US EditionVFW says new federal rule could lower disability compensation for millions of veterans
VA Secretary Doug Collins halted the rule after widespread veteran opposition over concerns it could reduce compensation for millions managing disabilities with medication.
- The VA on February 17 issued an interim final rule titled `Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication` that amended section 4.10 to evaluate disabilities based on actual functional impairment while on medication.
- Responding to Ingram v. Collins and Jones v. Shinseki , VA officials argued these rulings force speculative unmedicated baselines and create burdens that risk widespread disruption.
- Data from the agency shows the rule's reach could affect more than 6 million veterans, over 500 diagnostic codes, and require re-adjudication of over 350,000 pending claims, with a $100 million impact.
- Lawyers and veterans filed lawsuits and petitions as the rule applies immediately to new claims, pending claims, requests for increased ratings, and scheduled reexaminations, with a public comment period through April 20.
- Advocates and clinicians warn the rule may discourage veterans from taking prescribed medications, risking health harms for PTSD, while congressional scrutiny and calls for hearings are expected.
55 Articles
55 Articles
In rare move, Veterans Affairs pulls back on controversial disability rule
The Department of Veterans Affairs has halted plans to enforce a controversial rule that would have cut disability compensation for veterans making claims. The decision follows a backlash from veterans groups, which had criticized the rule’s impact on benefits. VA Secretary Douglas A. Collins posted on X on Thursday that the agency will not enforce the rule but will continue to collect public comments. The department had initially issued the rul…
'We're not idiots': GOP under fire as it walks back major change to veterans' health care
The Trump administration kicked a hornet's nest this month when officials moved to change health coverage rules for veterans' benefits in a way that would potentially roll back disability status from thousands of retired servicemembers — and now they're trying to walk back that policy change.However, prominent lawmakers and veterans' groups were not persuaded by the new update.The rule change, which was proposed by right-wing think tanks during …
Trump caves on cutting military veterans' treatment after outcry
Stars and Stripes reports Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins announced the VA was ending a controversial policy that lowered a veteran’s disability rating and subsequent monthly compensation.The administration of President Donald Trump began enforcing the rule after a series of policy decisions that riled veterans in Trump's first year.The rule had gone into effect Tuesday without prior notice, reports the Pentagon-funded news services, and…
The Daily News - Jacksonville, NC
Paralyzed Veterans of America Issues Statement in Response to Department of Veterans Affairs' Decision to Halt Enforcement of Recent Interim Rule
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America Chief Executive Officer Carl Blake released the following statement in response to the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) decision to pause enforcement of its recent interim final rule impacting veterans'…
VA backs off rule that would have cut benefits amid outrage
The Department of Veterans Affairs is halting enforcement of a new rule for determining disability payments after veterans across the US expressed outrage for what they said would likely reduce benefits for many.
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