ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Veterans Administration rule that could have reduced benefits for veterans whose symptoms improve on medication has been halted. The rule, which could lower a veteran’s rating and therefore their benefits, faced criticism for potentially discouraging veterans from taking necessary medications.
Nick Stefanovich, Monroe County Veteran Services, expressed concern about the rule’s impact. “I don’t want to see any veterans, especially veterans with severe mental illness, not taking their medications so they can receive a higher rating,” he said.
Stefanovich explained the financial implications of the rule. “You could see the difference between a veteran receiving $4,000 a month to being brought down to a couple of hundred dollars a month,” he said.
Chief Investigative Reporter Berkeley Brean: “Why would the VA do this?”Nick Stefanovich, Monroe County Veteran Services: “Save money. It’s a cost cutter.”Brean: “So money is the bottom line here.”Stefanovich: “Yes. And I think even the VA would be honest about that. It’s a cost cutter.”
Following pressure, VA Secretary Doug Collins announced the rule would be halted and not enforced in the future. Collins stated, “VA issued this rule to clarify existing policy and protect veterans benefits in the wake of an ongoing court action, but many interpreted the rule as something that could result in adverse consequences.”
Stefanovich noted that pressure on veterans’ benefits is common and advised veterans to seek help from a certified Veterans Service Officer. Army veteran Scott Maginn emphasized the importance of these benefits. “Many veterans rely on that income. And many veterans are suffering with significant health conditions accordingly,” Maginn said.
The rule would have affected new claims or veterans undergoing re-evaluation, impacting thousands of veterans annually. Veterans can comment on this rule.
Click here to register your comment about VA-2026-VBA-0067.
Rochester veterans’ benefits safe for now as VA halts controversial rule WHEC.com.
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