The VA typically reevaluates disability ratings every two to five years.
The Department of Veterans Affairs generally schedules reevaluations every two to five years to monitor if a service-connected condition has improved or worsened. These routine future examinations ensure that disability compensation matches the current severity of the veteran's health. However, some ratings are protected or considered permanent, exempting them from regular periodic reviews.
Factors Influencing Review Frequency
Several variables determine how often a rating is reviewed by medical examiners:
- Routine Future Exams: Most temporary or non-static ratings include a scheduled reevaluation within a five-year window.
- Static Disabilities: Conditions that are not expected to improve are labeled static and do not require regular follow-up examinations.
- New Evidence: Filing a new claim or a request for an increase can trigger an immediate reevaluation of existing conditions.
Comparison of Rating Review Categories
| Rating Type | Review Duration | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Future Exam | 2 to 5 Years | Evidence of potential medical improvement. |
| Static Disability | Indefinite | No expected change in clinical severity. |
| Protected Ratings | 5, 10, or 20 Years | Ratings held for long periods gain legal protections. |
When Reevaluations Are Usually Waived
The agency often avoids scheduling routine reevaluations in specific circumstances to reduce administrative burden and provide stability for the veteran:
- The veteran is over the age of 55, as natural improvement is less likely.
- The disability is considered permanent and total (P&T).
- The minimum rating for a specific condition has already been assigned.
- The rating has been in place without improvement for 20 years or more.
The Process of Rating Adjustment
- Notification: The veteran receives a formal letter requesting a new Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination.
- Examination: A medical professional assesses the current physical or mental limitations caused by the service-connected disability.
- Review: Findings are compared against the Rating Schedule to determine if the current percentage should be maintained, increased, or reduced.