The Trump administration is facing pressure to repeal a newly proposed rule that would impact veterans’ disability benefits.
More than 18,500 veterans sent in comments regarding the new Veterans Affairs (VA) Department policy that would change disability ratings and compensation to be based on how veterans function under medication, not their baseline disability.
While VA Secretary Doug Collins said the rule would no longer be enforced after widespread criticism, the veterans are pushing for an official reversal of the rule.
“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 wrote on X on Thursday. “While VA does not agree with the way this rule has been characterized, the department always takes Veterans’ concerns seriously. To alleviate these concerns, VA will continue to collect public comments regarding the rule, but it will not be enforced at any time in the future.”
Why It Matters
The new policy would have impacted how VA rates veterans’ disabilities when they file new claims and have their disabilities evaluated during doctor exams.
If their disability levels were rated lower because of how well they function on medication, payment amounts could decrease dramatically for millions of disabled veterans across the country.
Veterans’ advocates said the rule would penalize veterans for undergoing treatment for their conditions, warning that some might stop taking prescribed medications to avoid getting a lower rating, military news website Task and Purpose reported.
What To Know
Thousands of veterans sent in their reactions to the rule and responses were overwhelmingly negative.
For example, veteran John Schen said the rule was “a slap in the face” in the open feedback comment form.
Another veteran, Gary Shuler, wrote: “This decision shouldn’t just be paused — it should be fully rescinded. Anything less feels like a profound disrespect to those who have served and those who are currently serving.”
If not rescinded, many worry the VA could theoretically put the policy into effect whenever it wants.
Veteran Christopher Rohrer said he was “scared and appalled” about the possibility of his disability rating changing and added that his disability from his time serving the country impedes his ability to find employment.
“I already struggle to pay for monthly expenses, and without the VA assistance, I would be homeless,” Rohrer wrote. “My service to this country led to my disabilities that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Some lawmakers have become involved as well, with Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, saying he is seeking to pass a law that would officially prevent veterans from dealing with the policy in the future.
“While I’m encouraged that the secretary has temporarily walked away from his short-sighted policy to slash disability benefits for thousands of veterans, this rule must be permanently rescinded,” Blumenthal said this week.
The rule originally stipulated that “if medication or treatment lowers the level of disability, the rating will be based on that lowered disability level.”
Experts predict that the VA will officially rescind the rule at the end of the comment period on April 20.
VA spokesman Pete Kasperowicz said previously that the rule “will have no impact on any veteran’s current disability rating.”
How Are Veterans Disability Benefits Calculated?
Currently, the VA pays roughly $150 billion in disability benefits yearly, and disability determination ratings play a major role in how much is sent.
Veterans disability benefits are calculated by assigning separate percentage ratings to each service‑connected condition.
The agency then combines them using VA math, applying each condition to what’s left of a veteran’s “whole person” and rounding to the nearest 10 percent, which can significantly change the outcome.
What People Are Saying
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, previously told Newsweek: “Veterans advocates were incredibly concerned over the wording of a new rule that will not be enforced… Of course, the concern would be the rule would change the way veterans sought certain treatments and medications for fear of the new rating system. While the rule is still technically ‘on the books,’ leadership quickly stepped back from implementing it.”
What Happens Next
While the VA likely will not bring back the rule after the widespread backlash, many are still pushing for a full reversal of the policy before the end of the comment period.
“It’s doubtful to see them [the VA] attempting it any time soon, as the potential effects for some veterans could prove disastrous,” Beene said.
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