M21-1 Manual / Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section C

Claims for Increase

M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section C

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the following topics:

Topic	Topic Name
1	Identification of Claims for Increase
2	Policies for Claims for Increase
3	Interpreting Submissions for Increased Compensation

1. Identification of Claims for Increase

Introduction

This topic contains information about claims for increase, including

definition of a claim for increase
types of claims for increase, and
prescribed form for a claim for increased compensation.

Change Date

January 24, 2022

II.iii.2.C.1.a. Definition: Claim for Increase

Per 38 CFR 3.1(p)(1), a claim for increase is a type of initial claim that requests an increase in a disability evaluation or rate of a benefit being paid based on a change or worsening in condition or circumstance since the last decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the benefit. Important: Under 38 CFR 3.2500, a claimant may also submit a request for review of a prior evaluation or rate being paid. Any request filed on the appropriate form under these review options should be handled under the specific lane of review selected by the claimant, and not under the claim for increase provisions. Reference: For more information on handling submissions for increased compensation, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.C.3.

II.iii.2.C.1.b. Types of Claims for Increase

Claims for increase may include, but are not limited to, claims for

increased service-connected (SC) compensation including
- increased disability evaluation
- individual unemployability (IU), and
- entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC)
- an increased rate of benefits due to the addition of a dependent, and
- increased non-service-connected (NSC) pension including a claim
  - showing either a reduction of, or a deduction from, income, and
  - for entitlement to special monthly pension (SMP).
References: For more information on
distinguishing a claim for increase from a supplemental claim, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.C.3, and
the relationship between a claim for IU and the associated SC disabilities, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 3.B.1.e.

II.iii.2.C.1.c. Prescribed Form for a Claim for Increased Compensation

A claim for an increased evaluation in an SC disability must be filed on VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, or other prescribed form appropriate to the specific type of increased compensation sought. Reference: For more information on prescribed forms, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.

2. Policies for Claims for Increase

Introduction

This topic contains policies for claims for increase, including

responsibilities of the rating activity, and
claims for increase in the level of disability.

Change Date

January 28, 2016

II.iii.2.C.2.a. Responsibilities of the Rating Activity

The rating activity is responsible for evaluating disabilities under the applicable laws and rating schedule, including statutory benefits such as

loss or loss of use of various body organs or parts
SMP, other than aid and attendance (A&A) awarded to patients in nursing homes, and
SMC.

II.iii.2.C.2.b. Claims for Increase in the Level of Disability

Refer any claim for increase in the level of disability to the rating activity for action after completing any necessary development actions. References: For information on
requesting records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.C, and
when to order an examination in a claim for increased evaluation, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 1.B.1.h.

3. Interpreting Submissions for Increased Compensation

Introduction

This topic contains procedures for interpreting submissions for increased compensation, including

distinguishing claims for increase from requests for decision review, and
screening submissions for increased compensation.

Change Date

August 28, 2025

II.iii.2.C.3.a. Distinguishing Claims for Increase From Requests for Decision Review

Under 38 CFR 3.2500(a)(2), claimants can request a review of a decision issued on a claim at any time after VA issues notice of a decision. Therefore, screen all submissions regarding evaluation issues to determine the intent of the claimant. The form used by the claimant will determine whether the submission should be handled as a

claim for increase, or

decision review request under 38 CFR 3.2500.

Note: In cases where the claimant’s intent is unclear, attempt to clarify the claim by following the procedures in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.D.1.c.

II.iii.2.C.3.b. Screening Submissions for Increased Compensation

Screen all submissions for increased compensation based on the table below.

If the claimant submits ...	Then handle the submission as a ...
VA Form 21-526EZ, or other prescribed form for the increased benefit sought	claim for increase.
VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim	supplemental claim.
evidence regarding an evaluation issue without a prescribed claim form	request for application per M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.G.

References: For more information on

prescribed forms, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A
supplemental claims, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.B, and
effective dates for
- claims for increase, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 4.A.5, and
- supplemental claims, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 2.A.3.

Source: VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section C (U.S. government work, reproduced for reference). Browse all sections →