Recent VA Rule Change

[Bob Peetz]

Guys,

A new Department of Veterans Affairs rule that took effect Feb. 17 changes how the agency evaluates disability ratings for millions of veterans, tying compensation to how well a veteran functions while on medication rather than to the severity of the underlying condition.

VA Secretary Douglas Collins  signed the rule Feb. 11 and invoked emergency authority so it would take effect immediately which bypassed the normal 60-day Congressional review period. His action also skipped the  advance public comment period.

After Veterans Support Groups sounded the alarm and started passing the word, the VA made an sudden about-face and announced they were "halting enforcement" the new rule that tied medication to a veteran's disability rating. NOTE: The VA did NOT remove or formally rescind the change; they just said that the rule “will not be enforced at any time in the future.”

It's time to take action. Before April 20, 2026 you can submit public comments to both the

 Federal Register at:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/17/2026-03068/evaluative-rating-impact-of-medication?fbclid=IwY2xjawQJpe5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ2d04zNGFPdEY2THpkMFc5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHipwskzlra0Wb6LlZlLlG1PLA92KHURuEudA9em3WHy_xowMLkwbyF08p8Vq_aem_ynBDHiyKz22tKlISeeyF-g#open-comment

and at Regulations.gov at:

https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/VA-2026-VBA-0067-0001

Tell them that as a Veteran you are  extremely disappointment and alarmed that the VA  used "an unnecessarily expedited process that effectively shut out veterans from providing any meaningful input." 

Believe that the rule change disregards clear court decisions.

Question how it will impact  Veterans with pending claims; Veterans planning to file a claim; and Veterans currently receiving disability compensation.

Are worried about unforeseen and harmful effects on Veterans in the future.

Also contact your federally elected officials and ask them to support the VFW, DAV and other Veterans groups to "seek legislative clarification protecting the veteran-centric benefits system". Ask that they reply to your request by mail or email to let them know their position on the subject and what action they will be taking in support of VOTING Veterans.

Senate members can be contacred through:

https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

House members can be contacred through:

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Winds, Bob