VAAR Reg Watch

Every VA rule that touches how disability claims are rated, decided, appealed or represented, read from the Federal Register.

Last checked 23 claim-related changes since 2024-01-01 0 open for public comment

Changes, newest first

Rare by design. The VA publishes a change to the rating schedule or claims rules about once every seven weeks. A quiet log means nothing changed, not that nobody looked.

  1. Rating schedule Final rule

    Rescission of Interim Final Rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication

    Amends the rating schedule. Final rule, effective 2026-02-27.

    38 CFR Part 4 FR Doc. 2026-03940
  2. Rating schedule Final rule

    Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication

    Amends the rating schedule. Final rule, effective 2026-02-17.

    38 CFR Part 4 FR Doc. 2026-03068
  3. Rating schedule Proposed rule

    Providing a Minimum Evaluation for Bradycardia

    Amends the rating schedule. Not in force. Comment period closed 2026-03-31.

    38 CFR Part 4The Cardiovascular System (§ 4.104) FR Doc. 2026-01875
  4. Representation Proposed rule

    Legal Services, General Counsel, and Miscellaneous Claims

    Amends the legal services and accreditation rules. Not in force. Anyone may comment until the close date.

    38 CFR Part 14 FR Doc. 2026-01608
  5. Adjudication Final rule

    Clarification of VA's Processing of Survivors Benefits Claims

    Amends the adjudication rules. Final rule, effective 2026-02-23.

    38 CFR Part 338 CFR Part 20 FR Doc. 2026-01188
  6. Adjudication Final rule

    Apportionments

    Amends the adjudication rules. Final rule, effective 2026-02-09.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2026-00237
  7. Rating schedule Proposed rule

    Eliminating the Requirement for Laparoscopy To Establish Service Connection for Endometriosis

    Amends the rating schedule. Not in force. Comment period closed 2025-12-01.

    38 CFR Part 4Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast (§ 4.116) FR Doc. 2025-19229
  8. Rating schedule Proposed rule

    Objective Evidence of Pain for Painful Scars Under DC 7804

    Amends the rating schedule. Not in force. Comment period closed 2025-11-28.

    38 CFR Part 4The Skin (§ 4.118) FR Doc. 2025-18829
  9. Adjudication Final rule

    Presumptive Service Connection for Leukemias, Multiple Myelomas, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Myelofibrosis Due to Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter

    Amends the adjudication rules. Final rule, effective 2025-01-10.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2024-31776
  10. Adjudication Final rule

    Presumptive Service Connection for Bladder, Ureter, and Related Genitourinary Cancers Due to Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter

    Amends the adjudication rules. Final rule, effective 2025-01-02.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2024-31220
  11. Rating schedule Proposed rule

    Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders

    Amends the rating schedule. Not in force. Comment period closed 2025-01-13.

    38 CFR Part 338 CFR Part 4Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (§ 4.124a) FR Doc. 2024-25665
  12. Representation Proposed rule

    Legal Services, General Counsel, and Miscellaneous Claims

    Amends the legal services and accreditation rules. Not in force. Comment period closed 2025-01-06.

    38 CFR Part 14 FR Doc. 2024-23840
  13. Representation Final rule

    Fee Reasonableness Reviews; Effect of Loss of Accreditation on Direct Payment

    Amends the legal services and accreditation rules. Final rule, effective 2025-04-01.

    38 CFR Part 14 FR Doc. 2024-24708
  14. Representation Proposed rule

    Improving Accreditation Process and Strengthening Legal Education Requirements for Accredited Agents and Attorneys

    Amends the legal services and accreditation rules. Not in force. Comment period closed 2024-12-10.

    38 CFR Part 14 FR Doc. 2024-23610
  15. Adjudication Proposed rule

    VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Based on Toxic Exposure

    Amends the adjudication rules. Not in force. Comment period closed 2024-12-02.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2024-21852
  16. Adjudication Final rule

    Expanded Burial Benefits

    Amends the adjudication rules. Final rule, effective 2024-10-25.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2024-21864
  17. Rating schedule Proposed rule

    Schedule for Rating Disabilities-Ear, Nose, Throat, and Audiology Disabilities; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions; Schedule for Rating Disabilities-Respiratory System

    Amends the rating schedule. Not in force. Comment period closed 2024-10-15.

    38 CFR Part 4Impairment of Auditory Acuity (§ 4.87)The Respiratory System (§ 4.97) FR Doc. 2024-20542
  18. Adjudication Final rule

    Update and Clarify Regulatory Bars to Benefits Based on Character of Discharge

    Amends the adjudication rules. Final rule, effective 2024-06-25.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2024-09012
  19. Rating schedule Final rule

    Schedule for Rating Disabilities: The Digestive System

    Amends the rating schedule. Final rule, effective 2024-05-19.

    38 CFR Part 4The Digestive System (§ 4.114) FR Doc. 2024-05138
  20. Adjudication Proposed rule

    Clarification of VA's Processing of Survivors Benefits Claims

    Amends the adjudication rules. Not in force. Comment period closed 2024-05-10.

    38 CFR Part 338 CFR Part 20 FR Doc. 2024-04895
  21. Adjudication Final rule

    Processing Applications for Health Care, Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, or the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022

    Amends the adjudication rules. In force on the effective date.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2024-04202
  22. Adjudication Proposed rule Correction

    Updating VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Related to Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents

    Amends the adjudication rules. Not in force. Anyone may comment until the close date.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. C1-2024-02590
  23. Adjudication Proposed rule

    Updating VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Related to Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents

    Amends the adjudication rules. Not in force. Comment period closed 2024-04-12.

    38 CFR Part 3 FR Doc. 2024-02590