Which factors can lead to increased severity ratings for veteran disabilities?

The factors that can lead to increased severity ratings for veteran disabilities primarily include aggravation of conditions, additional medical evidence, and worsening symptoms.

When evaluating a veteran's disability, the severity of the condition is crucial. If a veteran's condition has worsened since the last evaluation, this deterioration can warrant a reassessment and potentially a higher rating. For example, if new medical evidence indicates that the condition has become more debilitating or if the veteran has experienced additional health issues related to the original disability, it will support a claim for an increased rating.

Moreover, worsening symptoms can also play a significant role in this process. As symptoms become more severe and impact the veteran's daily functioning more appreciably, this contributes to the justification for reassessing their disability rating. Therefore, the combination of these factors is essential in determining whether a veteran's disability rating should be adjusted upward.