A 0% rating under 38 CFR 4.31 means the VA has recognized that a condition is service-connected, but the current severity does not meet the schedular criteria for a compensable rating (10% or higher) under the relevant diagnostic code. Importantly, service connection itself does not expire and does not need to be re-established later. Once a condition is service-connected at any percentage, including 0%, the VA has already conceded two of the three elements needed for a rating increase: a current diagnosis and a link between that diagnosis and military service. This is why many veterans find that dealing with a 0% rating years down the road is far simpler than filing a brand-new service connection claim, where nexus and in-service incurrence often still have to be proven from scratch.
To seek a higher rating, a veteran generally files a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new and relevant evidence, such as updated medical records, a nexus letter, or lay statements documenting worsened symptoms, under 38 CFR 3.156(a). Alternatively, if no new evidence is needed and the veteran believes the existing record was misevaluated, a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) may be appropriate. Compensation and Pension exams are commonly scheduled to assess current severity against the applicable diagnostic criteria. Effective dates for increases are governed by 38 CFR 3.400, and can sometimes be retroactive to the date entitlement arose if that date is ascertainable and within one year of the claim, so documenting when symptoms worsened matters.
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 →Outcomes on increased-rating claims vary significantly based on medical evidence and how well symptoms are documented; among the appealed VA decisions in VetAid's library, 6,427 involved increased-rating disputes, and of those with a recorded appellate disposition, 54% were vacated or remanded, 26% affirmed the denial, and 7% were reversed or granted outright — though these are outcomes of appealed cases specifically, not a random sample of all claims, and don't reflect the odds for an initial filing.
A veteran with a stagnant 0% rating who suspects the condition has worsened should get current medical documentation of symptoms and functional impact, then file a Supplemental Claim with that evidence.
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