Many veterans worry about the possibility of the VA reducing their disability rating over time. While the VA does have the authority to reexamine cases and adjust ratings, there are specific protections in place to prevent unfair reductions. One of the most significant protections is the VA 5-Year Rule, which helps ensure that veterans with stable conditions don’t lose their benefits without strong medical evidence proving substantial improvement.

Understanding this rule is essential because a rating reduction can significantly impact financial stability and healthcare access. If you rely on VA disability compensation, knowing your rights under the 5-Year Rule can help protect your benefits and ensure you continue receiving the support you deserve.

What Is the VA 5-Year Rule?

The VA 5-Year Rule states that if a veteran has had the same disability rating for five years or more, the VA cannot reduce the rating unless there is significant medical improvement. The improvement must be sustained over time and under normal life conditions—not just a single examination showing temporary progress.

For example, suppose a veteran has a service-connected back injury rated at 40% for more than five years. In that case, the VA cannot simply lower the rating to 20% based on a single C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam unless they have extensive medical evidence proving the condition has permanently improved.

How the VA Uses the 5-Year Rule

If your disability rating has been in place for less than five years, the VA has more flexibility to reevaluate your condition and adjust your rating. The VA often schedules periodic reexaminations for conditions that are expected to improve over time. However, once you pass the five-year mark, the VA must show:

• That your condition has substantially improved.
• That the improvement is permanent and sustained under normal life conditions.
• Medical evidence from multiple sources supports the reduction.

This rule helps prevent veterans from losing benefits due to temporary improvements or changes in examination methods.

What Triggers a VA Reexamination?

The VA may request a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to determine whether your condition has improved. Some of the most common reasons for a reexamination include:

1. Scheduled Reexaminations – Some conditions (such as PTSD, back injuries, or respiratory issues) may have scheduled reviews to determine if they have improved.
2. Medical Records Indicating Improvement – If your recent VA or private medical records suggest your condition has gotten better, the VA may request an exam.
3. Failure to Attend VA Appointments – If a veteran misses a required C&P exam, the VA may assume the condition has improved and lower the rating automatically.

How to Protect Your VA Disability Rating

While the VA has the authority to reevaluate ratings, veterans can take proactive steps to protect their benefits:

1. Maintain Consistent Medical Documentation

One of the best ways to protect your rating is by continuing medical treatment and ensuring that your condition is documented over time. If the VA sees that you are still seeking treatment for your disability, it strengthens your case if they try to reduce your rating.

2. Attend All VA Reexaminations

If the VA schedules a reexamination, do not ignore it. Missing an exam can result in an automatic reduction. Make sure to attend and be prepared to discuss how your condition affects your daily life and workability.

3. Challenge Unfair Rating Reductions

If the VA lowers your rating without clear medical proof of sustained improvement, you have the right to appeal the decision. Veterans can request:

• A Higher-Level Review (if they believe a VA error occurred).
• A Board Appeal (if they want a judge to review their case).
• A Supplemental Claim (if they have new evidence to support their case).

4. Understand Long-Term VA Protections

The longer a veteran keeps a disability rating, the more protections they gain. In addition to the 5-Year Rule, other key protections include:

• The 10-Year Rule – After 10 years, the VA cannot remove a disability rating entirely unless there is clear evidence of fraud.
• The 20-Year Rule – If a rating has been in place for 20 years, the VA cannot reduce it at all, unless fraud is involved.
• The 55-Year Rule – Veterans aged 55 or older are often exempt from reexaminations.

Final Thoughts

The VA 5-Year Rule provides a crucial layer of protection for veterans receiving disability benefits. While the VA does have the authority to reassess conditions, it must prove sustained medical improvement before reducing a rating. Understanding how to maintain medical records, attend exams, and appeal unfair reductions can help veterans protect their benefits and continue receiving the compensation they rightfully earned.

If you believe the VA unfairly reduced your rating, it’s important to act quickly by filing an appeal and gathering the necessary medical evidence. Your service deserves recognition, and your benefits should reflect the true impact of your disability on your daily life.