Submitting a new disability compensation claim may seem like a straightforward way to add conditions and increase your monthly payment. But before diving in, it’s important to understand that certain claims can trigger VA to take another look at what you already have—and that review may not always work in your favor.
VA’s authority to re-evaluate
When you file a new claim, VA has the right to review your entire file to make a decision. In some cases, they may order a new exam not only for the condition you are claiming but also for conditions you’re already service-connected for. If VA finds evidence that a disability has improved, they can propose to reduce the rating.
Examples of when this might happen
- Secondary conditions. Suppose you have a service-connected knee injury and you file for back problems as secondary to altered gait. To decide the new claim, VA may re-evaluate your knee rating. If they conclude the knee has improved, they could lower that rating even while granting the back condition.
- TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability). If you apply for TDIU, VA must look closely at the service-connected conditions you say prevent you from working. That often means fresh exams. If VA determines those conditions don’t impact employability as much as before, it could affect both the TDIU claim and the underlying ratings.
Risk versus reward
Sometimes the “juice isn’t worth the squeeze.” For example, you might walk away with a new service-connected condition but lose rating percentages elsewhere, leaving your combined rating the same—or even lower. Every Veteran’s situation is unique, and these risks should be weighed carefully before filing.
Protections against reduction
Not every rating is vulnerable. VA must follow strict procedures before reducing a rating, including medical evidence of actual improvement and notice with a chance for the Veteran to respond. Some ratings are considered “protected” after being in place for certain lengths of time (such as 5, 10, or 20 years), though even those can be reduced under specific circumstances.
Talk it through first
Filing claims is not a one-way street to higher benefits. It’s a process that may include detours, bumps, or even a slide backward. That’s why it’s important to talk to your CVSO before submitting anything. Together, you can review your file, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and make an informed decision.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
