Duckworth Calls On VA To Reverse Disability Rating Rule

WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth is urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to rescind a new interim rule that changes how disability ratings are determined for veterans. The policy measures how a condition appears during an appointment rather than the disability itself, which could lower ratings for veterans receiving treatment. Duckworth said the change could discourage veterans from seeking care or benefits earned through service. The rule also affects reviews tied to coverage expanded under the PACT Act. Duckworth said the rule was implemented without public comment and should be withdrawn.