VA to Rescind Controversial Disability Benefits Rule

The VA will formally revoke a policy that would have based veterans' disability ratings on how they function on medication, not their underlying condition.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expected to formally rescind a controversial rule change that would have required veterans' disability benefits to be based on how they function while on medication, rather than their underlying disability. This decision comes after widespread backlash from veterans and advocates, who argued the policy could penalize veterans for seeking treatment.

Why it matters

The proposed VA rule change sparked outrage from more than 18,500 veterans who submitted public comments, concerned that it would lead to lower disability ratings and compensation for those who take prescribed medications. Veterans' advocates warned the policy could discourage some from seeking treatment to avoid getting a lower rating.

The details

The VA will officially rescind the proposed rule on Friday, according to an advanced Federal Register notice. VA Secretary Doug Collins said the rule will not be enforced at any time in the future, acknowledging that many interpreted it as potentially resulting in 'adverse consequences' for veterans. Lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, had also pushed for a full reversal of the policy.

  • The VA is expected to formally rescind the rule on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The proposed rule change was first announced in late 2025.

The players

Doug Collins

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Richard Blumenthal

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Connecticut who has pushed for the VA to permanently rescind the proposed rule.

John Schen

A veteran who described the proposed rule as 'a slap in the face' in public comments.

Gary Shuler

A veteran who wrote that the rule 'shouldn't just be paused — it should be fully rescinded' in public comments.

Alex Beene

A financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin who previously commented on the VA's rule change.

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What they’re saying

“'VA always takes veterans' concerns seriously and recognizes that many commenters construed the interim final rule as something that could result in adverse consequences.'”

— VA Secretary Doug Collins (Federal Register notice)

“'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.'”

— Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator from Connecticut (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.'”

— Alex Beene, Financial literacy instructor, University of Tennessee at Martin (Newsweek)

What’s next

Once the rule is officially rescinded on Friday, veterans will no longer have to worry about the policy being enacted in the future.

The takeaway

This decision by the VA to formally revoke the controversial disability benefits rule change comes as a relief to veterans and their advocates, who had strongly opposed the policy over concerns it could discourage seeking necessary treatment and lead to reduced compensation.