📰 VA News & Changes
Stay informed about VA disability rating changes, benefit updates, and policy shifts that affect your claims. Knowledge is leverage.
🚨 Action Items & Alerts
FILE NOW: Sleep Apnea Rating Changes Proposed
The VA is considering reducing the 50% CPAP rating for sleep apnea. If you use a CPAP and haven't filed yet, file under current rules NOW to lock in the 50% rating before any changes take effect.
FILE NOW: Mental Health Rating Criteria Under Review
Proposed changes to how PTSD, depression, and anxiety are rated could affect future claims. Veterans with mental health conditions should consider filing or requesting an increase under the current, more favorable criteria.
Tinnitus Rating Under Review
The VA is reviewing the flat 10% tinnitus rating. While no changes are confirmed, veterans who haven't filed for tinnitus should consider doing so under current rules.
2026 COLA: 2.8% Increase in Effect
The 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment took effect December 1, 2025. All VA disability compensation rates increased. A veteran rated at 100% now receives $3,938.58/month, up $107.28 from 2025.
VA Claims Backlog Down 76% Since January 2024
The VA has reduced the claims backlog from 417,855 in January 2024 to approximately 100,115 in January 2026. Average processing time is now 85-131 days depending on claim complexity.
PACT Act: Ongoing Presumptive Expansions
The PACT Act continues to expand presumptive conditions for burn pit and toxic exposure veterans. New presumptives are being added as the VA processes more data. Check the PACT Act guide for the latest covered conditions.
Learn MoreProposed 2026 VA Budget Cuts Under Discussion
Congressional discussions about VA budget changes could affect veteran services and benefits processing times. No final decisions have been made. Stay informed and contact your representatives if concerned.
⚡ What Should You Do Right Now?
If you have Sleep Apnea
File NOW under current rules. The 50% CPAP rating may be reduced.
View Sleep ApneaIf you have PTSD / Mental Health
File before rating criteria change. Current rules may be more favorable.
View PTSDIf you're considering a Rating Increase
Don't wait. Processing times are faster than they've been in years.
Rating Increase Guide📡 Latest VA News Headlines
Auto-updated from national news sources. Last refreshed: 2026-04-05 17:03
Opinion | Veterans spending has surged. Are veterans better off?
The Washington Post · 2026-04-05BENEFITS BOOST! Social Security Boost 2026: Seniors Could See $3,000 Increase! [347699]
Fathom Journal · 2026-04-05SSDI, SSI & Retirement | Social Security Disability Insurance & Supplemental Income | TheSITREP [f82d0d]
Fathom Journal · 2026-04-04VA Close to Me brings cancer care closer to Veterans in rural Tennessee
VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs · 2026-04-04VFW, county plan event to get vets benefits
Palatka Daily News · 2026-04-03VA Benefits Would Change for Millions Under New Proposal
Newsweek · 2026-04-03Medal of Honor Recipient Secures Full VA Benefits with Help from VetComm CEO Kate Monroe
The National Law Review · 2026-04-03What New Trump Budget Says About Social Security, Medicare and VA Benefits
Newsweek · 2026-04-03Veterans Resource Festival Returns April 25, Expanding Access to Services for Local Veterans
Pottawattamie County (.gov) · 2026-04-03Wayne County honors Vietnam-era veterans at Greystone Event Center
Your Ohio News · 2026-04-03Copay Fairness for Veterans Act Targets Gap in VA Preventive Care Coverage
Military.com · 2026-04-03VA Claims Are Moving Faster, But Some Veterans Still Wait Months for Decisions. Here’s Why.
Military.com · 2026-04-03Gold Star Spouses and earned VA benefits
VA News (.gov) · 2026-04-03Veteran, 87, with cancer now has permanent disability rating after VA paperwork error
News Channel 5 Nashville · 2026-04-02Application cycle open for MVAA’s newly expanded Veteran-Friendly Schools program
State of Michigan (.gov) · 2026-04-02American Legion advocacy driving veterans legislation
powelltribune.com · 2026-04-02President Biden Signs PACT Act
C-SPAN · 2026-04-028 Business Resources for Pennsylvania’s Veterans
PA Department of Community & Economic Development (.gov) · 2026-04-02Veteran & military year-round discounts
VA News (.gov) · 2026-04-02Guest Commentary | Recognizing shared sacrifice: Rethinking support for veterans’ survivors in Lehigh Acres
lehighacrescitizen.com · 2026-04-01Bacon cosponsors bipartisan bill to protect veterans from claim sharks
Ripon Advance · 2026-04-01Swapo MP Aupindi proposes sovereign fund for veterans
The Namibian - · 2026-04-01Crawford welcomes new veterans service officer
Madison Courier · 2026-04-01Helping veterans obtain their earned benefits and services
mcrecordonline.com · 2026-04-01Veterans with disabilities can apply for property tax benefit
Idaho County Free Press · 2026-04-01New York Lights Up to Honor Vietnam Veterans
BKReader · 2026-04-01Understanding the Policy Change that Increased Access to HUD-VASH for Disabled Veterans
VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs · 2026-04-01‘Slam the scam’ initiative targets theft from elderly and veterans
fox2now.com · 2026-04-01Veterans Affairs Prevails in a $61 Billion IT Procurement Case
Bloomberg Law News · 2026-03-31Veterans benefits: a consensus candidate for cert
SCOTUSblog · 2026-03-31President Biden at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans' Day.
C-SPAN · 2026-03-31VA Claims Academy Reopens Enrollment to a Limited Number of Veterans
The Chronicle-Journal · 2026-03-31Veteran PRO in Diia: How to Get Free Motor Third Party Liability Insurance
inkorr.com · 2026-03-318 Best Life Insurance Companies For Veterans
Forbes · 2026-03-31Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day celebration in Nitro
WSAZ · 2026-03-30A new law tightens work requirements for SNAP benefits. Advocates fear veterans will be left hungry
Texas Standard · 2026-03-30VA streamlines claims process for faster veteran survivor payments
KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi · 2026-03-30Veteran's Corner: VA issues warning letters to predatory assistance companies
Susquehanna County Independent · 2026-03-30America’s Veterans… Enroll in Medicare the right way to NOT pay a penalty!
AM 870 The ANSWER · 2026-03-30KRVN 880 – KRVN 93.1 – KAMI - Vietnam War Veterans Recognized at State Capitol Ceremony
Rural Radio Network · 2026-03-29Commentary: Veterans’ survivors need support
MyRGV.com · 2026-03-29📅 Key Dates
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2025 | 2026 COLA rates took effect | 2.8% increase in all disability payments |
| 2026 (ongoing) | Proposed rating criteria changes | Sleep apnea, mental health, tinnitus under review |
| 2026 (ongoing) | PACT Act presumptive expansions | New conditions being added for toxic exposure veterans |
| 2026 (ongoing) | VA budget discussions | Potential impact on processing times and services |