Veterans receiving VA benefits at 60 percent may qualify for more support by increasing their disability rating to 70%. This boost can lead to higher monthly payments, improved healthcare access, and eligibility for benefits like TDIU. Veterans can file for an increase by showing worsened conditions or adding secondary issues. Updated medical evidence, lay statements, and proper documentation are key to success. Don’t miss out—many benefits open up at 70%.
What Does a 60% VA Disability Rating Get You Right Now?
You probably already know this, but it’s worth going over. At 60%, in 2024, you’re looking at about $1,319.65 per month if you’re single with no dependents. That’s not nothing, but it’s also not even scratching the surface for someone who can’t fully work anymore.
And here’s why people push to 70% or higher—it’s not just about the higher dollar amount. It’s what comes attached to that percentage:
- More access at the VA medical centers (priority group upgrades)
- Possible eligibility for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
- State benefits if you’re in places like Texas, Florida, or Virginia
- Property tax breaks or education benefits for dependents
The jump to 70% unlocks those things, and that’s a game changer.
How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating From 60% to 70%
This ain’t rocket science, but it does take effort. The biggest myth is that you’ve gotta start from scratch. Nope. You’ve got two main ways to get there:
1. File for an increase of your current condition
If the service-connected issue that got you to 60% is worse now—or was underrated to begin with—this is your shot. You file a claim to increase that exact condition.
But don’t go in blind. Here’s what actually works:
- Updated medical records: Recent visits that show worsening symptoms
- Statements from doctors: Write-ups that speak to functional limitations
- Lay statements: Real-world stuff from people who’ve seen how bad it’s gotten—spouse, buddy, boss
- VA Form 21-526EZ: This is what you file to request the increased rating
I knew a guy—Army infantry, busted knee, PTSD on the side. Stuck at 60% for years. One comp and pen exam later, along with three buddy letters and a psych eval from a private doc? He jumped to 80%. Just because he showed the VA what they hadn’t seen before.
2. Add secondary conditions
This route’s slept on, but it’s powerful. If your service-connected disability is causing new problems, those might be secondary conditions. For example:
- PTSD → sleep apnea or migraines
- Back injury → radiculopathy or depression
- Diabetes → neuropathy in hands or feet
If you get a 10% or 20% rating for one of those secondaries, it could push your combined rating past 70%. Quick reminder: VA math isn’t real math. Adding a 40% rating to a 60% won’t give you 100%—they use a weird equation that ranks disabilities by what’s left after each percent. So you need to make sure you know how your % adds up. Use the VA disability calculator here to help figure that out.
When to File for an Increase After Hitting 60%
You wanna file when:
- Your condition has clearly worsened since your last exam
- You’ve developed new symptoms
- You’ve got fresh medical evidence to support your claim
- Your current lifestyle, work status, or mental health has taken a hit
If you’re struggling to keep a job because of your condition? That’s a red flag right there. That might actually mean you’re eligible for TDIU. Didn’t think of it, right? Well, TDIU lets you get paid at 100% even if you’re only rated at 60 or 70.
Also, don’t wait forever hoping the VA will magically up your rating. Be proactive. Get the evidence. File the increase. Let the numbers catch up with your reality.
Why 70% Is a Big Deal
I can tell you straight up—the jump from 60 to 70 introduces a whole new world of possibility. It can lead to:
- TDIU eligibility, aka 100% money if you can’t work
- Health care priority upgrades — Faster appointments, fewer co-pays
- State-specific perks — License plates, discounts, property tax exemptions
- CHAMPVA for dependents (if you end up hitting 100%)
The bottom line? If you’re already at 60%, you’ve already been recognized by the VA for having real medical issues. Why stop there if your situation’s worse now?
If you’ve already seen our guide on the easiest VA claims to win, then you know not to leave benefits on the table.
Things That Will Tank Your Rating Increase
Let’s keep it 100—some stuff will shut you down on the spot:
- No new medical evidence
- Vague or copy-paste buddy statements (they know the fake ones)
- Skipping your compensation and pension (C&P) exam
- Claiming a condition but not linking it to your service connection
If you miss the C&P exam? The VA will shut it down faster than you can click “submit.” Show up. Be honest. Be blunt. Don’t soft pedal the pain.
FAQs:
Can I work and still get to 70%?
Yes. 70% just means your condition is bad enough to meet those criteria. TDIU (which pays like 100%) is what restricts full-time work.
What if the VA denies my request?
You can appeal it. File a supplemental claim or request a higher-level review. The key is: bring new evidence or clarify what got misunderstood.
How long does it take to get an increase after filing?
Depends. Could be 3 months, could be 9. If there’s a backlog or if your evidence is weak, it’ll slow things down. Solid evidence + truth = faster decisions.
Can PTSD alone get me to 70%?
Absolutely. If it’s severe enough—affecting work, relationships, daily life—it can reach 70% by itself. If yours isn’t there yet, secondary conditions can help.
Do I need to hire a VSO or attorney?
You don’t “need” to, but it can help. Many VSOs are free and know how to speak the VA’s language. We’ve put together more tips here on winning your VA claim.
Conclusion:
if you’re receiving VA benefits at 60 percent, don’t settle. Increasing your rating to 70% can significantly improve your financial and medical support. With the right evidence and persistence, that next level of benefits is within reach.