Who this is for
For Veterans whose rating no longer fits
This support is for you if you already have a service-connected rating and believe it does not reflect how your condition affects your life now.
Conditions change. Pain spreads, flare-ups get more frequent, a new symptom shows up, or work and home life become harder to manage. The rating you were given may have been right for the evidence the VA saw at the time, but not for where you are today.
- Your symptoms have worsened since your last rating decision
- Your rating feels lower than what you deal with every day
- Your records do not show how often or how badly your condition affects you
- You are not sure whether an increase request or an appeal fits your situation
- You want guidance before you take the next step
What we help with
What we help you understand and strengthen
We help you see how your symptoms, limitations and documentation relate to the VA rating criteria, and what may be missing.
How ratings are decided
The VA rates most conditions against published criteria for each condition.
We help you make sense of how what you experience, such as frequency, severity, range of motion or time lost from work, may line up with those criteria for your condition.
Documenting the change
An increase rests on showing that the condition is worse now.
We help you understand what current treatment notes, evaluations and records may show that change, and where your file may be silent about it.
Daily impact
How a condition affects your work, sleep and home life matters.
We help you describe those effects clearly and accurately, in your own words, so they are not lost between appointments.
Increase or appeal
A worsened condition and a decision you disagree with are different routes.
For a condition that has deteriorated since it was rated, the usual route is a new claim for an increase (VA Form 21-526EZ). If you believe the original decision was wrong, an appeal may fit better. We help you understand the difference before you choose.
How it works
A clearer path forward
You do not have to work out the right form or the right evidence before you call. We start with your situation.
Step 1 of 4
Start with a free coaching call
Tell us what feels stuck and what you are struggling with. You do not need all your documents ready.
Step 2 of 4
Understand your options
We look at where your claim stands and explain what may help next, in plain words.
Step 3 of 4
Build your support path
We help guide you through the relevant next steps for your situation, one at a time.
Step 4 of 4
Move forward with support
Before you commit, you'll know what we can and cannot help with.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can you help if my VA rating feels too low?
Yes. We help you understand how your symptoms, limitations and documentation may relate to the VA rating criteria, and what an increase request would need in order to be considered.
Many Veterans receive a rating that feels lower than what they are dealing with day to day, often because the daily impact of a condition was never fully documented.
What is the difference between an increase and an appeal?
An increase is for a condition that has gotten worse since it was rated. An appeal is for a decision you believe was wrong when it was made.
An increase is usually requested with VA Form 21-526EZ. Appeals use a Higher-Level Review, a Supplemental Claim or a Board Appeal. We help you understand which may fit your situation.
Do I need new medical records to ask for an increase?
Usually, current evidence of the worsening helps. We help you understand what records you already have and what may be missing.
That can include recent treatment notes, evaluations and a clear account of how the condition affects you now.
Do you guarantee a rating or approval?
No. We do not guarantee a rating, a claim approval or any particular outcome.
The VA makes every decision on your claim. What we do is help you understand what your claim may need, what can be strengthened and what your next step could look like.
Can Love4Vets file my VA claim for me?
No. We do not file claims on your behalf.
Love4Vets provides VA claim coaching and support. We help you understand your claim situation, your evidence and your possible next steps. When legal representation is needed, we point you toward a VA-accredited claims agent, attorney or Veterans Service Organization, who may offer their services for free.
More answers on the FAQ page.
Your rating should reflect what you live with
Start with a coaching call. We'll help you understand what an increase request may need and what your next step could look like.
Start your free coaching callLove4Vets is a VA claim coaching firm, not a law firm, and does not provide legal representation. We do not file claims on your behalf and we do not guarantee a rating or outcome.