When the VA proposes to reduce a service-connected disability rating, it must first send a written notice explaining the proposed reduction and the evidence used to support it, under 38 CFR 3.105(e). This notice gives you 60 days to submit evidence showing why the reduction should not occur, and you may also request a hearing within that same 60-day period. Requesting a hearing does not extend the deadline to submit evidence, but it does give you a chance to present your case in person or by video to a VA rating official before a final decision is made.
If you take no action, the reduction typically takes effect the first day of the month after 60 days from the notice, unless VA grants an extension. If you submit additional medical evidence, particularly evidence showing your condition has not improved or has worsened, VA must consider it before finalizing the reduction. For many conditions, particularly mental health conditions, VA is required to show sustained improvement under ordinary conditions of life, not just improvement during a single exam, before reducing a rating. This standard comes from 38 CFR 3.344, which applies extra protection to ratings that have been in place for five years or more, requiring a more thorough review of the complete medical history rather than a single recent exam.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Does your rating decision hold up under a real audit?
Upload your decision letter and C&P exams — VetAid's analyzer reads the full file, checks every examiner statement word-for-word against your records, and shows which arguments for a higher rating actually hold. Free, and we never take a cut of your back pay.
Analyze my claim free →If the reduction goes final and you disagree, you have the right to appeal through the modernized review system: a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996), a Supplemental Claim with new evidence (VA Form 20-0995), or an appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals (VA Form 10182). Each option has different timelines and evidentiary requirements, so it helps to understand which fits your situation, especially if you have new treatment records or a new nexus opinion.
Because mental health ratings often hinge on symptom severity and occupational/social impairment, gathering current treatment records, statements from treating providers, and lay statements describing how symptoms affect daily functioning can be critical during the 60-day evidence window.
The concrete next step is to carefully read the proposed reduction letter for the exact deadline, gather updated medical evidence and any supporting statements immediately, and consider requesting a hearing while also filing whatever evidence you have before the 60-day window closes.
Need a deeper analysis?
Our AI checks your situation against outcome data from 1,900,000+ Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) decisions (1992–2025).
Analyze Your Claim FreeVetAid is a free veterans claims tool, not a VA-accredited representative — it does not file anything with VA for you, and it works alongside your accredited VSO, claims agent or attorney. About VetAid