100%?
Yes, but most people go about it wrong. They either throw a bunch of paperwork at the VA and hope something sticks, or avoid filing claims at all—scared of getting downgraded. I’ve seen both. There’s a smarter way.
Here’s where people screw up:
- They file for new conditions without understanding how they sync with existing ratings
- They skip documentation because “the doc knows it’s bad”
- They avoid going to Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams or show up underprepared
- They think Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a scam or makes them look lazy
If any of that’s you—don’t sweat it. Let’s fix it step-by-step.
First: Understand how VA math changes everything
This part trips up everybody. Two 50% ratings don’t make 100%. You’d think that’s how it works, but the VA uses weird “whole person” math. Here’s the rundown.
- The VA takes your highest-rated condition first.
- Every new rating is stacked against the “remaining percentage.” So your second 50% is 50% of the 50% left, not of 100%.
So yeah, stacking up tons of 10% and 20% ratings won’t get you to 100%. You need a big bump—like a new 70% claim, a serious secondary condition, or evidence your current condition’s way worse than what they have on record.
Best ways to increase your VA disability rating from 70% to 100%
Let’s talk game plans. You’ve got a few ways to approach this:
1. File for an increase on existing conditions
Ask yourself: has your condition gotten worse? Have you had more hospital visits? Are you on stronger meds? File for an increase, but make it airtight:
- Get updated doctor’s notes
- Have statements from people around you – spouse, coworkers, family
- Use DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaires), if possible
2. File secondary conditions
This is gold. If your PTSD gave you sleep apnea? File it. If your back issues are causing radiculopathy or neuropathy? File that too. Here’s how it adds up:
- Mental health → Insomnia, migraines, IBS
- Ortho injuries → Nerve issues, depression due to chronic pain
- TBI → Anxiety, memory issues, vision problems
This builds a web around your primary condition. It all goes back to the same root, which shows how it’s impacting every part of your life.
3. Apply for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability)
If you can’t keep a steady job because of your service-connected disabilities, and your rating isn’t 100%, you might qualify for being treated like 100% disabled.
This doesn’t mean you never work again. It just means your conditions keep YOU from doing work consistently. You don’t have to be homeless. You just need to show how your issues block your ability to perform substantial gainful employment.
Example:
Josh had PTSD rated at 70% and migraines at 10%. He’d never get to 100% with that, math-wise. But he couldn’t keep a job. His symptoms caused panic attacks at work, and his last six jobs ended because he couldn’t manage the environment. With strong documentation and a Vocational Expert letter, he got awarded TDIU—and now gets paid at the 100% rate.
If you’re not sure if you qualify, check out the guide on TDIU claims.
4. Go through a quality VA claim consultant or attorney
Let me say this: you don’t need a lawyer or rep to win. But the right one can help make things smoother, especially if you’ve been stuck in appeals. Some veterans wait two years or more because they didn’t have the paperwork lined up right. Just be wary of people charging crazy fees upfront. You want someone who only gets paid AFTER you win.
Don’t skip the C&P exam
Look—this is where a lot of guys mess it up. You need to show up and tell the truth—but don’t tough-guy your symptoms. Don’t minimize it. If your back locks up every morning and you need 30 minutes to move around, say that. If you have suicidal thoughts three times a week, say that. They want to understand how your condition affects your daily life, not just how bad it looks on paper.
What documents should you have ready?
- Service Treatment Records (STRs)
- VA medical records
- Private doctor records (especially mental health)
- Lay statements – from family, friends, or coworkers
- DBQs, completed by your doctor
- Vocational expert letter (if going for TDIU)
Strong files → Strong claims. It’s that simple.
FAQs
How much does a 100% VA rating pay in 2024?
It’s around $3,737/month for a single veteran. Add dependents? It goes up.
Can I work if I get 100% VA disability?
If you’re schedular 100% rated—yes, you can still work. If you’re on TDIU, you technically cannot earn “substantial” income (more than around $1,150/month in most cases).
How long does it take to go from 70% to 100%?
Depends on your case type, supporting evidence, whether you’re appealing, and if the VA needs exams. Could be 3 months or 18 months. The more complete your claim, the faster it moves.
Do I have to go through an appeal to increase my rating?
Nope. You can file a new claim for an increase or add new conditions. If denied, then you can appeal through a supplemental claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal.
What’s the fastest way to get from 70% to 100%?
Strong secondary condition claims paired with a TDIU claim, submitted with great documentation. That combo tends to move faster (and win more).
Can I lose my 70% if I try to increase it?
Yes, technically the VA can lower ratings. But they usually only do that if your condition has improved dramatically. If you’re solid on your current symptoms and get the right evidence, the risk of reduction is low.
Conclusion
If you’re receiving current benefits at 70% VA disability, you could more than double your compensation by increasing your rating to 100%. With the right strategy—like filing for secondary conditions, TDIU, and strong documentation—you can unlock higher monthly payments and full VA benefits.