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Veterans and the New VA Disability Ratings Rule
ruvim senina
February 19, 2026
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently implemented a controversial rule that changes how veterans’ disability ratings are determined. Under the new policy, disability levels are assessed based on how well veterans function while on medication, rather than the underlying impairment itself. Proponents argue this method reflects the practical reality of daily life, where many conditions are controlled by modern treatments. However, critics, including many veterans’ organizations, say this approach risks reducing benefits for those whose conditions are effectively managed by medication but still have significant impacts.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has publicly condemned the interim rule, stating that it could lower compensation for millions of veterans. The organization emphasizes that the value of a disability should not be diminished simply because it is treatable, arguing that such a policy penalizes veterans for following their prescribed medical care. Veterans who have relied on these benefits express concern that they may face unexpected reductions in financial support, which could affect healthcare access, housing, and overall quality of life.
Beyond the medication-based rating system, there is ongoing legislative discussion around eliminating “double-dipping” rules that currently prevent some injured and ill veterans from receiving both full disability compensation and full retirement pay. Advocates argue that this change would provide a fairer system that recognizes both service-related impairments and long-term career contributions. Lawmakers and veterans’ groups continue to push for reforms that ensure veterans are not financially penalized for serving their country.
My Thoughts
Basing a veteran’s disability rating solely on how well they function while on medication seems fundamentally unfair. A person’s abilities can vary significantly depending on whether they are on medication or not, and measuring their disability only in the “medicated state” ignores the full impact of the underlying condition. This approach could dangerously underrepresent the real challenges veterans face, potentially reducing essential benefits and support for those whose conditions are managed but not cured. By focusing only on functional ability with medication, the VA risks penalizing veterans for following prescribed treatments, rather than recognizing the full scope of their service-related disabilities. Additionally, being on medication does not automatically mean a veteran feels better every day — sometimes the medication works, sometimes it doesn’t. So basing ratings solely on how well someone functions while medicated does not capture the variability of their experience and could unfairly underestimate their needs.
Even if a veteran’s condition is managed with medication, it is not fair to reduce their compensation. Just because someone is doing better on medication doesn’t mean every day will be better — there are days when the medication helps and days when it doesn’t help at all. The ups and downs are part of living with a disability, and benefits should reflect the reality of that experience, not just how someone functions on their best days. I haven’t served in the military, but from my own experience as a person with a disability, I know that relying on medication is not a guarantee of consistent improvement, and that variability can make a huge difference in daily life.
This change shows that society often does not take disability seriously. If it did, policymakers would recognize that medication alone does not “fix” the underlying issues people face, especially for veterans who have served in the military. Disabilities have complex impacts beyond what can be controlled with medication, and reducing support based only on temporary improvements overlooks the real challenges these individuals live with every day. I want to take a moment to honor all of our service members who have served our nation — thank you so much for your service.