Doug Collins says interim rule tying VA disability ratings to medicated symptom levels “will not be enforced,” but members of Congress—including Mark Takano—insist the policy must be formally withdrawn.
In a Feb. 19 statement posted on X, VA Secretary Doug Collins announced that the department “is halting the enforcement of the interim final rule,” which had taken effect Feb. 17, the same day it was published in the Federal Register.
The rule—filed under docket RIN 2900-AS49—directed VA medical examiners to base disability ratings on the reduced level of impairment if medication improves a veteran’s condition. Disability ratings directly determine monthly compensation levels for millions of former service members.
Lawmakers: ‘Halting Enforcement Is Not Enough’
The announcement followed swift backlash from lawmakers and veterans service organizations, who warned the rule could penalize veterans for complying with prescribed medical treatment.
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.) argued the change would place veterans “in a position of deciding between managing their health and receiving their full benefits.”
Similarly, Tim Kennedy called the policy “wrong,” stating on X that halting enforcement is insufficient and demanding immediate rescission.
Richard Blumenthal described the rule as a “short-sighted policy to slash disability benefits” and urged the VA to permanently withdraw it.
As of early Feb. 20, more than 10,600 public comments had been filed through Regulations.gov—an unusually high volume in a matter of days, underscoring the political sensitivity of veterans’ disability compensation.
What the Rule Would Have Changed
Under longstanding court interpretations, VA disability ratings are typically based on a condition’s baseline severity unless rating criteria explicitly reference medication. The interim rule sought to override what VA described as “erroneous” judicial interpretations by formally directing examiners to rate disabilities according to medicated symptom levels.
Critics contend the change could reduce ratings—and compensation—for veterans whose conditions are manageable only through consistent pharmaceutical treatment.
Veterans service organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, welcomed the enforcement pause but echoed lawmakers’ calls for full rescission to eliminate uncertainty.
Political and Budgetary Implications
The dispute unfolds amid heightened scrutiny of federal entitlement spending and long-term VA budget projections. Disability compensation represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the VA budget, driven by post-9/11 service-connected claims, toxic exposure legislation, and expanded eligibility categories.
Defense policy analysts note that any perceived reduction in earned benefits carries significant political risk, particularly in an election year and as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
The VA maintains it will continue to accept public comment through April 20 and review stakeholder input before determining next steps.
For now, enforcement is halted—but absent formal rescission, lawmakers warn the rule could re-emerge.
Strategic Context: Why This Matters to the Defense Community
- Force readiness and retention: Disability compensation policies influence morale among active-duty personnel considering long-term service.
- Post-9/11 veteran care: Millions of veterans rely on consistent ratings for financial stability.
- Civil-military trust: Benefit calculations are often viewed as a barometer of the nation’s commitment to those who served.
As the debate continues, the central question remains whether VA leadership will fully withdraw the rule or attempt to revise and reissue it.
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-- By Masakela Rawls
Additional reporting by Michele Robinson
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