Budzinski Statement on VA Changing Course on Disability Rating Rule Following Democratic Pressure

<p><strong>SPRINGFIELD, IL&nbsp; –&nbsp;</strong>Today,&nbsp;<strong>Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization</strong>&nbsp;released the following statement after the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) rescinded a recently published&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/17/2026-03068/evaluative-rating-impact-of-medication">Interim Final Rule (IFR)</a>, which changed how veteran disability ratings would be evaluated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IFR, which VA published on February 17th, 2026, would allow the department to reduce ratings based on the effects of medication when evaluating a service-connected disability, essentially directing examiners to disregard unmedicated baseline severity. The IFR faced widespread pushback from veterans, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), and Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Budzinski.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When VA announced this change to the disability rating process, I joined the veteran community and fellow lawmakers to demand a reversal. If implemented, the rule would have reduced benefits for millions of veterans who take medications to manage their condition. While it is a relief that Secretary Collins is walking it back, this rule should never have been issued in the first place,” said&nbsp;<strong>Congresswoman Budzinski</strong>.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>“As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I will continue to stand up for the veterans I represent and fight any attempt by the Trump administration to weaken their benefits.”</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Budzinski joined 19 of her Democratic colleagues on the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs to send a joint letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins urging him to completely and permanently rescind the rule. She also signed onto a comment letter to VA on February 26th, 2026 demanding Secretary Collins fully rescind the rule.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The post <a href="https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-statement-on-va-changing-course-on-disability-rating-rule-following-democratic-pressure">Budzinski Statement on VA Changing Course on Disability Rating Rule Following Democratic Pressure</a> appeared first on <a href="https://budzinski.house.gov">Nikki Budzinski</a>.</p>