The VA Disability 55 Year Rule Explained: Are You Safe?

The VA Disability 55 Year Rule, also known as the "Protected Rating" rule, has caused confusion among veterans seeking to receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This rule dictates that veterans over the age of 55 who have been rated at a certain level for a minimum number of years are protected from any future re-examinations by the VA.

However, it is important to note that the VA Disability 55 Year Rule is not considered a protected VA disability rating. This means that veterans who are over the age of 55 may still be subject to reexamination or other processes. Although veterans applying under the 55-year rule may receive a favorable decision from the VA, their ratings will still reflect their current medical condition and service-connected disabilities.

It is also important to understand that the VA can still reduce a veteran's disability rating if there is evidence of medical improvement in their condition. This means that even if a veteran has been rated at a certain level for over 55 years, they are not completely exempt from the possibility of their rating being reduced.

So, what does this mean for veterans seeking disability benefits? It is important to always provide accurate and up-to-date medical information to the VA. This will help ensure that your disability rating accurately reflects your current medical condition.

Additionally, it is recommended that veterans over the age of 55 continue to seek regular medical treatment for their service-connected disabilities. This not only helps maintain their overall health, but also provides evidence to support their disability rating and potentially prevent any future reductions.

In conclusion, while the VA Disability 55 Year Rule may provide some protection for veterans over the age of 55, it is not a guarantee. It is important for veterans to stay informed and proactive in managing their disabilities and providing accurate information to the VA. This will help ensure they receive fair and just compensation for their service to our country.
So, are you safe from reexamination under the VA Disability 55 Year Rule? The short answer is no, but by staying informed and managing your disabilities effectively, you can increase your chances of maintaining a favorable disability rating.

🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[CombatCraig]

🔵 It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Veterans Benefits!
❇ SUPERCHARGE your VA CLAIM!

[dwaynejones]

Where does the VA find the time to do rating deductions, when they have backlogs of claims?

[BrandiG]

I WAS JUST AWARDED 100% P&T with SMC. Your videos helped me every step of the way. Your channel was where I came when I needed help filing because I did most of it on my own. (Seeing a rep or VSO in my area can take up to a year.) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I fought this fight, but you supplied all the ammo. Please know how grateful I am for this channel. You've helped change my life. ❤❤❤

[jsin]

Just got my 100% p&t by watching your videos. Thank you combat Craig for all the great resources. Here’s to the rest of my life. 🥂

[michaellewis]

Reducing 55yo vets is just wrong! At 55 you are too old to find a job, no one is going to hire a 55+ old man! Maybe mopping floors for minimum wage! Just leave old people alone! We did our time!

[ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

For those 100% P&T, over 55, over 10 years rated -- enjoy your life and don't fear. Make your appointments, don't refile, and stay off the radar

[victorbasinger]

Many moons ago in 2018, while trying to get a rating increase, the VA wanted to reduce my knee rating from 20% to 0% because the NP reported to them that I was doing well and that my range of motion was just fine. This was during a C&P exam where I told her she was hurting me and to stop trying to move my leg. Yes, this person Sucked as an examiner and did not use a goniometer to measure ROM. She was "eyeballing it". I requested an appeal to the VA and submitted a letter from my medical doc where he had been treating me for several years and that my condition was not improving and was actually getting worse. Long story short, the VA reversed the decision and I now have a much better total rating level than I would have if I had not "fought" them with documented medical evidence and facts.
Keep "fighting" them with facts and well written medical letters people!!! You can win, just do not quit!!!

[rdlegbrigade]

So what if you're over 55 and at 100% P&T for PTSD are you suppose to keep going through therapy for the rest of your life?

[celiatx]

All of this makes my anxiety & depression worse. The VA for me has been a traumatic experience with sone of the poor care that I've gotten. Living in fear is no way for anyone to live.

[rdlegbrigade]

Why even have that protection if the VA doesn't honor it...

[Georgia]

Went thru benefit reduction years back over missed appointments. From 50% to 10% believe me they will do it no problem. Watch your 6.

[indioj]

What about 100% P&T status at age 55 and older?

[RLTW_]

Spot on brother as usual!!! Dont give them a holes any ammo to go against you. 🇺🇲💪

[PB-bbdi]

Advice from Combat Craig "Priceless"

[toddmand]

Does this apply to those that are 100% permanent and total? I was told once you are perm and total there is no way you can get reduced.

[steveo]

Don't worry guys, the money they take from us will go to stuff the pockets of the people of other countries. They deserve it more.

[rwilley]

Just receive a 100%PT rating thanks to your informational videos. I’ll be 55 in two years. Hopefully I’m protected but you never know with the VA. I’ve suffered far too long. After being out of work for a year I was offered a job the same time I got my rating. Divorce is pending. If my job doesn’t work out I’ll just sell everything and move to Baja.

[jimiguitar]

I'm 76 years old and have been sent to countless c&p exams the last few years. Appears the answer to every claim or appeal is another c&p exam. My sc diabilities are chronic and STATIC according to my rating code sheet.😊

[jondstewart]

All this totally makes sense, but I think the VA has a lot more important things to do than to go through the files of veterans that have been drawing disability for years to make sure they still have a paper trail going.

[jeffreygreen]

That was really funny, "congratulations veteran snuffy" good one CC!!!