To increase your VA disability rating from 80% to 100%, you need to focus on properly documenting and filing claims for your service-connected conditions. Here are the main approaches:

Appeal your current rating

If you believe your existing conditions are more severe than currently rated, you can:

• File for an increase using VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim)
• Provide new medical evidence showing worsening symptoms
• Get updated medical opinions documenting increased severity

Claim secondary conditions

• Identify medical conditions caused or aggravated by your existing service-connected disabilities
• Get medical evidence establishing this connection
• File these as secondary service-connected disabilities

File for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability)

If your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate even without a 100% combined rating. Requirements typically include:

• At least one condition rated at 60% or more, OR
• Multiple conditions with a combined rating of 70% and at least one rated at 40%
• Evidence that you cannot work due to these conditions

Important steps

1. Gather comprehensive medical evidence for all claims
2. Consider working with a VSO (Veterans Service Organization), accredited agent, or VA attorney
3. Attend all C&P (Compensation & Pension) exams
4. Be thorough and specific about how your conditions affect daily functioning

VA Disability Benefits for Spouses

As the spouse of a disabled veteran, you may be eligible for several important VA benefits. Here’s what you should know:

Benefits Available to Spouses of Disabled Veterans

1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
   • Available to surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions
   • Also available if the veteran had a 100% disability rating for at least 10 years before death
   • Monthly tax-free monetary benefit
2. CHAMPVA Health Insurance
   • Available to spouses of veterans with 100% permanent and total disability ratings
   • Provides cost-sharing healthcare coverage
   • Covers most medically necessary services and supplies
3. Chapter 35 Education Benefits (DEA)
   • Education assistance for spouses of veterans with 100% permanent and total disability
   • Can be used for college, vocational training, certification programs
   • Provides monthly stipend for up to 45 months of education
4. VA Pension/Death Pension
   • Income-based benefit for surviving spouses of wartime veterans
   • Requires financial need and limited income/assets
5. Commissary and Exchange Privileges
   • Available to spouses of veterans rated 100% disabled
   • Provides access to military shopping facilities
6. Aid and Attendance/Housebound Benefits
   • Additional allowance for spouses who need regular aid
   • Available as an add-on to pension benefits

Eligibility Considerations

• Most substantial benefits require the veteran to have a 100% disability rating
• Some benefits continue after the veteran’s death
• Marriage duration requirements may apply for certain benefits
• Different requirements exist for surviving spouses versus current spouses