Budzinski Statement on VA Changing Course on Disability Rating Rule Following Democratic Pressure

SPRINGFIELD, IL  – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization released the following statement after the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) rescinded a recently published Interim Final Rule (IFR), which changed how veteran disability ratings would be evaluated. 

The IFR, which VA published on February 17th, 2026, would allow the department to reduce ratings based on the effects of medication when evaluating a service-connected disability, essentially directing examiners to disregard unmedicated baseline severity. The IFR faced widespread pushback from veterans, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), and Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Budzinski. 

“When VA announced this change to the disability rating process, I joined the veteran community and fellow lawmakers to demand a reversal. If implemented, the rule would have reduced benefits for millions of veterans who take medications to manage their condition. While it is a relief that Secretary Collins is walking it back, this rule should never have been issued in the first place,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I will continue to stand up for the veterans I represent and fight any attempt by the Trump administration to weaken their benefits.”

Earlier this week, Budzinski joined 19 of her Democratic colleagues on the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs to send a joint letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins urging him to completely and permanently rescind the rule. She also signed onto a comment letter to VA on February 26th, 2026 demanding Secretary Collins fully rescind the rule. 

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