Can the VA Take Your Rating Away? The 5, 10 & 20-Year Rules Every Veteran Must Know

Can the VA take your disability rating away? Yes — but three rules decide when they can and when they legally can't, and most veterans have no idea which one is protecting them right now. In this video I break down the 5-year rule, the 10-year rule, and the 20-year rule in plain English — what each one shields, where a re-examination can still reach you, and what Permanent & Total (P&T) really means for your check. 📘 Get The Veteran's Benefits Playbook here: https://seniorfinance.gumroad.com/l/v... TDIU, SMC, the offset (CRDP/CRSC), secondary claims, appeals and the PACT Act re-files — every move in one place, plain English. What we cover: How a reduction actually starts (the re-exam is the doorway) The 5-Year Rule — a stabilized rating can't be cut without proof of sustained improvement (38 CFR 3.344) The 10-Year Rule — service connection can't be severed except for fraud (38 CFR 3.957) The 20-Year Rule — a rating in place 20+ years is protected for life (38 CFR 3.951(b)) Permanent & Total (P&T) and when re-exams stop for good Exactly what to do if a re-examination notice shows up in your mailbox I'm Frank Sutherland — a veteran who digs through these bills and the regulations so you don't have to. No hype, no sales pitch, just what the fine print actually says about your rating. If this helped, share it with another veteran who needs to hear it. ⚠️ I am NOT a VA employee, an accredited claims agent, an attorney, or a VSO, and this channel is NOT affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. This is general educational information, not legal or claims advice — always confirm your own situation with an accredited VSO before you file or respond to the VA. #vadisability #veterans #vaclaims #vabenefits #veteransbenefits