Veterans of TOO.COM

[Stressless]

The C&P exams needed updated.

Example: 50% disabled for snoring, aka sleep apnea, which is very common corrected by multiple medical techniques, provided by the VA cost free, doesn't currently reduce the rating. In other words, you go to the C&P exam, wear a sleep/breath analysis gizmo, record 10 events a night. 50% disability, 100# overweight etc.. nothing matters. They provide a CPAC, take the sleep breath test wearing it, zero events, you still were collecting 50% disability.

This rectifies that obvious defect in disability. You wear it, but due to service connected event like my childhood friend who became a Recon Marine, combat diver, who was on a dive and they faq'd up the air mixture and burnt his lungs, still 10 events a night w/ the CPAC, still 50%.

The bloated and unbalanced VA needs this common sence way forward- I hope it serves our warriors well. We'll see.

 

[giles]

That is fucking stupid. That promotes pill popping junkies.

 

[Dustinb80]

It's already been put on hold.

 

[Stressless]

Thx Dustin. Been off line in Orlando and saw the 17th PR.

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Background:
The rule took immediate effect upon publication in the Federal Register, overriding prior court precedent (like the 2025 Ingram v. Collins decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims), which had required discounting medication benefits in many cases.
However, due to widespread backlash from veterans, advocacy groups (e.g., VFW, DAV, American Legion), and public outcry over potential rating reductions for conditions managed by medication (PTSD, mental health, musculoskeletal issues, etc.), the VA reversed course very quickly.

On February 19, 2026 (just two days later), VA Secretary Doug Collins announced that the Department is halting enforcement of the rule effective immediately and will not enforce it now or in the future. This was shared via official statements, including on X (formerly Twitter) and covered by outlets like CNN, Military Times, Stars and Stripes, and veterans' law firms like CCK Law.

It's not a full formal withdrawal or rescission yet (some sources note "halting enforcement" differs from outright withdrawing the rule from the docket, meaning it could theoretically be revived later without new action).
The public comment period remains open until April 20, 2026, via regulations.gov (docket VA-2026-VBA-0067), where veterans and organizations can submit feedback.

Advocacy groups are pushing for full rescission and a return to the prior standard (discounting medication effects unless explicitly in the rating criteria).

Way forward for veterans:

The rule is not currently being applied in claims processing, exams, or rating decisions. Pending claims affected by the original change should proceed under the pre-February 17 standard.
Continue monitoring official VA sources (va.gov, Federal Register) or trusted VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations) for any further updates.

If you have a pending claim or upcoming exam involving medication-managed conditions, consult a VSO, accredited representative, or veterans' law attorney for personalized guidance.
Submit comments to the docket if you want to influence the outcome—many groups are encouraging strong opposition to prevent revival.

This rapid reversal shows the power of veteran advocacy and public response in this case.

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