The VA is expected to formally rescind its controversial rule change that required veterans’ disability benefits to be based on function while on medication, instead of their underlying disability.
An advanced Federal Register notice indicated that the rescission will likely be sent out on Friday, and the effects of medication will not be included in a veteran’s disability ranking now or at any time in the future.
The formal revocation of the rule arrived after widespread backlash in public comments from veterans and veterans advocates.
Why It Matters
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, many demanded a formal reversal over concerns that the policy could be enacted later. If that happened, disability levels would be rated lower because of how well veterans function on medication.
What To Know
A new notice indicates that the VA will officially rescind the proposed rule on Friday.
“VA always takes veterans’ concerns seriously and recognizes that many commenters construed the interim final rule as something that could result in adverse consequences,” the notice read.
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.
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Another veteran, Gary Shuler, wrote: “This decision shouldn’t just be paused — it should be fully rescinded.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.”
Lawmakers also got involved in the rule’s backlash, 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from his short-sighted policy to slash disability benefits for thousands of veterans, this rule must be permanently rescinded,” Blumenthal said this week.
What People Are Saying
VA Secretary Doug Collins said on X earlier this month: “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. 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.”
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
Once the rule is likely to be officially rescinded on Friday, veterans will not have to worry about the policy later coming back on the books.
Read the full article here
