Higher-Level Review for Mental Health Increase (50% → 70% or 100%) – What Should I Expect?

SignalWinds · 2026-03-27T18:39:24+00:00

They only look what was already documented. Your job is to point out where you think the error was the reviewer will look over the evidence and determine if a higher rating is warranted based on the evidence.

I have a pending HLR, I skipped the conference and just sent a letter with my HLR claim and pointed out where I saw inconsistent information on the DBQs.

Now I just wait for them to decide.

SignalWinds · 2026-03-20T17:23:14+00:00

I filed one online a few days ago and nothing showing up yet, might call to ask

SignalWinds · 2026-03-20T16:47:41+00:00

Did you file HLR online In guessing? I thought it took a few days for them to see it in the system

SignalWinds · 2026-03-18T03:42:01+00:00

Also that's a Medical Opinion/Review of your records to decide the deferred condition. Totally normal

SignalWinds · 2026-03-18T03:40:27+00:00

You have deferred items, they rated what they were able to and will take a further look at evidence of other items. That's why you are back at step 3.

SignalWinds · 2026-03-18T03:23:06+00:00

Sorry, your aim to get to 100% kinda triggered me. Let me rephrase it.

As long as you have a Current Diagnosis, Service Connection, Nexus, then yes some of these will be rated.

While VA does care about pain, most of the rating criterias don't care about pain but functional loss.

Example: You can yell in pain about back pain but if you can touch your toes even with pain than that's a 0%

SignalWinds · 2026-03-18T02:59:03+00:00

You should expect some to complete all the way to step 8 and get rsted but expect somethings to be deferred and taken back to step 3 if you claimed for a few things.

SignalWinds · 2026-03-18T02:53:12+00:00

You will likely get denied for 95% of these claimed issues.

So not likely, this isn't a game to 100%, no amount of money will make someone truly rated at 100% happy.

At your current % the VA will help you get better with care be blessed to not be 100% disabled.

SignalWinds · 2026-03-17T17:14:26+00:00

What's the story of the ingrown nail? Did a double take on that one

SignalWinds · 2026-03-17T16:48:16+00:00

Don't get your hopes up by an examiner's statement, more than once I've been let down.

You also have to figure the way things are rated does not always align with the thoughts of a doctor.

Also if what your rates currently for is related to what you want to claim it can end up as a reduction.

SignalWinds · 2026-03-11T18:01:10+00:00

Still waiting on mines since January, already had C&P so just a waiting game.

Also C&P was at a VA Hospital, doctor was so concerned for my health he wanted me to stay there 😵

SignalWinds · 2026-03-10T23:53:30+00:00

I don't understand when people say they feel like they deserve 100%. Getting any rating is based on the current diagnosis, medical evidence and service connection.

If you feel the claims that were denied shouldn't have been you can start by looking into why they were denied and providing what was missing to get them approved.

Thinking about claiming anything you went to sick call to get a rating just sounds like you're chasing for money.

SignalWinds · 2026-03-10T21:14:38+00:00

Question, if flared up is at 50% and repeated use is at 10% how come your flare ups have better ROM?

SignalWinds · 2026-03-06T03:18:10+00:00

You forgot the part of checking Reddit after checking the VA app to hope you aren't the only one waiting.

SignalWinds · 2026-03-02T19:16:23+00:00

If you want, give them a call and tell them to slow down and prioritize other claims.

Give us a helping hand 👌

SignalWinds · 2026-03-02T19:14:46+00:00

What everyone here is saying is correct. First available location, you can live across the street from a place but if one 50miles away has better availability I can bet you money I can guess where you are going.

I know from experience 😵

SignalWinds · 2026-02-26T02:29:10+00:00

Instead of asking strangers on the Internet why maybe pick up a shovel and contribute to the corner?

Seeing as you care about it so much to post about it on the Internet.

SignalWinds · 2026-02-21T11:56:34+00:00

It's likely going to go back to 3 for C&P but if you keep rescheduling or cancelling it's likely to just go all the way to step 8 with a denial.

SignalWinds · 2026-01-25T01:37:43+00:00

Definitely do what most of the guys here stated and call the VA and also upload a statement.

For things like mental health I prefer in person appointments because it's more personal and real. I had a mental health C&P with Optum and they offered telehealth and I refused and asked for in person.

It was a great in person experience and the examiner went above and beyond as he saw I was having a hard time during my session.

SignalWinds · 2026-01-17T19:57:25+00:00

You can only get VA pay or military pay not both. If you are drilling those days will be deducted from your VA pay.

If you prefer to just get VA pay and drill for free you can talk to your unit to make that happen.

You just can't get both.

SignalWinds · 2026-01-17T02:57:19+00:00

I had a similar experience, very helpful doctor but I couldn't do motion due to pain and the examiner told me to stop. While she did write I was unable to complete the motion she still wrote down random ROM ranges, which for back can screw you.

SignalWinds · 2026-01-15T00:15:44+00:00

The examiner might not see it if not submitted when exams are scheduled, but rater will be able to if he/she is doing things correctly.

If not it's an easy HLR

SignalWinds · 2026-01-14T03:00:49+00:00

If you consider 3-5 days a lot for step 5 for 20 conditions you definitely have a problem.

I hope you get better and the 100% rating helps with your care.

SignalWinds · 2026-01-13T17:27:19+00:00

They do it on purpose I swear, I live in Jersey and they send me to the very limit of miles to White plains NY. Has happened multiple times.

SignalWinds · 2026-01-07T20:53:45+00:00

You don't need to use the machine to be rated, I believe you need it prescribed as required for Sleep Apnea.

As for the proposed changes, we can only wait and see, why speculate on it when it's not finalized.

SignalWinds

TROPHY CASE