The VA schedules most disability rating reviews on a set timeline, not whenever it chooses

When the VA assigns you a disability rating, it does not review that rating once and leave it alone forever. The VA conducts periodic exams to check whether your condition has changed. How often this happens depends on the rating itself and what the VA found during your initial exam. Some ratings are reviewed every one to two years; others may go five years or longer between reviews. The VA calls these scheduled reviews "periodic exams" or "future exams."

The timing is not random. When the VA first rates your condition, the examiner notes whether they expect it to improve, stay stable, or worsen. That prediction determines when your next review happens. A condition expected to improve gets reviewed sooner. A condition rated as stable might not be reviewed for many years.

Key Takeaways

  • The VA schedules your next review when it first rates your condition, based on whether the examiner expects your condition to improve, stay stable, or get worse.
  • Conditions expected to improve are typically reviewed every one to two years; stable conditions may not be reviewed for five years or more.
  • You will receive a letter in the mail telling you when your exam is scheduled, usually at least 30 days before the appointment date.
  • If your condition has changed before your scheduled review, you can request an exam sooner by submitting a claim for an increase or decrease.
  • The VA can also initiate an unscheduled review if it receives new medical evidence or if your rating falls into certain categories that require periodic checks.

What the VA's rating decision tells you about your next review

When you receive your initial rating decision, look for language about your condition's expected course. The VA examiner will have written something like "not expected to improve," "likely to improve," or "static condition." This phrase drives the review schedule.

If the examiner wrote that your condition is "not expected to improve" or is "static," your next exam might not happen for five, ten, or even twenty years—or possibly never. Conditions like permanent loss of a limb or severe scarring often fall into this category. The VA assumes the condition will not change, so it does not schedule frequent checks.

If the examiner wrote that your condition is "likely to improve" or "expected to improve," the VA will schedule you for a review much sooner—often within one to two years. This applies to many conditions in the early stages of treatment or recovery. The VA wants to see whether the improvement the examiner predicted actually happened.

How you will know when your review is scheduled

The VA will send you a letter in the mail. This letter tells you the date, time, and location of your exam. You should receive it at least 30 days before the appointment, though sometimes longer. The letter will also tell you what type of exam it is and what records or documents to bring.

If you move and do not update your address with the VA, you may not receive the letter. If you miss your scheduled exam without contacting the VA, the agency may reduce or even terminate your rating. If you know you will not be able to make the appointment, call the VA medical facility listed in the letter as soon as possible to reschedule.

You can also check when your next review is scheduled by logging into VA.gov, calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000, or visiting your local VA regional office in person.

Conditions that trigger more frequent reviews

Some conditions are reviewed more often than the initial examiner's prediction would suggest. The VA has rules that require periodic exams for certain ratings, regardless of stability.

Ratings below 50 percent are reviewed more frequently than ratings of 50 percent or higher. A rating of 20 percent might be reviewed every two to three years, while a rating of 50 percent might not be reviewed for five years. This is because lower ratings are considered less certain and more subject to change.

Conditions related to mental health, such as PTSD or depression, are often reviewed every one to two years, even if the examiner initially predicted stability. The VA treats psychiatric conditions as potentially variable and wants regular updates on your symptoms and treatment response.

How to request a review before your scheduled date

You do not have to wait for the VA's scheduled review if your condition has changed. You can request an exam sooner by filing a new claim with the VA. If you believe your condition has gotten worse, you would file a claim for an increase. If you believe it has improved, you could file a claim for a decrease (though most veterans do not do this).

When you file a claim for an increase, you should include any new medical evidence—recent doctor's notes, test results, hospital records, or statements from your current healthcare providers. The stronger your evidence, the faster the VA can process your request. You can file a claim online at VA.gov, by mail, in person at a VA regional office, or with the help of a Veterans Service Officer.

Filing a claim for an increase does not affect your current rating while the claim is being decided. You keep your current rating and any benefits that come with it until the VA makes a new decision.

What happens during a periodic exam

A periodic exam is similar to your initial rating exam. A VA doctor or contract examiner will examine you, ask about your symptoms, review your medical records, and may order tests. The examiner will then write a report describing your current condition and how it compares to your last exam.

Based on this report, the VA will decide whether to keep your rating the same, increase it, or decrease it. You will receive a new rating decision letter in the mail explaining the outcome. If the VA increases your rating, your new payment amount will start the following month. If it decreases your rating, you have the right to appeal.

The entire process—from exam to decision letter—usually takes two to four months, though it can take longer if the VA needs additional medical records or clarification.

What to do if you miss or cannot attend your scheduled exam

If you receive a letter scheduling an exam and you cannot attend, contact the VA facility listed in the letter when ready. Explain why you cannot make the appointment and ask to reschedule. The VA will usually work with you to find a new date.

If you miss an exam without contacting the VA, the agency may assume you no longer need the rating and may reduce or terminate your benefits. This can happen even if you were unable to attend through no fault of your own. If this happens to you, you can appeal the decision or file a new claim to restore your rating, but it is much easier to contact the VA ahead of time.

If you are hospitalized, incarcerated, or otherwise unable to attend for a legitimate reason, keep documentation of that reason. You can use it to explain the missed appointment if the VA takes action on your rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the VA review my rating more often than scheduled?

Yes. The VA can initiate an unscheduled review if it receives new medical evidence about your condition, if your rating falls into a category that requires more frequent checks, or if there is reason to believe your condition has changed significantly. You can also request an earlier review by filing a claim for an increase.

What if my condition got worse between scheduled reviews?

File a claim for an increase with the VA. Include recent medical records showing the worsening. You do not have to wait for your next scheduled exam. The VA will schedule an exam as part of processing your claim, and if approved, your new rating can be backdated to the date you filed.

How long does a periodic exam take?

The exam itself usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on your condition and how many tests are needed. The entire process from exam to decision letter typically takes two to four months.

Will my rating go down if I attend my periodic exam?

It might, but only if the examiner finds that your condition has genuinely improved. The VA cannot lower your rating just for attending the exam. However, if the exam shows improvement, the VA may decrease your rating. You have the right to appeal any decrease.

What if I disagree with the results of my periodic exam?

You can appeal the new rating decision. You have one year from the date of the decision letter to file a Notice of Disagreement. You can also submit new medical evidence to support your position and request a new exam if you believe the first one was inaccurate.