VA Disability Rating Changes 2026: Key Numbers

Proposed Changes (Not Yet Final) - Status as of June 2026

Sleep Apnea (DC 6847)

50% → 10%

CPAP no longer = automatic 50%
-$929/mo per veteran

Tinnitus (DC 6260)

10% → 0%

Standalone rating eliminated
3.25M veterans affected

Mental Health (4.130)

5-Domain Model

0% eliminated, 100% easier
Generally favorable

The CRDP Cliff: E-7 at 20 Years

CURRENT: 70% Combined

$4,733/mo

Retirement + VA (CRDP)

→

AFTER: 40% Combined

$2,969/mo

Retirement only (no CRDP)

Annual loss: -$21,168 | Below 50% = VA offsets retirement pay

Veterans Affected

660K

Sleep apnea ratings (most at 50%)

3.25M

Tinnitus ratings (#1 VA disability)

2.8M

Mental health ratings (1.59M PTSD)

Current Status (June 2026)

Proposed, Not Final

No final rule published. All changes still pending in the Federal Register.

Existing Ratings Protected

Grandfather clause under 38 CFR 3.951. Current ratings stay unless you file for increase.

Medication Rule Killed

Feb 2026 rule rescinded after 20,880 comments and bipartisan opposition.

File Now, Not Later

Claims filed before final rule = evaluated under current criteria. Intent to File locks your date.

See how VA rating changes affect your total retirement income. Read the full guide →

Proposed criteria from Federal Register NPRMs 87 FR 8474, 87 FR 8498, and SNPRM 89 FR 74162. VA compensation rates from 2026 DFAS tables. CRDP requires 50%+ combined rating and 20+ years of service.