Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to officially cancel a rule that would have changed how disability benefits are calculated for veterans. The rule would have considered how veterans function on medication instead of their underlying disabilities. After strong negative reactions from veterans and their advocates, the VA decided not to enforce this rule.
Key Facts
- The VA introduced a rule that would change disability ratings based on veterans' functioning while on medication.
- More than 18,500 veterans and advocates submitted public comments against the rule.
- VA Secretary Doug Collins stated the rule would no longer be enforced due to the backlash.
- There were concerns the rule could lower disability ratings by considering medication effects.
- Veterans feared it could lead them to stop taking prescribed medicines to maintain their benefit levels.
- Lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, are pushing for laws to prevent such policies from being implemented in the future.
- The VA's notice clarified that the rule will not be enforced now or in the future.
