Statement From Representative Mannion (NY-22) on Successful Effort To Stop New VA Rule That Would Have Reduced Benefits for Thousands of American Heroes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John Mannion today released the following statement on the successful effort to stop a new Department of Veterans Affairs rule that would have immediately reduced benefits for thousands of veterans - “It’s the right call to rescind the VA’s poorly executed and misguided rule that would have slashed benefits for thousands of American heroes with service-connected disabilities.

I was proud to join more than 60 of my colleagues and the veterans’ community in pressing the Department to reverse course — and we were successful.  

Our veterans have earned their health care and disability benefits through service and sacrifice. They should never be penalized for following their doctor’s orders or forced to choose between managing their condition and paying their bills. I will always stand with our veterans and their families.” 

Background: Earlier this month, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) secretly developed an interim final rule that changed veteran disability ratings evaluation, essentially directing examiners to reduce disability compensation ratings for veterans who take medications to control their conditions or reduce their symptoms. VA failed to include the veterans’ community in its decision-making process and ignored judicial precedent. The rescission of this rule follows public pressure from veterans, and Veterans Service Organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and Members of Congress. A copy of the letter Representative Mannion signed with his colleagues to the Federal Register demanding the Secretary of Veterans Affairs fully rescind this misguided rule can be found here. 

Any veteran or family member in NY-22 that needs assistance in dealing with a Federal agency, including the VA, can reach out to Representative Mannion’s office for assistance. For additional information, please visit https://mannion.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.  

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