Why did my final VA rating come back lower than my proposed rating, and what can I do about it?

A proposed rating issued during the disability evaluation system (medboard/IDES) process is not final. It reflects VA's preliminary review of the evidence available at that time, often including service treatment records and a general medical exam. The final rating decision, issued after separation, is based on a fuller record that can include additional compensation and pension (C&P) examinations, updated medical evidence, and a more detailed application of the rating schedule found in 38 CFR Part 4. It is not unusual for a proposed rating to shift up or down before the final decision is issued, because more information becomes available and different raters may apply the diagnostic codes differently, especially for conditions like traumatic brain injury, which is rated under 38 CFR 4.124a and involves multiple facets (cognitive impairment, emotional/behavioral, physical) that must each be evaluated and combined.

If you believe the final 90 percent rating does not accurately reflect the severity of your condition compared to what supported the earlier 100 percent proposal, you have several options. You can file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) if you have new and relevant evidence, such as updated neuropsychological testing, treatment records, or buddy statements describing functional limitations. If you believe VA misapplied the facts or law already in the record without new evidence, a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) allows a more senior reviewer to take a fresh look at the same evidence. You can also appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (VA Form 10182) if you want a Veterans Law Judge to review the case, with or without a hearing. Each path has different timelines and evidentiary requirements, and choosing the right one often depends on whether you have new evidence or are disputing how existing evidence was weighed.

It is also worth requesting a copy of your full C&P examination reports and rating decision narrative, since these will explain exactly which criteria under the TBI diagnostic code were used to reach 90 percent instead of 100 percent, and that explanation will guide which evidence you need to gather for an appeal.

The concrete next step is to request your complete claims file (C-file) and the detailed rating decision explanation, then file a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim within one year of the decision date to preserve your effective date.