Denise Formolo

KINGSFORD — The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented a new rule change for rating compensation. This change takes effect immediately.

VA Disability Rating Rule Change

“Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” – Effective Feb. 17.

1. What changed?

On Feb. 17, VA put into effect an interim final rule called “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication.” It amends 38 C.F.R. § 4.10 in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).

The rule says that when VA decides a disability rating, it must look at how a veteran actually functions with medication and treatment, not just the underlying condition by itself.

Public comments are open for 60 days, through April 20.

2. What does the rule say?

The rule changes how VA applies § 4.10 (functional impairment):

— Focus on real-world functioning: Ratings are to be based on the veteran’s actual functional impairment in daily life, including when they are using medication or other treatment.

— Medication and treatment count: VA states that the effects of medication and treatment are part of the veteran’s overall functioning and must be considered when deciding the rating.

— Response to court cases: VA says this rule “clarifies” its longstanding interpretation and is meant to correct court decisions that, in VA’s view, misinterpreted the role of medication in rating disabilities.

Advocates note that this moves away from earlier case law (such as Jones and McCarroll) that often required VA to rate based on the condition without the benefit of medication when the diagnostic code did not mention medication.

3. How might this affect veterans?

Veterans’ groups and legal advocates are warning that this rule may lower disability ratings over time because —

— Controlled symptoms may look “milder”: If medication or treatment makes symptoms appear less severe at an exam, VA may assign a lower rating than if it rated the underlying condition without treatment.

— Future exams and new claims: The rule applies to how VA evaluates functional impairment going forward, so it may influence new claims, increases, and some future review exams.

— Potential impact on compensation: If ratings are reduced in future decisions, monthly compensation could decrease for some veterans.

This rule is effective immediately, but it can still be changed after the comment period or through future legal challenges.

4. What this rule does not do (based on the text of the rule)

— It does not tell veterans to stop medication. There is no requirement to stop or change treatment for rating purposes.

— It does not automatically reduce existing ratings. The rule changes how VA evaluates functional impairment; it does not, by itself, order across-the-board reductions. Any change would still have to go through normal VA rating and due-process procedures.

(However, because future decisions will apply this standard, veterans and advocates are watching closely for how it is used in practice.)

5. What veterans can do right now

— Do not stop treatment or medication. Make health decisions with your doctor, not based on rating rules.

— Document your functioning clearly: Keep records of symptoms, side effects, and “bad days,” even when on medication. Describe limitations in daily life (work, family, sleep, social activities), not just diagnosis labels.

— Watch your mail: If VA proposes a change to your rating, read the letter carefully and respond by the deadline.

— Submit a public comment: Veterans, families, and VSOs can submit comments on the rule through April 20, 2026.

— Talk to a CVSO or accredited representative before filing new claims, requesting increases, or responding to any proposed reduction.

6. Key takeaway

VA’s Feb. 17, rule “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” changes the focus of disability ratings to how you function with medication and treatment in real life. It is already in effect, may influence future ratings and compensation, and is being closely challenged and monitored by veterans’ advocates.

If you have any further questions, contact the Dickinson County Veteran Service Office at 906-774-2820.