Disabled Veterans: Your VA Rating Is Safer Than the Headlines Say (2026)

You have probably seen the headlines: "The VA is cutting ratings in 2026." Before you panic, here is what is actually true. The scary story is about a proposal that is not law, and the rating you already earned is protected by rules most veterans have never had explained to them. In this video I break it down calmly and accurately. What the VA actually proposed (a new five-domain model for mental health that would raise the minimum rating from 0% to 10%, not slash it). Why a proposed rule cannot cut your check overnight. And the protections that guard the rating you already hold: the 5-year rule, the 10-year rule, the 20-year rule, plus Permanent and Total and 100% protections. I will also be straight about the one situation that needs closer attention, and exactly what to do if you ever get a reduction notice. DISCLAIMER This is education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. VA rules are detailed and your situation is your own, so confirm anything specific with the VA or an accredited representative before you act. Helpful links: Protected ratings (5/10/20-year rules): https://www.va.gov/disability/ GAO report on VA rating criteria (GAO-26-108844): https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-1... Find free accredited help / a County Veterans Service Officer: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accredita... If this calmed you down or taught you something, share it with a veteran who needs to hear it. #VeteransBenefits #VADisability #VARating #DisabledVeterans #VAClaims can the va cut your rating, va disability rating protection, va 5 year rule, va 10 year rule, va 20 year rule, protected va ratings, permanent and total va, 100 percent va rating protection, va rating changes 2026, va mental health rating proposal, va rewriting ptsd ratings, is the va cutting ratings, va reduction notice what to do, disabled veterans 2026, va rating schedule change