Veterans Disability Increased Rating in Davenport
Decades of Combined Experience. Clients Work Directly with an Attorney.
Bowman, DePree & Murphy focuses solely on Veterans Disability, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income claims and appeals. Since 1992, we’ve represented veterans in Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, and Rock Island counties. Clients work directly with an attorney, not an assistant, and our legal team brings more than 60 combined years of experience to these claims.
How VA Disability Ratings Work
VA disability ratings run from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%, with each percentage tied to a corresponding level of monthly compensation. When a service-connected condition worsens over time, a veteran can file a claim for an increased rating supported by new and relevant medical evidence. The VA evaluates that claim using the same process as an original rating decision.
When a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions, the VA combines them using its combined ratings formula rather than simple addition. That distinction matters: a veteran rated 50% for one condition and 30% for another doesn’t receive an 80% combined rating. Understanding how the formula works is essential to identifying whether a rating accurately reflects the full picture of a veteran’s disabilities.
Secondary Conditions & Total Disability Individual Unemployability
A service-connected disability can cause or aggravate other medical conditions, and those secondary conditions may also qualify for VA compensation. We help veterans identify secondary conditions linked to their primary service-related disabilities and build the evidentiary record connecting them to service. Establishing secondary conditions can increase the overall combined rating and compensation.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability, known as TDIU, is a separate path worth understanding. TDIU pays compensation at the 100% rate for veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent them from securing substantially gainful employment, even when the schedular combined rating falls below 100%. Veterans generally qualify if one condition is rated at 60% or higher, or if the combined rating reaches at least 70% with one condition rated at 40% or higher.
Stay In The Know
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When Should I Apply for Benefits?Unless you have an obvious long-term disability, the best time to apply for Social Security disability benefits is 6-9 months after you stop working.
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When Do You Suggest I Hire a Lawyer?Most claimants wait until their claims are denied on reconsideration before hiring a lawyer. Most observers agree this timing works well because it is at a hearing that having a lawyer truly makes a difference.
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When Am I Likely to Receive a Hearing?It can take up to two years from request until a hearing is held and a decision issued, but the time varies from state to state.
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Three Ways to Challenge a VA Rating Decision
If the VA assigns a rating you believe is too low, current rules provide three review paths. A Higher-Level Review asks a senior VA employee to reexamine the prior decision, but no new evidence can be submitted during that review. A Supplemental Claim lets you submit new and relevant evidence, such as updated treatment records, that wasn’t part of the original decision. A Notice of Disagreement takes the case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, where a Veterans Law Judge reviews the claim. Each path has different rules and tradeoffs, and the right choice depends on the facts of your case.
Evidence That Supports a Rating-Increase Claim
The strength of a rating-increase claim depends on the evidence behind it. Medical records are central: doctor’s notes, treatment histories, and diagnostic results showing a condition has worsened since the last rating decision all carry weight with the VA.
Lay evidence matters too. A veteran’s own written statement describing how symptoms have changed day to day can support a claim, as can a “buddy statement” from a family member, caregiver, or fellow veteran who has observed that change firsthand. The VA may also schedule a new Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate whether the condition has progressed. How that exam goes can affect the outcome, which is why knowing what to expect beforehand is important.
Serving Veterans on Both Sides of the Iowa-Illinois Line
Attorney Thad Murphy is a VA Accredited Attorney and a Sustaining Member of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA). Licensed in Iowa since 2000 and in Illinois since 2001, he represents veterans in both states. Veterans in Scott, Clinton, and Muscatine counties fall under the VA’s Des Moines Regional Office, while veterans in Rock Island County fall under the VA’s Chicago Regional Office. We’re familiar with both.
What sets us apart from many other representatives is our ability to carry a case into federal court. If the Board of Veterans’ Appeals denies a claim, the next avenue is the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Many representatives aren’t positioned to go that far. We are, and veterans who come to us have a path forward even after administrative options are exhausted.
Start with a Free Consultation
We offer free initial consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis. You won’t owe us a legal fee unless we secure benefits for you. If your VA disability rating no longer reflects the severity of your condition, contact Bowman, DePree & Murphy at (563) 412-4755 to discuss your options.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
See Why We Will Make a Difference for Your Case & Get You the Rights You Deserve.
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"I cannot say enough positive things about having Thad Murphy as my disability lawyer."He walked me thru each step of the process and made sure everything was in order and ready for my appeal. I spoke to many different lawyers before I decided to go with Mr. Murphy and I think it was one of the most important decisions I ever made.- Tim S.
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"I could never have done it again or been successful without Mr. Murphy's help.& dedication to his clients."I tried 10+ years to get my disability only to be told No over and over. I was frustrated, worried, and tired of trying & fighting only to be told NO yet again. A friend told me about Bowman, DePree & Murphy in Davenport. I'd heard the name in pass- Charity M.
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"I can now rest my head."I just like to thank you Michael Dupree for being my savior which has changed my life for the better unfortunately disability is a part now but thanks to you.- Nathaniel L.
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"Great Disability attorney! My decision to work with Mr. Thad Murphy was life changing, at the right time."Mr. Murphy was able to get my disability on the first appeal and charged a very fair rate which was under the cap from my settlement of back pay from being off for five years.- Benjamin B.
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"I love this place!"They helped me out with my disability when I couldn't get it on my own. Thank you so much y'all!- Tammy H.
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"I only wish I would have reached out sooner. Fair, Honest, and will work for your Win."HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Office!! My case was very complex, and had me exhausted. I had been looking for the right Attorney, and found him right here. Thad Murphy handled my case in an amazing amount of time.- Sandra R.
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"Everything you would expect."Did a great job with explaining the steps we need to take to secure our future and our children.- Amy S.
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"I would recommend him or this office to anyone who needs help!"I had the honor to work with Mr. Murphy. He handled my disability case. He is very understanding and is there if you have questions.- Amber W.
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"They got my disability for me very quickly."So very pleased! I referred 5 friends to them and they got their disability for them as well! Two from Davenport area, and three in Burlington!! GREAT ATTORNEYS!!! I'm still recommending them!- Melody L.