VA Announces Immediate Halt to Controversial Rule On February 19, 2026 the Department of Veterans Affairs declared it would not enforce the interim disability‑rating rule that had taken effect two days earlier, citing a rapid and loud nationwide backlash from veterans and advocacy groups. The decision was communicated by VA Secretary Denis Collins and press secretary Peter Kasperowicz, who emphasized that the pause would remain while the agency reviews the policy. The announcement marked the first reversal of the rule since its publication in the Federal Register on February 17, 2026 [1].

Rule Would Have Linked Benefits to Medication‑Affected Functioning The interim rule required that a veteran’s disability rating reflect functional improvements attributable to medication, meaning that painkillers mitigating a knee injury or psychiatric drugs easing PTSD symptoms could lower the compensation percentage. Published in the Federal Register on February 17, 2026, the rule stipulated immediate effect and claimed it would not alter existing ratings, though critics argued it set a precedent for future reductions. VA officials argued the change would create a more accurate assessment of impairment, but the language sparked confusion among beneficiaries [1].

Veteran Organizations and Politicians Condemn Rule as Punitive The Veterans of Foreign Wars, led by National Commander Carol Whitmore, warned the rule could penalize veterans who follow doctors’ orders, while Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett labeled the policy “insane.” Senator Tammy Duckworth joined the criticism, accusing the VA of backtracking under pressure and urging congressional oversight. These statements amplified the perception that the rule unfairly targeted veterans receiving medication for physical or mental health conditions [1].

Legal Challenge Cites Prior Court Decisions to Block Rule Law firms Stone Rose and MilVet filed a lawsuit in Washington state seeking a federal appeals‑court order to vacate the rule, arguing it violates recent jurisprudence and would cause financial harm to veterans. The complaint references the 2025 Ingram v. Collins decision, which prohibits lowering disability ratings based on medication effects, and challenges the VA’s claim that the rule merely interprets the decision erroneously. The case adds a judicial dimension to the political and public opposition already mounting against the policy [1].