The Department of Veterans Affairs is “halting the enforcement” of a controversial new rule that could lower veterans’ disability ratings if their prescribed medications or treatment improves their illness or injuries, VA Secretary Doug Collins announced on Thursday.
“VA issued the rule to clarify existing policy and protect Veterans’ benefits in the wake of an ongoing court action,” Collins wrote in a Thursday X post. “But many interpreted the rule as something that could result in adverse consequences.”
Collins’ announcement came after an outcry of criticism to the rule from veterans service organizations, which said they did not get to provide input ahead of the ruling and warned that veterans could stop taking their prescribed medications to avoid a lower rating.
“While VA does not agree with the way this rule has been characterized, the department always takes Veterans’ concerns seriously,” Collins wrote. “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.”
Read VA Secretary Doug Collins’ full statement below:
Effective immediately, VA is halting enforcement of the interim final rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication.
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.
Under my leadership, VA is ensuring that everyone applying for benefits receives everything they have earned as quickly and conveniently as possible. This includes reducing the backlog of Veterans waiting for benefits by more than 60 percent. We will continue these improvements on behalf of America’s Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors.
This is a breaking news story, and it will be updated as more information becomes available.
