The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has formally rescinded an interim final rule related to disability evaluations, following concerns raised by members of Congress, including Guam Delegate James Moylan.
In a statement issued March 2, Moylan said the VA withdrew the rule titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” on Feb. 27 after he sent a Feb. 18 letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins urging its withdrawal.
According to Moylan, the department had previously halted implementation of the rule amid widespread concerns and has now fully rescinded the policy.
“I thank Secretary Collins for taking veterans’ concerns seriously and reversing a rule that raised significant questions about fairness in the disability evaluation process,” Moylan said. “Veterans who responsibly follow their prescribed treatment plans should never be placed at a disadvantage when seeking the benefits they earned through their service.”
Moylan said the decision provides reassurance to veterans in Guam and nationwide that disability evaluations will continue under established standards.
He added that he will continue working with the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and congressional colleagues to safeguard the integrity of the disability evaluation system.
Moylan also thanked veterans and constituents who contacted his office about the issue and encouraged those needing assistance with federal programs to call 671-922-6673.