Can the VA Reduce My Rating?

Periodically, the VA may arrange re-examinations conducted by external physicians to evaluate your service-connected disabilities, taking into account factors such as:

• The persistence of the same disabilities.
• The consistency or severity of your symptoms.
• And other relevant considerations.

This process is carried out to ensure that disability compensation is provided only to Veterans who genuinely require it. It’s important to note, though, that the VA is legally required to provide written notice, adhering to Due Process, before reducing your benefits.

Does this mean your disability rating will definitely decrease? Not necessarily. Some medical conditions can improve over time with the help of medication, treatment, and the passage of time. Such conditions may encompass issues like PTSD, disabilities leading to obesity, back pain, or other types of pain, limited range of motion in your limbs that can potentially improve with physical therapy, and more.

Even if you’re concerned about a possible decrease in your disability rating, it’s strongly advisable not to skip a re-examination if it is mandated by the VA. Doing so may almost certainly lead to a reduction in your disability rating without an opportunity to present your case.

For disability ratings not covered by specific rules, there’s a possibility of reduction. The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has established certain principles:

• Proposed reductions must be grounded in a review of the complete disability history.
• The VA must determine if there’s been a genuine change in the disability.
• Any improvement in the disability should be evident in the Veteran’s ability to function under normal conditions.
• The examinations reporting such improvement must be thorough.
• If the VA can’t prove these aspects, your rating should not be reduced.