FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
February 18, 2026
CONTACT: Lou Elliott-Cysewski 
(425) 599-5570 | press@iava.org

WASHINGTON — Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America expresses deep concern over the Department of Veterans Affairs’ decision to issue an interim final rule, effective immediately, that changes how disability ratings are evaluated by requiring assessments to reflect a veteran’s level of functional impairment while on medication or treatment. 

IAVA rejects major benefit-impacting rule changes that move forward without meaningful engagement with the veteran community and the veteran service organizations that exist to represent them. We recognize that the current benefit assessment and delivery system needs to be brought in line with today’s reality and requires modernization that reflects the current state of healthcare science. However, these modernization efforts demand transparency, predictable process, and veteran voice at the center. 

“This rule punishes veterans for staying in treatment. It creates a forced false choice between pursuing healthcare and achieving mental and physical wellbeing, and financial stability. VA should rescind it and engage veterans before making further changes to the benefits system,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter. 

The VA has opened a public comment period. Veterans, family members, clinicians, advocates, and VSOs can submit comments through April 20, 2026 under RIN 2900-AS49. 

How to submit a comment 

Go to Regulations.gov and search RIN 2900-AS49 or Docket VA-2026-VBA-0067, then click Comment and share how this change could affect you or the veterans you serve. Comments must be received by April 20, 2026. 

About IAVA 
IAVA stands at the center of people, policy, and institutions to ensure that the lived experience of post-9/11 veterans is heard, measured, and acted on. We turn the experiences of post-9/11 veterans into evidence, use that evidence to shape policy, and work with institutions that serve veterans to ensure that policies become real in veterans’ lives. By convening veterans, researchers, and decision-makers, IAVA drives the changes needed to ensure America serves the newest generation of veterans. 

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