The Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus strongly opposes the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) newly issued interim final rule that amends how certain service-connected disabilities are rated. Under this new rule published on February 17, 2026, VA will rate some disabilities based on post-medication severity, rather than establishing a baseline level of disability before treatment. This contradicts recent court decisions and will result in lower ratings and reduced benefits for millions of veterans.
Although the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has since stated that the rule will not be enforced at this time, non-enforcement is not the same as rescission. The rule remains in effect and could be enforced at the Secretary’s discretion in the future.
“VA disability ratings are meant to reflect lasting service-connected injuries. The Trump administration’s proposal would effectively penalize veterans for getting care when it helps them function. It shamefully undermines veterans’ support — and fits a broader pattern from this president of not valuing those who served,” said Stephen Peters, Marine Corps veteran, military spouse, and VMF member in the United Kingdom.
“Where was the consultation with veteran service organizations and other stakeholders beforehand? Where is the evidence that VA is doing something actually beneficial for veteran claimants? Veterans living abroad already have an unfair playing field in attempting to receive their earned VA benefits, and this rule makes it unnecessarily harder for vets to get service-connected for their disabilities,” added Michael Ramos, another VMF member who identifies as a veteran and military family member, and resident of Australia. “Once again, veterans have kept their end of the contract by serving in uniform, risking their health and well-being, and doing so without question. I encourage every American who cares about our nation’s wounded warriors to leave a public comment on the rule in addition to urging their members of Congress to take legislative action to halt this anti-veteran rule.”
This new rule is deeply flawed. Rating disabilities based on post-medication symptoms rather than a veteran’s baseline level of impairment ignores medical reality. Medication can mask symptoms; it often does not cure the underlying disability, eliminate side effects, or restore lost functioning. Lowering ratings on this basis will strip veterans and their loved ones of earned benefits and financial stability. VA should immediately engage in meaningful public input and fully withdraw or revise this rule to reflect the lived experience of veterans.
By asserting a so-called “good cause” exception to bypass standard notice-and-comment procedures, VA tried to put a rule into immediate effect that would reduce disability ratings and benefits without first hearing from the veterans, families, caregivers, and clinicians who live with the consequences of these decisions every day. This approach shows a troubling disregard for both administrative transparency and the military-connected community VA is charged with serving.
Decisions this consequential must not be made without the voices of the community they affect. The public comment period remains open through April 20, 2026, and veterans, family members, caregivers, and allies should continue submitting comments urging VA to fully withdraw this rule.