Major Changes to VA Disability Rating Criteria: What Veterans Need to Know Now
New VA Rules Could Affect Your Disability Compensation—Are You Prepared?
If you’re a veteran receiving VA disability compensation, recent changes to the VA’s disability rating criteria could directly impact your benefits. The VA has updated how it evaluates certain conditions, meaning some veterans could see rating reductions while others may have new opportunities to receive a higher percentage.
These changes are already in effect, so understanding them now is crucial to ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve. Here are three significant updates and how they could impact your claim.
1. Stricter Criteria for Sleep Apnea Ratings
One of the most significant changes affects veterans with sleep apnea, a condition that has long been rated at 50% disability for those who require a CPAP machine. Under the new VA rating rules, simply needing a CPAP may no longer qualify you for a higher disability rating. Instead:
• Mild cases may be rated at 0%, meaning no compensation.
• Moderate cases will receive 10% if symptoms persist despite treatment.
• Severe cases where sleep apnea significantly impacts daily functioning may still qualify for higher ratings.
What this means for veterans: If your current rating is based on CPAP use, you may need additional medical evidence proving how sleep apnea impacts your daily life to avoid having your rating reduced.
2. Mental Health Ratings Adjusted for Severity
The VA has revised its mental health rating criteria, affecting conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Previously, ratings were based heavily on occupational and social impairment. The new system:
• Focuses more on symptom severity rather than how it affects work or social interactions.
• May allow higher ratings for severe cases, even if veterans can still work.
• This could result in lower ratings for mild-to-moderate cases if symptoms are deemed manageable with treatment.
What this means for veterans: If you are receiving a rating for PTSD or another mental health condition, you should review the new evaluation criteria and consider submitting additional medical evidence to reflect your current symptom severity.
3. Changes to Tinnitus Disability Ratings
For years, tinnitus—a constant ringing in the ears—has been one of the most commonly approved VA disabilities, often receiving a 10% rating regardless of severity. Under the new rules:
• Tinnitus must be linked to another service-connected condition to qualify for compensation.
• Standalone tinnitus claims may now be denied outright unless secondary to hearing loss or another disorder.
What this means for veterans: If you have tinnitus but no other hearing-related condition, your claim may be denied or re-evaluated for a lower rating. Veterans should work with a medical professional to document secondary conditions that could strengthen their case.
What You Should Do Now
These changes could have profound implications for many veterans. If you’re currently rated for sleep apnea, PTSD, or tinnitus, take action now:
✅ Review your current VA rating and medical records.
✅ Consult with a VA-accredited representative or a veterans’ advocate to determine if your benefits are at risk.
✅ If needed, gather additional medical evidence to support your condition under the new rating criteria.
The VA disability process constantly evolves, and staying informed is key to protecting your benefits. Don’t wait until your rating is reduced—be proactive and take charge of your claim today!