Missed my appointment.

Missing a routine VA medical appointment will not negatively affect your disability rating, as ratings are based on the severity of service-connected conditions per 38 CFR Part 4, not clinic attendance. The primary consequence is within the VA healthcare system, where consistent no-shows may lead to restrictions on scheduling certain types of appointments at your local facility, per VHA policy. For Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams, which are critical for rating decisions, the VA can deny a claim for failure to report without good cause (38 CFR 3.655). However, your situation involves a regular treatment appointment, which is governed by separate administrative rules. Since you proactively called and rescheduled, you have mitigated any potential administrative issues. Your action aligns with the principle established in case law like *Buchanan v. Nicholson*, which emphasizes the importance of the VA’s duty to assist, including rescheduling exams when a veteran makes a good-faith effort. To protect your record, document your call and the rescheduled date via a Secure Message on My HealtheVet, creating a paper trail. Continue to attend all rescheduled and future appointments, and if mental health conditions like PTSD (Diagnostic Code 9411) contribute to attendance difficulties, discuss this with your provider so accommodations can be made. **This information is for educational purposes and is not legal or medical advice; for specific guidance on your claim, consult an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.**