Can the VA reduce my disability rating once it’s been assigned?
I finally got my 80% rating, but I'm terrified that the VA will suddenly decide I'm better and take it away. Can they just reduce my rating whenever they want, or are there protections?
1 Answer
The VA can reduce a disability rating, but they must follow strict legal procedures and prove that there has been "sustained improvement" in your medical condition. Key Protections: - 5-Year Rule: If a rating has been in place for 5 years, the VA cannot reduce it unless the improvement is permanent and sustained. - 10-Year Rule: A service connection cannot be severed after 10 years (unless there was fraud). - 20-Year Rule: If a rating has been at or above a certain level for 20 years, it is "continuous" and cannot be reduced (unless there was fraud). If the VA proposes a reduction, they must send you a notice and give you 60 days to submit evidence and request a hearing. Never ignore a "Notice of Proposed Reduction"—this is your chance to prove that your condition has not improved.
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