VA Benefits: Full List of Senators Pushing Back on Major Disability Change
Summary
Nearly 50 Senate Democrats and independents oppose a proposed change to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits that could reduce payments for veterans with sleep apnea and tinnitus. The proposed rule would base compensation on how well conditions are managed by treatment rather than the condition itself.Key Facts
- The group of senators sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins opposing the changes.
- The proposal affects how disability ratings for sleep apnea and tinnitus are calculated.
- Sleep apnea ratings currently give about 50% disability if veterans use a CPAP machine, but the change would lower ratings if treatment works well.
- Tinnitus currently receives a 10% disability rating but might no longer get standalone benefits under the new rule.
- The VA tried to enact a similar rule in February but withdrew it after backlash from veterans.
- The changes are part of a larger legislative package called the “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act.”
- Some veterans’ groups worry that expanding benefits for some will cause cuts for others.
- More than 1 million veterans could be affected by these proposed changes.
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