A VA rating decision that was not appealed within the applicable window (historically one year under the legacy system) becomes final. That means the original 10 percent decision, including the denials for conditions that were never actually examined, cannot simply be reopened by pointing back to that old decision. However, "final" does not mean the door is permanently closed on those conditions.
The standard path forward is to file new claims for each condition now. If any of those conditions were previously denied, you can file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) and submit new and relevant evidence, meaning evidence that was not part of the record when the original decision was made. Current medical records showing ongoing treatment, diagnoses, or a nexus opinion connecting the condition to your service would typically qualify as new evidence, since the original C&P exam never evaluated most of these conditions at all. A Higher-Level Review or a Board appeal (VA Form 10182) generally would not help here, because those options work from the evidence already in the file at the time of the prior decision, and in your case that evidence was never developed for most conditions in the first place.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →One important reality is effective dates. Because the earlier decision is final and years have passed, a new or supplemental claim filed now will generally result in an effective date tied to the new claim, not back to your original 2015 separation, unless you can show a continuously pending claim or a specific exception applies. This is different from a case caught within the appeal window, where earlier effective dates are more achievable.
As for representation, you are not required to hire a private company. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (through the VA, VFW, DAV, American Legion, and similar organizations) provide help with claims at no cost. If you prefer a private accredited agent or attorney, VA regulates their fees, but many veterans get the same quality of help for free through an accredited VSO, especially one experienced in claims development rather than just separation paperwork.
The concrete next step is to schedule an appointment with an accredited Veterans Service Officer, bring your full military and current medical records, and have them help you file new or supplemental claims for each condition with the new medical evidence attached.
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