VA reverses on new disability rating rule after intense backlash

Source: The Hill

02/20/26 1:45 PM ET


The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this week abruptly reversed course on a new rule requiring veterans’ disability ratings to be calculated by how well they function on medication and not on the underlying condition or injury itself, a stance that was quickly condemned.

“Effective immediately, VA is halting enforcement of the interim final rule, ‘Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication,’” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement posted to social media Thursday afternoon. “VA issued the rule to clarify existing policy and protect Veterans’ benefits in the wake of an ongoing court action. But many interpreted the rule as something that could result in adverse consequences,” Collins said.

The federal rule, which went into effect Tuesday with no warning, drew swift outrage from major veterans groups that argued it could lower disability compensation for millions of veterans who suffer from physical ailments, such as bone or muscle injuries and hypertension or mental health issues. Chief among the concerns was that the change could lead to veterans choosing not to take medication to be rated higher and receive larger compensation.

“The VA’s response to the well-articulated concerns raised by so many has been dismissive and unacceptable,” Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander Carol Whitmore said on Thursday. “Disabled veterans should never be forced to choose between following their doctor’s orders and protecting their earned benefits. This interim rule puts that stability at risk, and it must be withdrawn.”

Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5747922-veterans-affairs-reverses-disability-rule/