How much is a VA rating increase worth?
It depends on which tiers you move between. Because the rate table is not linear, jumps into higher tiers, especially the step from 90 to 100 percent, are worth far more per month than lower-tier increases. Over a lifetime a single tier can total tens of thousands of dollars.
Why is going from 90 to 100 percent such a big jump?
The VA rate table rises steeply at the top. The monthly difference between 90 and 100 percent is much larger than between, say, 30 and 40 percent, so reaching 100 percent produces a disproportionately large increase in benefits.
Is a rating increase retroactive?
Often yes. If the VA grants an increase, it is usually effective from the date you filed the increase claim, so you may receive back pay for the period between filing and the decision in addition to the higher ongoing rate.
Should I pursue a rating increase?
If your service-connected condition has worsened, an increase can be very valuable given the lifetime figures. Because the higher tiers pay so much more, even one additional tier can justify the effort of a well-documented increase claim.