Interim rule for individuals and medicine for injury. Update: the rule was postponed. It is suggested that people still leave comments on the VA website.
 USCG Chief Warrant Officers Association (CWOA) |
| CWOs, We are actively tracking the Department of Veterans Affairs Interim Final Rule amending 38 CFR §4.10, which changes how disability evaluations may be assessed when medication or treatment improves a veteran’s functional ability. Immediately upon this rule being released, we contacted VA directly to express our concerns on behalf of our membership. We also started exploring legal options to challenge the rule in court. We are hearing that the VA may withdraw this rule in the coming days. If that occurs, it will be because veterans and service organizations raised concerns and demanded oversight. That is encouraging. However, even if the rule is formally withdrawn, the underlying policy concern does not disappear. Without clear congressional oversight and reaffirmation of statutory intent, similar language or interpretations could resurface in future regulatory actions. The concern is straightforward. Coast Guard veterans should never feel that following a doctor’s orders, taking prescribed medication, or participating in therapy could jeopardize their earned disability rating. Disability compensation was established to reflect the lasting impact of service-connected conditions on earning capacity. It was never intended to discourage treatment or create fear around responsible medical compliance. We are asking our members to take action.Please take a few minutes to send the prepared letter to your Members of Congress requesting oversight and protection of Coast Guard veterans’ disability ratings by visiting the link below: Click Here To Take Action After sending your letter, we ask that you share this action widely. Send it to fellow Coasties, veterans, family members, and supporters. Post it. Email it. Forward it. The Coast Guard may be the smallest service, but when our community speaks together, it is heard. Thank you for continuing to stand the watch for those who served. Respectfully, Aniela Szymanski Chief Policy Officer Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association |
Coast Guard Retiree Council NW 