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Sometimes when veterans get their claims granted, especially if they’ve been stuck in VA’s backlog for a while, they receive different ratings for different time periods rather than one rating for the entire duration of their claim. This is what VA calls staged ratings. VA uses staged ratings when it believes a veteran’s condition has changed during the claim or appeal. For example, a veteran with a severe back condition may undergo surgery during the claim and the surgery improves his condition. The VA
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would assign a higher rating prior to the surgery when the back condition was worse and a lower rating after the surgery. Or a veteran has PTSD and the condition worsens as the claim drags on. Ultimately, when the claim gets granted, VA may assign an initial 30% rating, then a 50% rating, then a 70% rating, which ultimately reduces the potential back the veteran receives. VA usually does this based on medical examinations performed during the claim or appeal and oftentimes those claims are inadequate
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or VA simply ignores favorable evidence showing that one singular high rating rather than stage ratings are warranted. Stage ratings can be appealed. So, it’s important to speak with an accredited attorney or representative to avoid detrimental stage ratings and to maximize your benefits.
This transcription was AI populated.
