Many veterans don’t realize that the VA can reduce their disability rating under certain circumstances. If you rely on your benefits, it’s important to know when and why the VA might lower your rating—and how to protect it.
The VA reviews disability ratings periodically to determine if a condition has improved. This means if the VA believes your health has gotten better, they may try to reduce your rating—and your compensation.
But not every veteran is at risk. The VA typically looks at cases where the condition is expected to improve or if new medical evidence suggests the veteran’s condition has changed.
So, when can the VA reduce your rating? Let’s break it down.
First, if your rating is not protected and a new Compensation & Pension exam suggests improvement, the VA can lower your rating. That’s why it’s critical to attend your exams and provide updated medical evidence.
Second, if your rating has been stable for 5 years—meaning no improvement over multiple exams—the VA must provide strong medical evidence proving your condition has significantly improved before lowering it.
Third, veterans who have had the same rating for 10 years can’t have their service connection removed, but their percentage can still be lowered if the VA finds medical improvement.
Fourth, after 20 years with the same rating, the VA cannot reduce it below the lowest rating you’ve had for those 20 years. This is one of the strongest rating protections available.
And finally, veterans who receive Permanent & Total disability status have the highest protection. If you’re P&T, your rating is locked in, and the VA cannot lower it unless fraud is involved.
The best way to protect your rating is to keep up with your medical care, attend all VA exams, and submit strong medical evidence showing your condition hasn’t improved—or has worsened.
Not sure if your rating is protected? Veterans Guide can help you understand your benefits and make sure you’re fully covered.
Visit VeteransGuide.org to learn more about rating reductions, protections, and how we can help you keep the benefits you’ve earned.
