Trump Admin Pressured To Rescind Rule Changing Veterans Benefits

VA Secretary says rule will not be enforced, but veterans want official reversal

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Trump administration is facing pressure to repeal a newly proposed rule that would impact veterans' disability benefits. Over 18,500 veterans sent in comments regarding the new VA Department policy that would change disability ratings and compensation to be based on how veterans function under medication, not their baseline disability. While the VA Secretary said the rule would no longer be enforced, veterans are pushing for an official reversal of the policy.

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.

The details

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 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.'

  • The comment period on the rule ends on April 20, 2026.
  • VA Secretary Doug Collins said the rule would no longer be enforced on Thursday.

The players

Doug Collins

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Richard Blumenthal

A Democratic Senator from Connecticut who is seeking to pass a law to prevent the implementation of the policy.

John Schen

A veteran who said the rule was 'a slap in the face' in the open feedback comment form.

Gary Shuler

A veteran who wrote that the decision 'shouldn't just be paused — it should be fully rescinded.'

Christopher Rohrer

A veteran who said he was 'scared and appalled' about the possibility of his disability rating changing and that without VA assistance, he would be homeless.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Doug Collins, VA Secretary

“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.”

— Gary Shuler, Veteran

“I already struggle to pay for monthly expenses, and without the VA assistance, I would be homeless. My service to this country led to my disabilities that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

— Christopher Rohrer, Veteran

What’s 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 on April 20.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining disability benefits for veterans who have sacrificed for their country, and the need for the VA to carefully consider the impact of any policy changes on those who have served.