The VA 10-Year Rule is an important regulation that helps protect veterans from losing their service-connected disability status. Under this rule, if a veteran has had a service-connected disability for at least 10 years, the VA cannot revoke service connection unless there is evidence of fraud. This means that even if a veteran’s condition improves, the VA cannot remove their eligibility for disability compensation.
What Is the VA 10-Year Rule?
The VA 10-Year Rule ensures that once a veteran’s service connection has been established for at least 10 years, it becomes permanent. However, while the VA cannot eliminate service connection, they can still reduce the disability rating if they have proof that the condition has improved significantly.
For example, if a veteran has a service-connected knee injury that has been rated at 40% for over 10 years, the VA cannot remove the service connection. However, if medical records show that the knee injury has significantly improved, the VA might lower the rating to a lower percentage, which would decrease the veteran’s monthly compensation.
How Does the VA 10-Year Rule Work?
After 10 years, the VA cannot sever service connection for a veteran’s disability unless there is clear evidence of fraud in the original claim.
The VA can still lower the rating if they can prove the condition has substantially improved.
Veterans can challenge any rating reduction by providing medical evidence showing that their condition has not improved.
This rule provides long-term security for veterans, ensuring that they do not lose their disability benefits entirely.
The Difference Between the VA 5-Year, 10-Year, and 20-Year Rules
5-Year Rule – After five years, the VA can only reduce a disability rating if they can prove that the condition has permanently improved.
10-Year Rule – After ten years, the VA cannot remove service connection, but they can still lower the rating if there is medical proof of improvement.
20-Year Rule – After twenty years, the VA cannot reduce a disability rating below its lowest level during that time unless there is proof of fraud.
Why the VA 10-Year Rule Matters
This rule is crucial for veterans who rely on their VA disability benefits. Many service-connected conditions are chronic or degenerative, meaning they do not improve over time. The 10-Year Rule protects veterans from losing their service-connected status, ensuring that they will continue receiving compensation for their disability, even if it becomes less severe.
For instance, a veteran who has been receiving VA benefits for PTSD for over ten years does not have to worry about the VA completely removing the service connection. However, if the VA believes the PTSD symptoms have improved significantly, they might lower the rating, which would reduce the veteran’s monthly payments.
How to Protect Your VA Benefits Under the 10-Year Rule
Even though the 10-Year Rule protects service connection, veterans should take steps to protect their disability rating and prevent reductions:
Continue Regular Medical Treatment – Ongoing medical care can provide the VA with consistent documentation that the condition has not improved.
Keep Detailed Records – Veterans should maintain personal notes on their symptoms, treatments, and how their condition affects daily life.
Be Prepared for Reexaminations – The VA may schedule periodic C&P exams to review the severity of the condition. Veterans should attend these exams and explain their ongoing symptoms in detail.
Challenge Rating Reductions – If the VA proposes to lower a disability rating, veterans can submit new medical evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal the decision.
What Happens If the VA Tries to Reduce a Veteran’s Rating?
If a veteran receives a VA letter proposing a rating reduction, they should act immediately by:
Requesting a Copy of the VA’s Medical Evidence – Reviewing the VA’s reasoning for the reduction.
Gathering Additional Medical Documentation – Submitting recent medical records, personal statements, and doctor evaluations proving that the condition has not improved.
Filing an Appeal – If the VA proceeds with a reduction despite the evidence, veterans can appeal through a Higher-Level Review, Board Appeal, or Supplemental Claim.
Final Thoughts
The VA 10-Year Rule is an essential protection for veterans, ensuring that service connection cannot be taken away after a decade, except in cases of fraud. While the VA can still lower disability ratings, veterans have the right to challenge reductions and provide medical evidence to protect their benefits.
Veterans should remain proactive in their healthcare, document their symptoms, and seek assistance from a VA-accredited representative if they receive a rating reduction notice.
